There are several publications explaining the concept of CMS in a more detailed way, describing an "ideal" system of control of the contents and powerful analytical reviews on paid and free versions of such systems. Drupal is the system with an open initial code.

Dries Buytaert, a developper of the project since 2000 in the University of Anvers, defines CMS as "a fast assembler of a Web site" (Rapid website assembler). It can be used as is and on any base such as LAMP, WAMP ou MAMP. At the same time, it is very personalized and programmable according to particular needs of the clients. According to its creator, about 500 000 sites used it in September 2009.