Sales of content management software are projected to reach US$3 billion in 2004 as more traditional brick-and-mortar firms integrate their businesses with the Internet and more content-rich applications are used on Web sites.
According to a new report from research firm the Yankee Group, that figure represents an average annual growth rate of 35 per cent from the US$900 million in total sales content management software vendors posted last year.
While content management systems were initially targeted at media companies seeking to move their content onto the Web, traditional brick-and-mortar companies are now adopting them as well, as they integrate the Internet into their business strategy.
These new buyers recognise the need for a solid infrastructure to support their Web initiatives and see the value in connecting content creators and Web technicians.
'The increasing integration of the Internet into the business of all companies has placed great burdens on the technical staff responsible for Web sites,' said Rob Perry, a senior analyst for the Yankee Group's Internet computing strategies research and consulting practice.
'Leading technology companies are using content management systems to spread this responsibility across teams that can now create better Web sites more quickly and cost-effectively.'