Content Management System (CMS) - the JeliNet solution
Having the ability to update your website can save a great deal of money and time. It also empowers you to take ownership of your online presence. Now there is a simple off-the-shelf solution for static sites . . .
Most Content Management Systems are built around a database that feeds information into your website. You access the database via a bespoke set of forms and update information which is then automatically published to your site. These systems still exist, and though often expensive, are perfectly valid for medium to large web sites requiring search facilities. Increasingly, companies have developed applications that can be sold to multiple end-users to spread the development costs but the scale of economy still renders these applications relatively expensive for small sites.
What's the simple solution?
Macromedia (now Adobe) Contribute 3. In a nutshell it's a brilliantly simple software tool that enables you to edit your website. You can edit text, add images, links, audio and video, create new pages and even revert to previous pages if you make a mistake! There is nothing for you to set up other than install the software on your computer. I send you an encrypted key via email that sets up the software for you, including connection to your web hosting service. If you can use Microsoft Word then you will be able to use Contribute.
How does it work?
You work on draft copies of the page you are editing offline. As you edit the page it appears as it would online - there is no editing abstract boxes in forms! When you are happy you click a button and the page is published. If you have really messed up you can revert to a previous copy of the page.
You may have a page with many products listed in a pre-formatted way (image, title, price etc). I can create the page so that you can easily add new products with one button, or delete them, or reorder them.
Your site might use multiple CSS styles but I can set up the editing so that you only have access to the styles you need - these appear in a simple menu so that you can ensure your copy matches the site design.
If you want to create a new page you simply create one from the template(s) that I have designed for you.
To get the most out of Contribute the trick is for me to design your site so that you can only edit the parts you want to or need to, but not risk damaging the sections you don't need to edit. Using the Dreamweaver template system I'm able to lock sections of your pages so that you can't edit them - typically the main menu structure, or forms. This way you can't accidentally damage the trickier aspects of the site, which gives you immediate confidence!
My design software (Dreamweaver) integrates with Contribute so that if you need to add another section to your main menu I can nip in and do this for you (for a minimal charge). Because the site is based on special templates the changes ripple throughout all of the pages.
How much does your CMS cost?
Contribute 3 is supplied at cost to you (approximately £130 including VAT) or you can buy your own copy. The set up charges for your site are typically £150.00 (no VAT) - this is a premium on top of your site design for me to ensure the site is built for the best use of Contribute according to your requirements.
What are the advantages of Contribute 3 over other CMS?
Two main advantages. Firstly, the software is designed by Macromedia / Adobe who know a thing or two about web design. You are buying a stable product that is used by hundreds of thousands of customers. You also get their support and access to a wide community of users. Secondly, it is probably the easiest CMS to use on the market. Oh and thirdly, it's great value for money and fourthly once you have a copy you can edit any number of websites! *
Do I need special hosting for my site?
No, you will simply need an account that allows FTP access - i.e. not one that is restricted to uploading files via a browser based control panel. You can use Contribute on Windows and Linux servers.
Would you like more information?
Either visit Adobe to read about Contribute, or contact me to have a chat about how CMS can applied to your next web site.
* Websites must meet a number of requirements. They must be hosted on a server with FTP access. They must not be database driven (ie PHP, ASP, JSP etc) or full Flash designs.