Content management services
We work with organisations to select the most effective content management system (CMS) out of the many on the market. This includes assisting in identifying business requirements, developing scenarios, or assessing vendors. We can also provide a short-list of suitable products. Beyond initial selection, we can advise on best-practice approaches to CMS implementation.
(We are strictly vendor-neutral: we don’t have a CMS of our own, we don’t have alliances with any vendors, and we don’t custom-develop solutions.)
Content management is now seen as a key strategic requirement, with content management systems (CMS) being implemented as a core business system.
With hundreds of products available in the ever-changing marketplace, the challenge is to select the most suitable product, and successfully deploy it throughout the organisation.
Step Two Designs is the leading vendor-neutral content management consultancy in Australia. World-wide, we are recognised as one of the foremost authorities on CMS selection and implementation.
We focus on two key pieces of work:
- selecting a CMS
- choosing a technology direction
Selecting a CMS
We have a well-tested methodology for helping organisations select a CMS. We have applied this in dozens of projects, for public-sector agencies, private business busineses and non-profit organisations.
This methodology provides a fast-track approach to CMS selection, making a project than can last 6-12 months into one that can be completed in 2-3. It also mitigates risks and builds confidence that you are selecting the right solution.
Strictly vendor-neutral, we are ideally (perhaps uniquely) placed to help organisations through the selection process. Without bias, we help you determine concrete requirements and chart a path through the complex CMS marketplace.
[Read more about our CMS selection methodology]
Choosing a technology direction
There are many systems in place within modern organisations, overlapping in their capabilities and functionality. There are also a wide range of competing products and platforms in the marketplace, each promoting their strengths.
In this complex environment, it can be difficult to determine which direction to proceed regarding web content management, or website strategy in general. There will also commonly be strongly-held opinions presented by stakeholders and outside agencies.
Playing a “trusted advisor” role, we can help you to choose a technology direction, and to develop an overall strategy. This will draw upon an understanding of overall strategy, plus an in-depth and pragmatic view of the technologies involved.
Further resources
We have produced a range of resources to help organisations with web content management:
- CMS articles
Perhaps the largest collection of free articles on web content management issues, including selection methodologies, implementation options, and technology considerations.
- Content Management Requirements Toolkit
This report provides a comprehensive list of CMS requirements, ready to cut-and-paste into your tender. This saves days, perhaps weeks, of work.
- Australian CMS marketplace
We maintain a list of all the commercial CMS vendors that operate in the Australian marketplace, and this is an invaluable starting point for product research.
Demonstrated experience
We spend a lot of time researching current (and evolving) product capabilities. We have internal notes on a large number of products, which we use when constructing our short-lists.
As far as we are aware, we are the only truly vendor-neutral CMS consultants in Australia (we don’t have any relationships with vendors, implement products or develop code).
A selection of our past CMS clients include: Australian Health Service Alliance (AHSA), Australian Film Commission, BHP Billiton, ClubsNSW, Department of Immigration (DIAC), Hunter New England Health, Kobelco CNH Australia, National Prescribing Service, Oxfam Australia, Sydney Opera House, University of Melbourne, University of Western Sydney, VicSuper, Westpac and Woollahra Municipal Council.
We have produced the Review of Content Management for the NSW Government, and published an AGIMO Better Practice Checklist on selecting a CMS and implementing a CMS. We are also involved with a range of initiatives across Australia, and have spoken at many conferences on CMS issues.
Find out more
As a vendor and product-neutral consultancy, you can rely on us to give independent, thoughtful and practical advice. Please contact us to obtain further details on our services.
