Websites are built for different purposes, one could be to sell a business’ products online, or simply as a brochure to show potential customers what a business does, and then to attract them to contact for more information.
Today I aim to describe the differences between a static website and a content managed website using a content management system by describing the benefits and disadvantages to small and medium sized enterprises.
We hope that this blog helps both business users, and other website design firms to understand more the difference between these two types of websites.
Using a Static Website
A static website is a website that is designed by a website designer and is usually programmed using a static language like HTML or XHTML. Once the website is online, any changes that are needed require a website designer, or someone that knows how to edit, create or delete web pages.
Typically, static websites are much simpler to create than a content managed website, due to the fact that no database needs to be created.
Advantages of a Static Website
There are a number of advantages of static websites over a dynamic, content managed website for SME’s, dependent on their business:
- Less cost involved
- Simpler to create and host
- Quick to download on lower bandwidths
Disadvantages of a Static Website
- Could cost you more in the long run depending on the frequency of the updates
- Long change process as you have to wait for a website designer to have the time to make your changes
- Not as much functionality, so your website could be lacking against your competitors
Using a Content Management System for a Website
If a business decides that they want to sell their products online, update their website content when they need to and capture customer details, then a content management system is more than likely to be the best solution.
A content management system is a system that allows users to add, edit, update and delete their website content quickly and easily through the use of an administration section on their website and a database (usually MySQL, MSSQL or Access). Content management systems use server side scripting languages such as PHP, ASP or ASP.net.
The database is used to store information that the user enters via the administration section, and the data is retrieved from it each time a user accesses the content managed website.
A content management system is suitable for all types and sizes of businesses, and it can be used to drive all types of content, including text, documents, sound, video and much more.
Advantages of a Content Management System
- Content can be changed on the website as frequently as is needed, without having to use a website designer or to know HTML code.
- Changes can be made immediately due to a much shorter change process
- Can be cheaper than a static website in the longer term
- Easier to budget for ongoing costs than a static website
Disadvantages of a Content Management System
- Initial cost is normally higher than a static website
- May be slightly slower for users on low bandwidths than a static website
- Training may be needed depending on the complexity of a content management system
Both of these type of websites offer various benefits over each other, however it is becoming increasingly evident that SME’s want to be able to look after their own website, without having to ask a website designer to make changes to their website.
New technologies are being implemented on an almost weekly basis which is allowing web designers and web agencies to create and install content management systems quickly and therefore with less of a cost implication to their clients.
AMS Technologies uses Joomla or Wordpress which are both a modular based content management system allowing SME’s to choose which aspects of the system they need, such as bulk email, e-commerce, forum, event calendar, photo gallery, news stories or job postings.
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