CMS Demystified

A content management system (CMS) facilitates the tasks required to deliver information on the web by separating the content from the structure and design of the site.

• By identifying different types of content (articles, solutions, partners, etc.) that will be displayed, the developer creates individual templates for each. At any point during the development process, if design changes are requested, amendments to one file will seamlessly update all pages using that template.
• The textual aspect of content is separated from formatting. A CMS automatically sets default colors, fonts, and layout.
• A CMS allows the ability to assign user roles and responsibilities to different content categories or types. Only people with the appropriate permissions can edit certain sections of the site.

I really believe that database driven sites are the best way to manage content. And, your client has ability to make updates themselves without any programming knowledge. Options include:

• Build your own PHP/MySql site with an admin interface.
• Convert a blog like WordPress.
• Use a true CMS like SilverStripe, EZPublish, Joomla, Drupal.

I feel that for small scale sites, WordPress, without the blogging feature enabled, is perfect. You really can customize the design of the site to meet your client's needs.