When it comes to managing a company website, a content management system (CMS) is typically utilised by marketing managers, website editors and similar. However, these can be restrictive when keeping in mind the individual needs of the business. With advancements in tech, there really is no need to feel like your software doesn’t perform exactly as you’d expect. As a result, open source solutions are now growing in popularity for their numerous advantages.
Open source CMS at a glance
Before we take a look at the benefits of using open source software, it’s important to understand that this term refers to the fact that source code is available to a community of developers as opposed to being managed by one single entity. This means that content can be created and modified both simply and effectively, ensuring that requirements are fully tailored and properly met.
Top 5 benefits of an open source content management system
1. Source code control
While there are some advantages to using a commercial CMS platform, such as pre-configuration, they simply don’t have the control or customisable features of their open source counterparts. Having the ability to enhance and modify content using fully editable code that won’t come with additional costs is the main reason why many content managers are turning to more innovative solutions like Drupal. Developers will be able to run code before it is published, as well as break it down into smaller sections where potential issues can be identified and modified.
2. Customisation
There is so much customisation potential with open CMS platforms, including the ability to extend native functionalities. These can be applied to software like WordPress plugins, Adobe Acrobat Reader, the Samsung Print Service, Adobe Flash and more. There is the potential to integrate CMS with external tools, which could include automated marketing tools, e-stores like Shopify and payment services like PayPal. With greater access to more advanced modifications, content managers will be able to collaborate with experts who specialise in different fields such as writing and graphic design.
3. An open-source community environment
Open source CMS allows for wider collaboration, so more developers will have input to ensure ultimate functionality. In a community-driven environment, code is available to anyone who will have a positive impact on content and can better focus both development and direction. With the cooperation of a global talent pool of developers, access to more relevant code will boost performance, provide more security and curate a stronger approach to communication and collaboration.
4. Enhanced security
Drupal is leveraged by businesses and government institutions globally for its secure approach to open source development. With a dedicated security team and real-time support for module creators, users can expect safe practices for both coding and webpage security. This CMS system uses cutting-edge technology to provide advanced permission management, intuitively record security breaches and more, making it far more secure than commercial software.
5. A more cost-effective method for coding
Many traditional CMS systems will come with licensing fees and will often prioritise providing more advanced services, plugins and themes to enhance their ability to meet more specific needs. Utilising open source methods that are based on Drupal capabilities, a website can be created with a budget in mind and modified and scaled as necessary to minimise or better spread costs – all without licensing concerns.
What to expect from Drupal CMS
Drupal is a top solution for more complex websites and those that experience high traffic, but it is also user-friendly and has unlimited functionality for smaller, more niche needs. It is widely tested by numerous companies worldwide and offers an unrivalled level of flexibility and security, especially when choosing a Drupal agency like Droptica.
Drupal was released in 2001, supports thousands of developers and and has been continuously developed ever since. Droptica is bringing a new approach to open source solutions by designing, developing and delivering business web apps for the most ambitious companies.
With a focus on planning, prototyping and implementation; businesses can leverage the latest in Drupal innovations alongside an expert team of developers. These industry experts have a deep understanding of content, the importance of building an online presence and exactly what websites need to achieve their goals.
