WCM Comparison – Should You Trust Microsoft, Oracle, FatWire, or Open Source?
As you start any WCM comparison you must ask one important question. What is the most valuable component in any web content management system? The most critical element is your content. Whether you are choosing a robust enterprise content management system, or are looking for a free content management system, the content you are needing to manage and present to your users should be at the front of your mind.
In a small business, or large enterprise, which is using primarily Microsoft technology throughout their company the decision may be very easy. Microsoft’s Sharepoint 2010 platform is designed to work for both your Intranet and Internet services may be the ideal solution. It allows you to leverage documents, file systems, databases, Internet services, and other components from Microsoft. One of the biggest advantages is the ease of use for your employees and IT staff since they are already familiar with Microsoft solutions and support.
The same situation exists for companies who store a large portion of their database data, documents, images, and videos in solutions from Oracle or IBM. For an Oracle shop the best CMS could be Oracle Universal Content Management. For an IT system using IBM systems and databases your WCM comparison must include IBM Workplace Web Content Management System.
The problem which exists with the solutions from IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft is they are often not as feature rich, or as easy to implement in cross platform IT systems. If your business uses solutions from a wide variety of providers to store your critical data you wish to combine into your web content management system you should evaluate WCM vendors like SDL Tridion Content Manager, FatWire Content Server, or Interwoven TeamSite Content Management Server.
Your WCM comparison should also include open source content management systems from Drupal, OpenCMS, Alfresco WCM, or for very simple solutions could even include Joomla CMS. No WCM reviews are complete without looking at a wide variety of options.
The start of evaluating any content management system must be having a thorough understanding of where your data is stored, how it will need to be accessed, and how it can be secured. You should consider your needs for multilingual support. Your WCM comparison may become easier if you are locked into a single solution provider, but you may discover there are many features missing you need. Make sure you choose the CMS software which covers your needs today, and does not limit your growth in the future. Your investment today is one you will live with for many years.