Professional Web Services Timeline
At the beginning
Back in the dark ages, OK not so long ago, during the 90’s the first websites started to appear.
Handmade, static web pages, built on flat simple HTML text files directly uploaded onto the web.
Content Management Systems
The first Content Management Systems (CMS) began to appear.
Due to the inception of the following web development programming languages:
- PHP – Personal Home Page
- ASP – Active Server Pages
These new scripting languages ran on the server-side which made it easier to build dynamic web pages and helped to change the landscape of the preconceived website.
Homebrew CMS
The advancements taking place meant changes where afoot with many organisations and companies making their own custom CMS technologies.
The world wide web existed and they had to put content out there. Characteristically adapted to meet the specific needs of the client behind it.
Within this era several enterprises saw an opportunity to market uniform and professionally developed CMS’s from FileNet, StoryBuilder, Interwoven, Documetum, FatWire, FutureTense. Names we do not see today!
Yahoo!
By the end of the 90’s a hosting company by the name of GeoCities had become the third most visited website.
This got the attention of Yahoo who subsequently acquired them. They where one of the first web-based CMS’s allowing users to manage their own website.
The colourful plethora of hobby and personal sites were the staple of the early twentieth century online presence.
To be WCM or not to be
By the early 2000’s, there was an increase in the number of professional and specialist Content Management Systems available.
As always there was a rival competitor – web content management, WCB, solely directed towards the web. CMS was considered a broader term, designated to intranets, archives and business operations. Whatever you called it, the mid 2000s saw the rise of open source CMS’s. Containing backend and frontend technology for a website. Handling text, images, and other files to store, display and download. These emerging CMSs where; 1. WordPress, 2. Drupal, 3. Joomla.
What’s that you say, WordPress
May 23rd was no ordinary day, this was the beginning of the revolution of WordPress.
Prior to this blogging Content Management System (CMS), there was b2/cafelog. It was discontinued by the main developers, except for Matt Mullenweg and Mike Little who reinvented the platform to what we know today.
An open-source software, free to use and modify, hence it’s popularity for developing websites not only for personal use but also by many business corporations.
Shop that turned into Shopify
Before Shopify was an online platform, it was a store selling snowboard gear, named Snowdevil.
Founded by Tobias Lutke, Daniel Weinand, and Scott Lake. They never intially planned to create an e-commerce CMS.
Dissatisfied with exisiting products they set about developing Shopify which evolved from a tool to a platform to an ecosystem for merchants.
Squared or Squarespace
Every developer longs for a better personal website than the one before?
A common enough tale that made a university student at the time, Anthony Casalena, the founder of Squarespace. Realize the dream for many layman web developers, taking into account style and design.
In the mix with Wix
Wix was established by Abrahami brothers after discovering developing a website was difficult and a costly endeavour.
The experience led them to build a platform that empowered anyone to create a website with no coding or design skills needed.
How the smart phones changed the game
Mobile technology changed overnight the website design landscape!
The mobile era began to dominate leaving desktop behind. For website designers this was the beginning of mobile first design practice. Notably called Responsive Design, where the theory was to ensure the website scaled no matter what device, or orientation.
It was now key to ensure websites where optimized without wasted bandwidth for large images and other resources. To ensure optimium speeds and user satisfaction.
Who’s the greatest of them all?
Looking at the test of time, here are some of the biggest CMS’s available by market share:
- WordPress – 62.7% (Walt Disney, Sony Music)
- Joomla – 5% (Ikea, Peugeot)
- Shopify – 3.7% (Budweiser, Tesla)
- Drupal – 3.3% (Entertainment Weekly, Harvard)
- Squarespace – 2.7% (HBO, Accenture)
- Wix – 2.3% (NetMD, Tobias Becs)
- Magneto – 1.5% (Vizio, Smart Home)
What’s Next, Present Day
The market leader is still WordPress, (powering 30% of all websites) due to it’s dominant community that can’t be rivaled.
You probably haven’t seen them advertise, due to being open-source i.e. made by bedroom developers cutting their teeth, so why would they need to? Unlike Wix and Squarespace who have a large marketing budget for Youtube, Facebook and television campaigns, how many have you skipped!
Check out our comparison chart of the top CMS to help you decide!
You’ve got your eye on the prize!
Isn’t it time to leverage the online tools that can free you up to do more of that thing you love best? <3
Who We Are?
Get to know us and guess who might fulfill what tasks and roles?
It’s always nice to know who is at the other end?
Skillsets:
Robin Hammond
Interactive Design, Web Development, SEO and Online Marketing
From a childhood dream to create things of wonder and intrigue, he has always wanted to help people achieve what they wish for. With a vast array of skills acomplished over two decades within the multimedia industry he has the ability to adapt this experience to your needs.
Design, Digital Strategy, Information Architecture, UX, Web Development,
Vanessa Turke
Principal Strategist + TUXD Owner
My work in UX research, information architecture, and service design focuses on understanding human behaviour and building accessible, intuitive digital products for everyone, regardless of literacy, ability, or background.
As a member of Soroptimist International, I’m committed to supporting women through education and community programs. I also mentor women working in digital, helping them navigate their careers with confidence and a sense of possibility.
Whether in tech or in my volunteer life, I aim to make systems kinder, smarter, and more human — especially for the people who need it most.
Content Strategy, Copywriting, Digital Strategy, Information Architecture, UX,
Elyssa Smith
Visual & UX Designer
Elyssa Smith has been connected to TUXD since 2022, beginning her journey through a mentorship with Vanessa. At a time when she was searching for a renewed sense of purpose in her work, Elyssa found her place in UX design, visual storytelling, and website development.
Since then, she has become a trusted contributor within the TUXD team. Leading design decisions, collaborating on client experiences, and helping shape the studio’s thoughtful, people-first approach. Elyssa is dedicated to creating intuitive digital spaces that not only look beautiful but also make users feel seen, supported, and understood.
Copywriting, Design, UX, Web Development,