Content Management for Websites — An overview
“CMS” means “Content-Management-System”. These are the separation of content, structure and layout and the centralized storage of content.
In concrete terms, this means that CMS can be used on the web to generate websites or support their creation with the help of templates. The use of templates limits the user in his individual freedom to change the presentation of content, but it guarantees a uniform information presentation structure, which is essential if more than one person is involved in an Internet presence.
A first possibility to differentiate between a suitable CMS is to check whether the CMS is supported on the client side or on the server side. Client-side systems are managed and controlled locally on a computer. Advantages of this are the faster processing time and the possibility for a distinctive design, since usually only a few people with knowledge have access to this computer.
List of the most used CMS for Websites 2020 with market share
WordPress
WordPress is an open source project which is licensed under the GNU General Public License. This means that WordPress can be used, modified, extended and copied free of charge. It is a joint project of many developers, designers, scientists or bloggers. It became known by the so-called “5-minute installation” and the high usability. It offers installable plugins in addition to a wide range of different themes, which provide layouts and elements for websites. According to its own website, the number of usable plug-ins currently amounts to over 45,000. (https://https://wordpress.com)
Joomla!
The CMS Joomla! is also available under the GNU General Public License. It exists since 2005 with the release of the first version. Since then, it has been regularly developed further by a large number of supporters and developers. Like WordPress it offers an easy installation and the possibility to extend the basic functions with components, modules, plugins, templates and languages. (https://www.joomla.de)
Shopify
As the name suggests, Shopify is designed for shop systems for the use of online merchants. Furthermore, it is not freely accessible, but only includes a trial version for 14 days, after which it costs $29 to use. (https://www.shopify.com)
Drupal
Drupal is also licensed under the GPL and can therefore be used just as freely. The focus of Drupal is increasingly on building online communities or large enterprise websites, which have a high administrative overhead with many users. Extensions are possible via themes and modules, which are integrated in “bundles” and provide the beginning for an own website. (https://www.drupal.de)
Squarespace
Like Shopify, Squarespace requires a monthly payment of 11€ for normal websites. The CMS is designed for websites in the area of artists, designers and online shops. (https://de.squarespace.com)
Wix
Wix offers a CMS with a homepage construction kit. With the help of this you can create a website without HTML knowledge by drag & drop for example. For a monthly payment depending on the chosen package you have the possibility to unlock further functions. (https://www.wix.com)
Bitrix
In the German and English-speaking countries known as Bitrix24, it is specialized in the so-called CRM. A CRM is a Customer-Relationship-Management. Therefore a solution for internal company specific processes is offered. However, the administration works via the specially created website, which is why it is counted as a CMS here. (https://www.bitrix24.de)
Blogger
Blogger belongs to the company Google Inc. and is offered free of charge by the company. The CMS addresses itself to persons, who would like to develop a personal Blog and earn possibly over Google advertisements money in addition. The possibilities of the individual adjustment are very small in the comparison to other CMS. (https://www.blogger.com/about)
Magento
Magento belongs to the Adobe Company and is operated under the Open Software License Version 3.0. This also belongs to the Open Source licenses but has some restrictions regarding patent rights and is therefore not compatible with the GPL. Magento has specialized in the field of eCommerce and offers CMS solutions for companies and online shops. (https://magento.com)
PrestaShop
PrestaShop belongs to the CMS for online shops and advertises on the website with the possibility to create a shop directly, customize one or have a partner company create the shop. PrestaShop, unlike the other CMS for online commerce already introduced, is free to download and customize. (https://www.prestashop.com)
OpenCart
OpenCart is free open source e-commerce platform for online merchants. OpenCart provides a professional and reliable foundation from which to build a successful online store. (https://www.opencart.com)
Typo3
TYPO3 describes itself as an Enterprise Content Management System. For a company it should be usable from the beginning with a small website, up to the implementation of bigger ideas. It currently offers about 9,000 setting options and over 1,500 extensions and modules. Like WordPress, Joomla! and Drupal it has the GPL license and stands for free software. (https://typo3.org)
Weebly
Weebly is a free Website Builder makes it easy to create websites, blogs or online shops. (https://www.weebly.com)
Adobe Dreamweaver
Dreamweaver is an HTML editor of the company Adobe Inc. (https://www.adobe.com)
