Evolution of content management systems (CMS). From mainframe to open source

Content management systems (CMS) let us automate the generation, management, and retrieval of digital information, giving us the ability to deliver the right content to the right people at the right time at the right cost. This article analyzes the concept of CMS, its evolution from the 1970s to the open source tools developed since 2000, and its relationship to other systems, such as document management, records management or enterprise content management. Finally, a set of basic functions is detailed, along with practical advice, to help determine the best CMS to meet the specific needs of any particular information service.