SharePoint Server Delivers Web Content Management

SharePoint Server 2007 has taken over the Web content management features of Content Management Server (CMS) 2002. The new features will help organizations manage content publication and maintenance of large, complex Web sites, and may work best for large customers that can leverage existing experience with SharePoint collaboration. Customers without a Web content management solution should evaluate SharePoint Server against alternatives that may be easier to use or that may integrate better with their existing document management system. Users of CMS, which will not be updated, will find SharePoint Server more versatile, but will need to rewrite custom code.

What Is Web Content Management?

Web content management systems attempt to simplify editing and maintenance of content for complex Web sites while enabling organizations to enforce policy.

As Web sites have become a critical business and information channel for many organizations, the challenge of managing their content has grown. Organizations want consistent Web site appearance and navigation, but they also want dynamic pages that can respond to the user’s browser and device capabilities; that can deliver real-time data about the organization, such as in-stock inventory; and that offer returning customers a more personalized visit than first-time viewers. These needs imply both a standardized site appearance and design as well as a large collection of content from which a relevant selection can be delivered to the visitor.