Content repository

A content repository is a store of digital content with an associated set of data management, search and access methods allowing application-independent access to the content, rather like a digital library, but with the ability to store and modify content in addition to searching and retrieving. A content repository thus typically forms the technical underpinning of an application such as a Content Management System or a Document Management System. It functions as the logical storage facility for content.

Advantages provided by repositories

• Common rules for data access allow many applications to work with the same content without interrupting the data.

• They give out signals when changes happen, letting other applications using the repository know that something has been modified, which enables collaborative data management.

• Developers can deal with data using programs that are more compatible with the desktop programming environment.

• The data model is scriptable when users use a content repository.

Content repository features

A content repository may provide the following functionality:

• Add/edit/delete content
• Hierarchy and sort order management
• Query / search
• Versioning
• Access control
• Import / export
• Locking
• Life-cycle management
• Retention and holding / records management

This is not necessarily a complete list.

Commonly known Content Applications / Content Management Systems

• Content Management System
• Digital Asset Management
• Source Code Management
• Web Content Management System
• Document Management System
• Social collaboration
• Records Management

Content repository or related standards and specification

• Content repository API for Java
• WebDAV
• Content Management Interoperability Services

See also

• Information repository
• Content (media)