CMS stands for content management system. If applied to websites, it is sometimes referred to as web content management. Basically is means that the content can easily be changed without technical knowledge. And this means in turn that you don't have to pay for the changes you make yourself. In the perception of most people this is still the main advantage of a content management system. But there is more...

CMS is more than a handy do-it-yourself tool

It's a good thing to have a site that is updated regularly, without the need for a big budget. You can do it yourself, wherever you are, whenever you want. That is one of the most important features of a web content management systeem. However, don't stick to this, because web content management systems are evolving rapidly.

Your window to the world, or the world at your window?

It is nice to be on the internet with a few pages. It's nicer to offer a real service to your visitors. That's what will turn them into buyers and customers. Whether you are just offering information or hard selling a wide range of products, you need a system that can be updated on the fly. Can you imagine a webshop that updates its product line hardly twice a year and leaves its customers with a handful of outdated products most of the time?

Administrators want more

Website owners want to know what is happening on their site. They organise polls and keep track of visits through extended statistics tools. They list upcoming events and keep their visitors informed via a news section and rss feeds. More and more they are administering their contacts online in a member directory from where email alerts and emailings are sent when needed.

Visitor, interact please!

No wonder that also the visitor is supposed to do something on the site. A forum is a classic tool to make user interaction possible. Those who want more, install a chat space. And every user is capable to update his data, to keep track of certain pages or topics that might interest him and to buy product and services online.

Virtual crossroads

A lot of things are going to happen online. Take a look at, for example, eBay. This is a huge community site where the everyday life is for almost 100% dependent of visitor input. People not only buy and sell, they also search, get email warnings, give comments, chat and mail with eachother, and so on. The latest achievement was the integration of Skype, the internet phone service.
This is a nice example of where web content management will lead to. And as far as I'm concerned, it will even go far beyond that within a few years.