What is the Difference Between WCM and CMS? with Proper Definition and Brief Explanation

The main difference between WCM and CMS is that WCM is a content management system that is specifically designed to manage web content, while CMS is a system that is used to create and manage digital content.

CMS is software or a set of related programs used by organizations to publish, store, control and review digital content. Provides SEO friendly URLs, modularity, extensibility, and built-in audit trails. In addition, they have templates for changing designs, installation wizards, and many other features. WCM is a type of CMS. It is mainly used to manage web-based content. Additionally, it provides automated templates, easily installable plugins, scalable expansion, access control, and many other features.

Key areas covered         

1. What is WCM?
     – Definition, Functionality
2. What is CMS
     – Definition, Functionality
3. What is the relationship between WCM and CMS?
     – Association scheme
4. What is the difference between WCM and CMS?
     – Comparison of key differences

Key terms

CMS, Content Management System, WCM, Web Content Management System

What is CMS

CMS stands for Content Management System . It is used to create and modify digital content. In addition, it is accessible by several users simultaneously. In addition, the CMS can perform tasks such as web-based publishing, format management, indexing, searching, retrieval, and many more. Also, there are two main components in CMS. First of all, there is a user interface that allows a user to add, modify and delete the content of a website easily. Second, there is a content delivery application (CDA) that collects information and updates the website.

Considering the use of CMS; It’s easier to modify a new look for pages using CMS. It also provides edit permission management. However, you may have limitations in adding complex functionality. To develop CMS, some popular frameworks used are WordPress, Joomla, and Drupal.

What is WCM?

Web content management system(WCM) is a content management system that specifically manages web content. It is used to manage the content of web pages. This web content may include graphics, video, audio, maps, program code, text, and images to display presentable content to viewers. Additionally, WCM provides website creation, collaboration, and management tools. Also, a user with minimal programming skills can easily create and manage websites using WCM. Additionally, most WCMs have a database to store page content, metadata, and other information. Also, most WCMs use server-side caching to improve performance. As such, it is most useful when the system is not changed frequently,

Meanwhile, WCM can be used in three ways: offline processing, online processing, and hybrid processing. Offline Processing Preprocess all content and apply templates prior to publishing. In online processing , the system applies templates on demand. They have add-ons that expand the capabilities of the system. On the other hand, hybrid processing combines offline and online approaches.

Looking further afield, WCM offers multiple advantages. It is easier to customize and use. In addition, it provides workflow management and SEO optimization. However, these systems can have security threats and latency issues. In addition, it requires license updates and hardware maintenance.

Relationship between WCM and CMS

• WCM is a type of CMS.

Difference between WCM and CMS

Definition

WCM is a software content management system that specifically manages web content. However, CMS is software that supports multiple users in a collaborative environment to manage the creation and modification of digital content. The main difference between WCM and CMS lies within this definition.

Use

Usage is another difference between WCM and CMS. WCM supports the management of the content of the website. In contrast, CMS supports web-based publishing, history editing, version control, format management, indexing, searching, etc. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the difference between WCM and CMS is that WCM is a content management system that is specifically designed to manage web content, while CMS is a system that is used to create and manage digital content. Even though there is a difference between WCM and CMS, CMS is often thought of as WCM and vice versa.  

Reference:

1. “Content management system”. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, September 24, 2018, Available here.
2. “Web content management system”. Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, September 13, 2018, Available here.

Courtesy Image:

1. “WordPress CMS” By the India7 network (CC BY 2.0) via Flickr