Posted on June 3rd, 2009Content management systems got their name by providing users with a way to manage virtually every bit of content associated with a website. In regard to content, it could be simple text articles, photo images, music videos and almost anything you can imagine on a website. Most content management systems are designed in a manner that lets you perform these tasks regardless of technical skill. When it comes to content management, there are many options available to you. For example, you can choose to purchase a commercial product or an open-source version that doesn’t cost you dime. If want to save a few bucks and still have a great content-rich site, you may be interested in a popular software package known as Joomla.
What is Joomla?
Joomla is an award-winning CMS that gives you the ability to create and run powerful websites.
The software has many qualities but some of its major draws are ease of use and an extensibility that allows you to greatly enhance the functionality of your site. This platform is ideal for creating all types of sites, be it a personal homepage, corporate intranet or extranet, online newspaper or community portal. Joomla is relied on by manywell known entities including CitiBank, MTV Networks and the IHOP restaurant chain.
How Easy is It?
The Joomla CMS was designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy to install and maintain even if you have no idea of what content management is all about. In fact, most web hosting providers enable you to incorporate the software in a few easy clicks through application installers such as Fantastico. A back-end interface makes Joomla simple to use for experienced web designers and developers as well as those who have never managed a website in their life. The software doesn’t call for you to have any programming knowledge though you can take customization to the next level by having a familiarity of technologies such as HTML, PHP and CSS.
How Advanced Does it Get?
Joomla may be incredibly easy to use but that does not take away from its sophistication. This software package extends benefits to those with needs beyond the norm, acting as a dynamic framework that allows developers to create advanced modules and dramatically enhance its capabilities. These enhancements are all made possible because of its nature as an open-source CMS. Thus, not only can you incorporate third-party extensions, but also grab a hold of the source code and create your own. For the experienced user, the functionality of Joomla is virtually unlimited.
What About Support?
Just like most open-source software applications, the biggest downside to Joomla is the lack of technical support. On the bright side, this CMS is so popular that support for it can be found all over the web. There are official Joomla forums as well as resources provided by unofficial sites simply looking to lend a hand to the community. The Joomla community is well over 200,000 strong and counting, almost ensuring that you can find someone to aid in your content management needs.