Continuing with last week’s blog about how Nextfly empowers our clients with open-source content management systems (CMS), I wanted to break down the difference between open-source vs. propriety content management systems. First off – for those who didn’t read my blog post from last week, I’ll break down a few important terms that I’ll refer to frequently throughout this blog:
Content Management System (CMS) – Content Management Systems are software platforms that allow users the ability to log in to the back end of their website to make changes with ease. From publishing new web pages, to uploading new pictures and even making changes to HTML and CSS code – you are in the drivers seat with a Content Management System.
Proprietary CMS – Proprietary Content Management Systems are privately held code. This code is developed and distributed only to a select group of people. Proprietary software usually exists with large web design and development companies for their specific clients to utilize. Being that the software is privately held, it’s easy for web designers to lock their clients into a contract for years to continue to use their platform and user support. This platform also relies on the owner of the code to update and make changes to it in order for it to have any updates or upgrades in offerings.
Open-Source CMS – Open-source Content Management Systems is code that is available for anyone to download and use. With the code, you can copy or make changes to it in any way. Having open-source code allows website and software developers can add and/or take away any functionality necessary based upon individual needs. At Nextfly, we work with an Open-Source CMS called WordPress.
There are many advantages of working with an Open-Source CMS including the following;
Open-Source Is Frequently Updated
Just recently WordPress updated its platform to “Benny,” or WordPress 4.0. The 4.0 updates allow an easier user-interface for image uploading, embedding, and content editing. That being said, just because it’s called 4.0, it doesn’t mean that it has only been WordPress’ fourth update. There have been plenty of updates just this past year as you can see at their blog.
Without an open-source CMS, clients are often stuck working with out-of-date content management systems that aren’t regularly updated and have frequent issues.
Open-Source Is Easy to Customize
With open-source content management systems, there are many custom plugins and templates developers make that allow custom functionality based on individual company needs. Both templates and custom plugins can add custom programming to your website without additional cost.
Open-Source Makes it Easy to Get Help!
Remember earlier when I told you that propriety CMS platforms allow website development companies to lock their clients into contracts to use their software and have support for it? Well, with WordPress you can either seek the help of your web designer – or you can do a quick Google search on the topic you need help on. There are numerous tools and tutorials out there available for your disposal!
Open-Source is Easy to Optimize
With helpful search engine optimization (SEO) tools such as Yoast and the ease of adding h1, title, and meta tags to pages or posts optimization hasn’t been easier than with WordPress. There’s no more digging around lines of code to optimize the site and being found on Google is more of a possibility.
Open-Souce is Cheaper
I might be biased, but you can often get more bang for your buck with open-source content management systems. Utilizing open-source content management systems, you have a community of developers and designers that have your back. They will help you with any questions you have and are constantly working on new features and plugins to expand upon the options available of the platform.
With all these advantages of open-source content management systems, why would you settle for anything less? If it’s because you want a team of web design experts at your disposal – get in touch with us at Nextfly! We’d love to help you maintain your website and give you the digital presence you deserve.