The term SharePoint CMS may seem strange because many critics have always disputed the ability of this intranet solution to be used for content management. This does not however mean SharePoint can not integrate CMS capabilities as that is far from the truth.
SharePoint hosts many features for document publishing and management integrated into an enterprise collaboration package with varied capabilities. With a little customization, SharePoint offers a ready to use product that can be transformed and tailored to deliver professional content management solutions. If you intend to use the sharepoint platform in the web publishing and CMS activities, there are some features and specifics that must first be understood.
SharePoint CMS Capabilities
There are many features in sharepoint that can be used to effectively meet CMS requirements with ease. Some of them include:
Templates
From the publishing tab, one can choose a publishing portal to add a publishing site on sharepoint. One can also start from a blank template and customize the design to how they want the site to look. They can then activate the servers publishing infrastructure during the site collection phase. The SharePoint publishing feature includes a page library where articles will be stored. In the 2010 version, one can additionally create folders in the page library to further organize articles like a directory.
Content architecture
Just like other CMS solutions, SharePoint allows users to approve a given module of page plan which all other authors can use to publish their content. This can be done by preparing different page plans for different zones which enables account owners to limit the number of page types required.
CSS branding
Most websites depict their various branding using CSS-stylesheet with customized master pages. Although it may seem challenging to style SharePoint’s front end elements due to the many user interface classes, custom components are easy to style. A few classes can however be used in the publishing pages to customize some front-end elements.
Security
One undermining feature about sharepoint is that the top bar ribbon can be accessed even by people not logged in which is unlike other websites. This can however be changed by adding some default custom codes. This will require you to include a log in link that direct users and provide a special authentication enforcing URL through which editors will access the back-end.
Conclusion
From the above description, the term SharePoint CMS is not as farfetched as many critics may suggest. This platform offers a suitable choice for users to build sets of complimentary sites, running applications and collaborative tools under one grand system. It is easy to create web publishing sites including hosting intranet sites and document management activities.
For companies that already use SharePoint, exploiting the CMS capabilities will be much simpler since the staff is already familiar with this system. It also saves on licensing, infrastructure as well as other costs related to introduction and implementation of new CMS systems. Creating effective SharePoint websites through exploring the CMS capabilities will require thoughtful and careful planning to avoid making mistakes. Using these functionalities is however simple just like SharePoint itself and will initiate learning as well as experience.
