CMSimple

From Encoresoup - The Ultimate Guide to Free/Open Source Software

CMSimple is a free content management system. It aims to be simple, small and fast. As it is written in PHP it runs on Linux/Apache servers, or on Win32 with Apache or IIS. CMSimple is licensed under the terms of the Affero General Public License.

CMSimple does not need a database as it writes page data directly to a HTML file on the web server. This simplifies installation and backups, and also makes CMSimple a low cost option on web hosts which charge extra for database access. Configuration files and language files are also saved in txt format. Like many Content Management Systems, CMSimple offers a wide variety of plug-ins, including many made by third parties. ^[1]

Contents 1 Structure 2 Licensing 3 Support 4 References 5 External links

[edit] Structure

The look and feel of a CMSimple website is stored in a template file using HTML and css. This can be designed by the installer or selected from over 500 free templates available through CMSimple. Third-party designers can be commissioned to provide a unique template. All error messages and text strings are contained in a plain text file. These are available in many languages, and can be translated by the installer to match the users dialect or language. If support is needed, the installer can make necessary changes on the user's low-spec machine or remotely.^[2]

A basic site, using a default template, can be uploaded to the server, configured and populated with pre-existing text within 20 minutes. Template customization takes more time, and requires knowledge of HTML and CSS.^[1] Several hundred templates are available at no cost.

[edit] Licensing

When a visible link to CMSimple is kept on the website, then CMSimple is free to use, and the Affero GPL license applies, when the link is removed a licence must be purchased. A large community of experienced users support the free version through a forum and wiki. Companies needing to remove the link, or work who prefer to work with the protection of a commercial licence can do so; they are available directly or through 93 licensed resellers in 18 countries. About 1450 licences had been purchased by February 2007.

[edit] Support

It is supported by an archived web forum, with over 1000 participants. English is the principal language of communication but there are CMSimple communities in Denmark, Germany, France, Spain and Brazil. A book has been published in Danish, Byg et website, Britt Malka, ISBN 87-7843-711-3.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• CMSimple homepage description and documentation.
• CMSimpleForum support forum open to all users
• CMSimple Wiki a wiki describing plugins, addons and tips & tricks