Content management, sometimes called digital asset management is a set of processes and technologies that supports the collection, managing, and publishing of information in any form or medium. Content Management Systems are tools supporting collaboration and communication through the sharing of content in an organized and audited manner.
Content might include any or all of the following; written documents in .pdf, .txt or Microsoft Word (.doc) format, spreadsheets in Microsoft Excel (.xls or .xlsx) format, images in .jpg, .png, .tiff or other image format, presentations in .pdf or Microsoft PowerPoint (.ppt) format, video in .mov, .avi, .wmv or other video format, proprietary documents such as forms.
Collaboration using content management systems (CMS) is often top down as in a corporation or educational enterprise where users are assigned access rights and content is shared from one authority to all members or from one member to one authority member. It is also found in a truly collaborative environment where all users have equal rights and can author, share and sometimes edit existing content.
Content Management Systems can be web based providing universal application regardless or proximity. Some examples include WordPress, SharePoint, Drupal, Joomla, and OpenText.