Do you need a new content management system, but don’t know where to start? Are you thinking that there must be some shared know-how available when going through the CMS selection process?
This free of charge best practice document has been written for the project manager tasked with selecting a CMS and lead analysts Peter Sejersen and Sara Redin advocate a methodology which:
• Does not employ a scoring methodology
• Leaves out a full list of requirements
• Starts with a scoping exercise before buying a full-blown implementation project
• Controls the dialogue with vendors
• Does not attempt to look beyond three years
• Makes the project attractive for bidders
The 34 page report includes a project plan, an outline of potential risks and practical tips on how to select a CMS without unnecessary detours. The appendixes include a sample RFP, sample scenarios and sample testable stories.
Dialogue is the often forgotten ingredient in CMS selection projects and the report provides tangible recommendations on how you can learn through dialogue along the way and avoid costly pitfalls. It also includes recommendations on topics such as whether you should reveal your budget and who should be on the selection team.
Moreover, you will find illustrations of the many project steps. The below is from the executive summary. A more detailed version is inside the report.
Thank you to all of you who have written inspiring comments on our many posts on CMS selection. And a big thank you also to the many who took the time to assist with interviews, review and valuable input.
If you have any comments and ideas for improvements, please do let us know. The document is licensed under creative commons, so feel free share, remix and make commercial use of the work.
Good luck with your CMS selection!
Download the document
Best Practices for Selecting a CMS (PDF)
Learn more
On this blog, we’ve already blogged extensively about CMS selection. Much of this is included in the report, while some newer thinking will be weaed into a coming update. Here’s a few to get started:
