The title alone sounds like a thesis! Lets start with some short definitions on what they are:

• Content Mangagement System (CMS) – commonly used term around website development circles that describes a system that allows a non-technical person to make changes to a website through a dedicated interface
• Maintenance Contracts – a formal plan where a development company is commissioned to make changes to a website on behalf of the client.

The quick round up of the two options is:

• A CMS website has higher upfront costs to build that system that allows a client to make changes to a website, but then (theoretically) has lower costs over the life of the website. This is because there are no costs involved in making the more routine changes (text corrections or changes, images, an extra page here or there). There are some limitations on the changes that can be made, but these relate to major structural changes of the website.
• A website buit with a maintenance contract in mind will typically have a lower up front cost and then have higher incremental costs as changes are made over time.

That is the basic logic, and while there may be an appeal towards a CMS that allows you to make endless changes to your site with zero additional costs, there are some hidden costs to consider. The most significant factor that I see overlooked in the though process is staff cost. It would be a rare instance in a small business to have a person that is not already operating at capacity. That said, with the roll out of a new website, to add updating and managing content to some one’s job description. To go along with that, does that person have the skills of writing for the web and the target market.

There are many factors to consider, some not always obvious when assessing the alternatives. Trafffic is available to discuss the options with you and help recommend the best solution for you. We cater to both CMS and maintenance based websites, so from that point of view we are happy to help for any of your needs.

For any more information, please Contact Us to arrange a meeting.