Choosing a content management system

Why is content management important?

Firstly, it's the way you keep your website up-to-date. Secondly, the right CMS allows you to add pages, forms and functionality without having to pay an agency.

What are the choices?

• Page editing tools - such as Microsoft Front Page or Adobe Contribute. These are cheap, but it is hard to add pages and you have to pay an agency to add forms or other features.

• Systems developed in-house by web agencies - with these you usually pay a license fee - locking you into a relationship. And they don't have the features of the systems below.

• ‘Open Source' systems - some are as good as high-end systems, and there are no licensing costs. The big name is Drupal - which is supported by thousands of developers worldwide.

• High-end systems - such as Interwoven or Vignette. These systems are very good, but get your chequebook out - they can cost over £50,000.

School recommends the Drupal open-source CMS.  It's very search engine friendly and makes sites easy to navigate.

Read the next section to learn about the value of adding web services to your website.