Before bombarding you with the names of the content management system software let us first see what a content management system is. In simple words, a CMS or content management system is a software used for managing content on a website. Any user with no knowledge of programming languages or markup languages ( eg. HTML) can create and manage content on a website. The content management system software direct content distribution on a web server which includes text, graphics, links, etc.

What a web content management system does?

To take it in easy terms, it allows multiple creators to write, edit, and publish web content. If we talk about what it can do in details, then here is the guide

1. It  helps the web administration manage their content on the website
2. It assists the users with little know-how about the programming language or markup language to control and create web content
3. It provides the user with administration and authoring solutions
4. CMS provides the basis for collaboration and allows the user to manage web output and documents.
5. Helps the user manage their website content and offer them the authority to control the web content timeline.
6. Audit and edit documents and give different authors the space to edit and participate in the management of web content.
7. Have a database and content repository to provide storage for the page, meta tags, meta description, etc.
8. Helps control the collection of web resources, such as images, HTML documents, etc.

Open source and proprietary content management systems

Proprietary CMS

Proprietary CMS is the software that comes under the legal authority of the individual, the organization created it. The source code of the content management system is not available to the public and opens with a special license key. The benefit of using a proprietary C.M.S is the complete control of the organization/ individual behind it. Example- adobe experience manager, Kentico.

Open source content management systems

An open-source CMS is a software whose source code is open to the public and is available to use by anyone without restrictions. Developers who designed the open-source CMS allows the interested one to use and modify it. Here all the coding freaks come together to develop the best and provide support to the users. Example: WordPress

The thing to keep in mind here is that source code is free to all but the vendor is charging for the other services such as hosting in the cloud, support, and additional features.

The key advantages of using an open-source control management system are the continuous testing and development ( as the code is open to everyone). The code quality is always updated and up to the mark.

Top 20 web content management systems are

1. WordPress.com
2. Adobe Experience Manager
3. Drupal
4. Sitecore
5. Pimcore
6. Telerik
7. Epi CMS
8. OpenText TeamSite
9. IBM web content manager
10. Acquia platform
11. CrownPeak technology
12. Oracle WebCenter Site
13. Squiz
14. Kajona
15. CoreMedia
16. E-spirit
17. GX software
18. eZ systems
19. SDL web
20. DNN

Now lets discuss all these in brief:

1. WordPress.com: It’s a simple way to build a site or blog. Any kind of website can be made with no code, no manuals, and no limits.

2. Adobe Experience Manager: It’s a content management solution for building websites, mobile apps and, digital forms, and communities.

3. Drupal: Drupal is an open-source platform for building amazing digital experiences. Anyone can use it, and it is free.

4. Sitecore: Sitecore is a leading software used by organizations to create seamless, personalized digital experiences.

5. Pimcore: Pimcore offers free and open-source customer experience management, digital asset management, product information management, multi-channel publishing, and e-commerce software.

6. Telerik: Telerik offers software tools for web, mobile, desktop application development, tools, and subscription services for cross-platform application development.

7. Epi CMS: Episerver offers web content management, digital commerce, and digital marketing, through the Episerver Digital Experience Platform Cloud Service.

8. OpenText TeamSite:  It’s a web content management system that enables enterprises to manage and publish digital content easily. This system includes various capabilities, such as site design, content authoring, editing, and personalization.

9. IBM Web Content Manager: This Web Content Management is a powerful browser-based application designed to accelerate the creation, maintenance, and delivery of critical business content across intranet, extranet, internet, and portal sites.

10. Acquia platform: Acquia’s platform was built around Drupal to give enterprise companies the ability to build, operate, and optimize websites, apps, and other digital experiences.

11. Crownpeak Technology: The Only Enterprise SaaS Web Content Management Solution for marketers as they can build and manage global omnichannel experiences without relying on IT. They can build and edit content in-line or leverage form editing, Create content, and publish it to one site or hundreds at the same time.

12. Oracle WebCenter site: This software enables marketers and business users to easily create and manage relevant social and interactive online experiences across multiple channels on a global scale.

13. Squiz: Squiz builds extraordinary digital experiences with a Content Management System that’s smart, integrated, and easy to use.

14. Kajona: Kajona is a PHP based content management framework, developed as an open-source project using the LGPL-licence. This framework builds and manages websites in no time.

15. CoreMedia: CoreMedia Content Cloud is a composable DXP and Agile CMS. It is designed for business flexibility, openness, and fast time to create a preview, and optimize digital brand experiences.

16. E-Spirit: This digital experience platform is powered by a hybrid headless content management system (CMS) and AI-driven personalization software.

17. GX software: GX software’s XperienCentral is a powerful content engine that integrates very easily with other systems, turning CMS into the hub for customer communication, because it supplies content to all channels.

18. eZ system: eZ Publish known as easy publish is an open-source enterprise PHP content management system that was developed by the Ibexa. In 2015, eZ Systems introduced eZ Platform to replace eZ Publish with a more modern and future-proof solution.

19. SDL web: SDL web content management system easily manage and deliver large volumes of multilingual content to websites and other digital touchpoints. Features like personalization, content BluePrinting®, and multilingual capabilities enable to manage content across multiple channels.

20. DNN: DNN provides a development framework and extensibility model for .NET developers. It’s easy to use this web content management system.