Whitepaper on WCM Software models: Saas, software installation, Open-source and custom.

1. Top 4 Web Content Management Models
Software Installation
Software-as-a-Service
Open-Source
Custom Applications

2. In today’s market, companies seeking a Web Content Management System (WCMS) are presented with
an abundance of choices. While there are wide ranges in terms of software delivery and complexity,
there are certain basic considerations that fuel both the search for a WCMS and the selection of a
particular system.
Most would agree that the manual management of a deep web presence is extremely unwieldy and
expensive. Content management is a fluid concept, which aligns it more accurately with business
processes than business products. There is no one-size-fits-all solution, as every WCMS offering requires
the following before it can successfully live and breathe within a business or organization:
 Configuration
 Implementation
 Launch & Adoption
 Administration & Management
 Support & Maintenance
 Upgrades & Enhancements
These steps apply to software installations, SaaS, open-source and custom solutions alike. With that in
mind, choosing the correct WCMS is about understanding business requirements and coupling that
knowledge with both a system and vendor that meets those ongoing needs. It is essential to select a
flexible, intuitive, and relevant framework.
Let’s get a better understanding of the models on the next page.

3. The Models: A Closer Look
Software Installations
Tangible, installed software provides a measure of security and control on both literal and psychological
levels. The code sits on resident machines, and a contract generally exists both for its use and its
ongoing support. There is an inherent depth of functionality based on the need to satisfy the diverse
requirements of large companies and organizations. Often the entry point in terms of pricing is out of
reach to smaller companies and organizations, so many do not feel that they can afford a true
enterprise-level or “commercial” offering. Others cannot justify the larger fixed costs in the context of
other technical or web-based initiatives, or the recurring costs of draining their own IT resources to
support the product.
Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)
SaaS continues to claim market share from the other WCMS types due to its flexibility, lack of
infrastructure and IT requirements, cloud computing power, fast turnaround, and price points. It tends
to favor smaller companies and organizations for the same reasons, and certainly favors groups that
have varied or work-from-home office locations. Though many take advantage of SaaS, larger entities
often have distinct policies and protocols that prevent SaaS as an option. Because the data, security
settings, and the WCMS software itself reside outside of a corporate firewall, SaaS may not be possible
due to sensitivity or related risk issues. SaaS also relies on an internet connection for delivery, which is
generally reliable but still a vulnerability.
Open Source
There is a common misconception that open source solutions are truly “free.” While there are cases
where an open source package has merit, the reality is that most open source implementations become
more lengthy and costly than other WCMS types. The negligible initial investment for a WCMS shell is
quickly overshadowed by implementation, custom development, quality assurance, training, and
ongoing maintenance. This is obviously fine when it’s anticipated, but far less welcome when it’s not.
Open source software has the obvious benefit of a support “community”, but that exists without the
security of dedicated support and legal contracts. Leveraged development expands reach but doesn’t
allow a product to mature or offer the financial incentives of commercial development.

4. Custom Solutions
Custom solutions, by nature, spotlessly align themselves with business processes. This can be very
effective in the short-term but very problematic in the longer term when those processes, and the
resources behind the related programming/development, shift. While there are certain fortunate
businesses that thrive on predictability, the overall CMS market has shifted dramatically to offer highly
configurable products that remove most constraints from the equation. While extremely capable
technology staff may exist within an organization, the related return on investment for custom WCMS
projects is remarkably low. By the time a custom application matures, the investment in terms of cost
and man-hours is typically huge, and the application itself may continue to be more of a cost center than
a cost savings. Often the company is left attempting to tackle newer challenges with older technology.
WCMS Models Comparison: PROS and CONS
Pros Cons
Software Installation Feature-rich Overt complexity
Full influence over software Infrastructure requirements
Customized configurations IT resource consumption
Strong pre-launch support Poor/costly post-launch support
Strong product maturity Potentially high costs
Integration flexibility

5. SaaS No hardware/software Reliance on 3rd-party services
Low maintenance Reliance on live connection
Strong technical support Security incompatibilities
Fast deployment Excludes certain markets
Feature-rich
Simple system access
Custom Solution Meets precise requirements Lack of system flexibility
Less outsourcing required Relies on specific developers
Extended development cycles
Open Source No cost for code base Hidden costs for actual viability
Development community No dedicated support
No contractual obligations No contract security or stability
Leveraged development base Difficult for product to mature
Open and accessible code Fewer commercialized features
Not as tested or refined
We hope this summary has given you a better understanding of the 4 main web content management
system models and direction when evaluating and selecting the best WCMS for your business.
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For more tips and best practices on web content management and web
development please check out our blog at: http://info.waves2.com
If you are interested in learning more and/or scheduling a demo of the WAVES2
WCMS we would be happy to oblige. Please contact:
Steve O’Brien
steve@aptinet.com
917.408.6391