15 questions to ask your Content Management System provider:

1. Will I actually own the license for my CMS?
2. Can I host my site anywhere, or am I 'locked in'?
3. Can I update my site any time, from any where?
4. What software applications are needed?
5. Am I in control of the production & delivery of content?
6. Can content contributors be assigned into roles & groups?
7. Is there an efficient content approval process?
8. Can pages be pre-published for release ahead of the publish date?
9. Can pages be set to expire automatically when they are no longer required?
10. Can content be re-used, distributed and imported sitewide?
11. Is there an online Media Archive so that I can re-use images & documents?
12. What support & training will I receive?
13. Is the CMS user-friendly for non-technical users?
14. Will I receive comprehensive, accurate statistics?
15. Is the CMS site search engine friendly, or just connected to a database?

6 core CMS requirements: Almost every CMS will require the following:

1. Automated, audited workflow/signoff process
2. Templating
3. Roles-based security management
4. Scheduled launch and archiving
5. Integration with office systems
6. Scalability

5 important questions to ask yourself:

1. Is my business active enough on the internet to invest in a CMS?
2. Does my target audience expect me to communicate with them regularly?
3. Do I currently experience delays in publishing web content?
4. Does my website contain outdated, inaccurate information?
5. How will I be able to create effective content? Will I need training & support?