Asbru may not snare as many headlines as some other content management systems, but over the last decade it has built up an impressive client base, and has continuously made impressive enhancements to its CMS. The release earlier this month of Asbru Web Content Management v7.0 is no exception and I don't think it's hyperbole to say that it's their strongest release to date.From my point of view, the most impressive feature delivered in version 7.0 is the ability to import static DreamWeaver and HTML-based sites, converting them into a database-driven site running on Asbru's Web CMB. Although I haven't thoroughly tested this, it appears to be a great opportunity to upgrade a basic site and make the leap to a full-featured content management system.

Version 7.0 also enhances support for multiple content types, improves scripting and makes a number of performance improvements. You can find the full list of enhancements on its site.

Asbru virtually defines an agile development cycle with its rapid release schedule, although that has its pros and cons. If you're opting to host the content management system yourself, you would have been faced with nearly 20 updates last year. Fortunately, Asbru also offers a hosted solution, which removes the headache of handling this yourself.

Asbru Web Content Management v7.0 supports multiple programming languages and back-end databases, making it particularly flexible. It also packs in a lot of value, with the Personal Edition starting at less than $100 and ranging up to just over $3,000 for the Professional Suite. Asbru also makes its source code available, which is certain to appeal to shops doing their own custom development.

For a small to medium-sized organization looking to make an investment in a value-minded but feature-rich content management system, Asbru's latest release is well worth a look.