I've been making the rounds for a CMS that I can use as an API, in a sort of "embedded" mode. I mean by this that I don't want the CMS to do any logic or presentation. I want it to be used as an API, which I can then use within an existing site. I don't want to be tied to the architecture of the CMS.

A good example of this is NC-CMS (http://www.nconsulting.ca/nc-cms/). All it needs is an include at the top, then wherever editable content is desired it's only a function call with a unique label. It's also perfect in the sense that it allows to differentiate between small strings (like titles, labels) and texts (which require a rich-text editor).

It's the only CMS I found that fits this description, but it is a little too light as it does not handle site structure. I need to be able to allow my client to add pages, choosing an existing template for the layout. A minimal back-end is required.

Wordpress also fits some requirements in that it handles only content editing and allows freedom for the themes by letting them call the content where and how they want it. But it is article-based and backwards, in that it embeds sites (as themes) within its structure, rather than being embeddable in sites like NC.

It's funny how checking out all the CMS out there, almost all of them claim that most CMS are not self-sufficient, that they do not handle application logic, while (almost) every single on I found with only one exception do so. Many are mostly article-based blog engines, which does not fit my need.

I would appreciate any CMS that fits the general description.