Ann H

Hi,
I've been tasked with finding a good CMS system that we can use - I work for a small print and design agency and are starting to have clients ask for web design services. We've taken on a web designer but she has very little experience of content managemnet systems ...so we really need help and advice. Please!
I've been trying to research on the net and get advice but struggling to know what direction to go in

These are ones I've found with my comments ...but would love comments, feedback from someone knowledgeable!

Drupal http://www.drupal.org - Free
Exponent CMS http://www.exponentcms.org - Free
Lenya http://www.lenya.apache.org - Free
Mambo http://www.mamboserver.com - Free
Plone http://www.plone.org - Free
Silva http://www.infrae.com/products/silva - Free
WebDIRECTOR http://www.j-k.co.uk - Paid For - We are currently using this local company for a one-off project. They have quoted £40.70 per month per site for an expected 20 sites for future usuage - is this reasonable? (This does not include hosting costs)
Expressionengine http://www.expressionengine.com - Paid - Recommended by a web designer we interviewed
Textpattern http://www.textpattern.com - Free - recommended by same web designer
MODx http://www.modxcms.com - Free - recommended by a Digital Marketing Agency
Pepperio http://www.mediasurface.com - Paid - local company
Contribute http://www.adobe.com/products/contribute - Paid - Part of Adobe Creative Suite
Vertigo - http://www.substance-design.com - Paid - will do for a 1 off cost - 2 man agency who have written their own CMS and have used it for a new site for the BBC ...so I'm guessing it should be good!?

I know I've asked for a lot of feedback here, but anything would be welcome. Thanks

Bagi Zoltán

Ann H, i think you missed a gem from the list, called WordPress. I know it was originally developped as a blogging software but i think it can be easily transformed to an amazing cms. The site would be maximally search engine friendly if you will read some guidlines on the subject and there are many plugins available which may improe the visitors experience.

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OldWelshGuy

HI Ann,

a lot depends really on the ability of your designer. What are his/her abilities? can they code? are they php or ASP driven? are they up to date with dynamic databases? can they code templates at all, or are they just graphic designers who do a bit of wewb work?

They are all different, but I can assure you that it is not an easy choice. The other thing of course is WHO will have access to the backend? do you intend allowing your clients to make their own changes?

Dreamweaver works perfectly well as a cms, and there are some GLARING ommissions from that list as well.

Post some of the raw materials you have to hand people skills wise, and maybe we can give you some better advice

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Ann H

Hi, thanks for the advice - they are really graphic designers who do a bit of web work ...but we are looking to recruit another designer.
As far as access to the backend, yes our clients want to make their own changes ...for example we do a lot of printing work with golf clubs and they are asking us to look at their websites ...they are particularly asking for easy updates of e.g. competitions and club days i.e. a diary page and competition results pages plus a news section for anyting new / interesting at the club.

By the way, what exactly do you mean 'the raw materials you have to hand people skills wise' ....sorry but I'm lost as to what you are referring to?
Thanks so much for your help
Ann

OldWelshGuy

When I said raw materials, I was referring to the skills of your web team. I guessed that being print people you would go for graphic designers turned web designers, rather than technical designers who can code.

Have you looked at simplecms or easy cms? These are basic CMS scripts that come pretty much plain and simple. Templates are easy to adapt also. There is of course Joomla which is ideal for club sites due to the plugins available. You can also find joomla freelancers who will make custom mods for you, and getting skins designed is cheap enough.

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Mad Cat

I recommend you the most simple CMS I've used - CMS Made Simple

It's blazing fast and very easy to use.

forumer

e107 http://e107.org

maroon_cool

Yes Joomla is a great CMS...there are plenty of templates clubs(free or commercial)

You can take a look here : www.joomla-skins.com (free templates)

Good Luck!