A content management system (CMS) is a program used to create a framework for the content of a Web site. With most CMSs, the framework can be customized with a “skin” that defines the graphic design. This approach is opposite to defining the graphic design first, then coding the functionality second. Whereas the majority of cost of a Web site is in the functionality, the CMS approach is often significantly more cost-effective. For example, the software for the Web site Wikipedia is based on a wiki, which is a particular type of content management system. As used in this article, content management means Web content management.

The content managed includes computer files, image media, audio files, electronic documents and Web content. The idea behind a CMS is to make these files available inter-office, as well as over the Web. A CMS would most often be used as an archive as well. Many companies use a CMS to store files in a non-proprietary form. Companies use a CMS to share files with ease, as most systems use server-based software, further broadening file availability.

~Wikipedia.com