References

Open Source Applications and Scripts
Offers lists of available CMS scripts

Open Source CMS
CMS Matrix
The Free Country

Spyre Studios

Commercial Applications and Scripts
Offers lists of available CMS scripts

PHP Faber
CMS Master

Our Preferred Choices

Compatible with Bluehost

Text Pattern
CMS Made Simple
Website Baker

The model of a managed content Web site.

Managed content Web sites allow multiple parties to edit content.

They're also known as CMS (Content Management Systems) and used primarily whenever a Web site has the requirement to allow members or visitors the opportunity to add information by logging in to access their account area. The Web site owner normally has a Webmaster or other Moderator control the access and content of the members or guests.

CMS installations are normally written in a complex programming script such as PHP, CGI, Ajax or others. These scripts are complex when compared to the basic HTML and CSS documents that the basic Web page uses. Because of their complexity, the cost of installation and design is higher than the standard web site.

The pictures on the right panel will link to references that show a sampling of Open Source and Commercial CMS scripts.   The list is for reference purposes only.  WhamWeb does not necessarily guarantee the full compatibility of the script or whether thay will function as advertised.

We've supplied a check list of the more important considerations when making a decision about the design of a managed content Web site.

Managed Content Web Sites

  • The types of managed content Sites
    • The scripts that power a managed content site are available as free or commercial products.
      • Some common uses:
        • An online blog or journal site
        • A Web forum
        • A classifieds site
        • An auction site
        • A Real Estate site
        • An online retail / wholesale store
        • A file / photo / multimedia site
        • A multiple user Web site
  • The requirements for a managed content Web site
    • A domain name and a hosting service
      • Must be capable of supporting the script requirements
      • Must support database actions and queries
    • The scripts that generate the Web site
      • Pre-packaged scripts are far less expensive than custom designed scripts
        • Examples of pre-packaged scripts
          • PHP Bulletin Board
          • PHP Classifieds
          • PHP Business Directory
          • CMS Master
      • Custom scripts will require a long development period
  • The structure of a managed content Web site
    • The Front End
      • The Web pages your site viewers see
        • The pages that are presented to public guests
        • The pages that are presented to members
        • A member registration / login area
    • The Back End
      • The (hidden) administration area of your site
        • The looks and design of your site
        • Your page inventory
        • Your member information
        • The editorial permissions of your members
        • Web site statistics
    • A "Terms and Conditions" page
      • The terms and conditions of Web site policies, etc.
    • An "About Us" page
      • A short biography about who you are and what you do.
    • A "Contact Us" page
      • Give the viewer a means to get in touch with you.
      • Add a privacy statement to let the viewer know how you protect their information.
  • Managed content site considerations
    • Webmaster perspective
      • Fits the capabilities of the host server
      • Meets multiple user security specifications
      • Performs as expected for the targeted region
      • Compatibility across current Web browsers
      • Satisfies the aesthetic needs of the client
    • Client perspective
      • Catches the attention of the intended viewers
      • User management control is intuitive and easy to use
      • Matches the regional expectations of the viewers
      • Satisfies the esthetic expectations of the viewers
  • The content of a Web site
    • The Webmaster perspective
      • Content is the textual and graphic information
      • Content is normally supplied by the client
      • Created by the webmaster for an additional fee
    • Client perspective
      • The graphics match the design layout
      • The graphics match the textual message
      • The content flows correctly within the design
      • The syntax and grammar matches the targeted region
      • Site administration training is available at an additional fee
Content Management Site Design Pricing
These prices are good-faith estimates and subject to change.
Our Services Billing Method    Estimated Fee Remarks
Domain and Hosting Fees Annual $100 You must lease the domain (and your domain name) from a hosting service if you plan on hosting the site externally.  We will assist you through the necessary steps at no additional cost to you during the Web site deployment. We highly recommend Bluehost.com
Web Site Design Per Site
Per Page		 $500
$75		 A CMS Web site normally consists of server-side installation.  Much of our pricing depends on various Client requirements and the complexities encountered while fulfilling those requirements.  The $500 is the starting price but will be based on the scripting package used.
Web Form Design Free
Per Page		 $0
$150+ 		Most managed content scripts have simple form management built in.  If you want database driven forms designed, The cost will be $150 for the database software setup, then $25 for each page after the first one.
Graphics Design Free
Per Image		 $0
$20 		We have a large archive of copyright / royalty free images we use in our designs at no additional cost to you.  Custom design is based by job or on the standard hourly fee per image.
Web Site Optimization Free
Per Page		 $0
$20 		We include optimization in all our designs at no additional cost to you.  If you want us to optimize a pre-existing site, the fee will be based on the number of pages.
Web Site Maintenance Per Bid
Per Job		 1, 2 We can maintain your Web site for you after it's hosted to the server.  This service can be set up on a per job basis or by a service agreement.
Service Consultation Free We'll be happy to discuss your Web site project with you at no charge.  After we completely understand your needs, we'll offer you a bid proposal and let you make your purchasing decision.
Telephone Assistance Free If we can supply an answer to your question within a reasonable amount of time, we'll be happy to assist you at no charge.  If the issue is too complicated to handle over the phone, we may escalate this service to one of the other services listed above.
Content Management Site Samples
The Project The Scenario The Final Cost
Project 1 The client wanted a managed content Web site with a blog, newsletter, and basic pages using a free downloadable public domain script.
The textual content was to be supplied by the client at the completion of the drafted site design.
There were 5 "stock" images on the home page and a custom site logo that was designed by WhamWeb.
The client wanted a simple contact form that would send the information to their email when completed.  The Web form application was supplied by the script.
Hosting

$100
Script

$    0
Design

$500
Graphics

$  20
Web Form

$    0
Total

$620
Project 2 The client wanted a managed content Web site with a blog, newsletter, and basic pages using a commercial script which cost $200.
The textual content was to be supplied by the client at the completion of the drafted site design.
There were 2 "stock" images per page and a custom site logo that was designed by the client.
The client wanted a simple contact form that would send the information to their email when completed.  The Web form application was supplied by the script.
Hosting

$100
Script

$200
Design

$500
Graphics

$    0
Web Form

$    0
Total

$800
Rate Explanations
 1  Per Bid We understand that you will to want to know "up front" how much something is going to cost.  When you request a service that will last for more than just a few hours, we'll design a customized bid with all the information necessary for you to make a qualified decision.
2 Per Job Many of the general tasks we offer has a price list.  Based on our previous experiences, it's an easy procedure for us to itemize the list of tasks you require and offer you a quote.
3 Hourly    If you need assistance on a one-time basis, we charge a standard $20 per hour rate.  Fractional hours (after the first hour) are rounded to the nearest 15 minute increment.
Notice

Although we seldom make price increases, the above estimates are subject to change without notice.
Contact us for a quote for your specific project.

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