Not long ago, web developers custom coded Web Content Management Systems (CMS).  Wikipedia defines a CMS as ” content management system (CMS) software, implemented as a Web application, for creating and managing HTML content.” Simply put, the CMS allows the administrator of a web site to go to a password protected area to make updates and/or additions to pages.

With the introduction of Drupal and Joomla, free open source CMS, web developers can rely on code already written and on a community of developers to create additions (plug-ins), and find support cost-free.

WordPress is a free open source blogging platform, that beat-out Joomla and narrowly came in second to Drupal to win the 2009 Open Source CMS award. What that means to you? Even greater value for your web site investment. WordPress not only has a truly easy-to-use CMS, it is Search Engine Friendly and as a blogging platform, helps you keep the customer informed and drive traffic to your web site by creating fresh content and information.

Drupal, Joomla, and WordPress templates are also sophisticated and attractive.  Newarly all web hosting companies provide web site templates with an administrative tool  but these templates are often too limited in their options and unattractive.  The only domain registration and hosting company we found reliable with a strong easy-to-use CMS is the Network Solutions Image Cafe.  Although we do not make it a rule to plug the competition,  Network Solutions is a company that recognizes customized care and personal client relationships are irreplaceable and work to support B2B relationships between themselves and Web Development firms.  This web site package is an example of “closed source” or proprietary software. We cannot read the code to build on it. You take what you get and if you want to change companies you have to scrap your website and begin a new.

When an enterprise edition application (java or .net) or custom PHP Framework is not required,  Joomla, Drupal and WordPress all offer a wide variety of solutions to ensure flexibility and growth without compromising the value to the user.