Agentic AI Is Coming. Is Your DXP Ready?

David San Filippo of Altudo explains how DXPs can unlock the future of agentic AI.

Forget the Cape! Here's Why CMS Is Your 'Unsung Hero' in 2025

Here's Why CMS Is Your 'Unsung Hero' in 2025

Not All Heroes Wear Capes. Here's Why CMS Is Your 'Unsung Hero' in 2025

In an age of AI superpowers, Janus Boye tells us why CMS keeps saving the day with real value.

Presenting the Winners of the 13th Annual CMS Critic Awards!

CMS Critic Awards

<hr /> The Oscars might have <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conclave_(film)">Conclave</a>, but we have content. And Demi Moore can have <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Substance">The Substance</a> – because we've got the schema. Sure, it would be great for Conan O'Brien to host the 13th edition of our world-famous <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/cms-critic-awards">CMS Critic Awards</a>, but we've got something even better than the Academy: You.That's right. YOU.You activated your communities and rallied the vote. You brought enthusiasm for these platforms, showing up to support your favorite tools. You inspire us – and for that, our cup runneth over. While our little awards program has a streak of competitiveness, it's all about celebrating our industry and the continued innovation we see from all corners. From the vendor's perspective, it's an opportunity to highlight the power of your users – from marketers to developers – and let their voices sing. Most of all, the CMS Critic Awards is a chance to have some fun in our fast-paced, nose-to-the-grindstone world. It reminds us that people, not platforms, are at the heart of this content game. From all of us at CMS Critic, thank you for participating. Keep carrying a torch for the tools you love. <h3 id="the-envelope,-please…">The Envelope, Please…</h3> <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/QVcEwG_3Vw8"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/QVcEwG_3Vw8" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure> Dramatic pause: Before we break the seal, we have a few notes on this year's list of champions:As you'll see, a couple of vendors showed up in a big way, owning more than one category. Still, several newcomers popped up in our nominations wave – no one we would call <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Complete_Unknown">A Complete Unknown</a>, but some smaller solutions that managed to make the cutoff. Congrats to all of you, and bring the thunder again next year. Because you never know what can happen.Here are your winners in the 13th Annual CMS Critic Awards: <hr /> - Best Enterprise CMS: Umbraco  - Best DXP: Sitecore  - Best Free CMS: Umbraco  - Best Headless CMS: Umbraco  - Best Open Source CMS: Joomla  - Best ECM: Microsoft SharePoint  - Best Flat File CMS: Statamic  - Best Website Builder: uSkinned  - Best Static Site Generator: Statamic  - Best DAM: Sitecore  - Best PIM: Pimcore  - Best e-Commerce Solution: Shopify  - Best Headless Commerce Solution: Shopify  - Best Composable Solution: Umbraco  - Best AI Solution in a CMS or DXP: Umbraco  - Best Development/Hosting Platform: Azure <h3 id="congratulations-to-this-year's-winners!">Congratulations to this year's winners!</h3>What can we say? We’re thrilled to have such a passionate community of readers, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s Awards. Given the shifting landscape of categories, we'll be making some changes for our 14th annual program, and even expanding a few things (don't worry, CMS is still closest to our heart). Remember to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmscritic.com/signup">sign up for alerts</a> about additional events this year, and check below for some upcoming conferences that we'll be attending and speaking at.       Vendor Marketing Departments: Looking to promote the good news? Email us at <a href="mailto:info@cmscritic.com">info@cmscritic.com</a> to request your exclusive badges and claim your 30 day Product Directory upgrade.  <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:30.46%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/11/cms-summit-25.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-summit-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">CMS Summit 25</a></h4>May 13-14, 2025 – Frankfurt, GermanyDon't miss the first European edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community! CMS Summit 25 will bring together top-notch speakers, our renowned learning format, and engaging social events. Hear from leading practitioners like Deutsche Bahn, Dr. Oetker, and more – and join customers, agencies, and CMS vendors as we discuss current trends and what's ahead for the content and digital experience fields. Connect and network at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference focused on CMS. Space is limited for this exclusive event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">so book your seats today.</a> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

The Envelope, Please: We Proudly Present the Winners of the 13th Annual CMS Critic Awards

Find out who took home the trophy in each category.

Generative AI is Making Content King Again

<a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/michael-spenceley">Michael Spenceley</a> is Leader, Learning &amp; Content Standards - Innovative Medicine at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jnj.com/">Johnson &amp; Johnson</a> and a CMS Critic Contributor. <hr />If you're a content professional, you've likely spent much of your career focused on how to govern the accuracy and quality of content. As Generative AI (Gen AI) has entered our collective corporate consciousness, our content is now under a microscope. If you have outdated or inaccurate content, Gen AI will bring it into focus for all to see. On one hand, this will lead to uncomfortable conversations for those who are responsible for the accuracy of content, but this also presents a significant opportunity for content professionals. Here's a conversation I’ve had a few times lately: Business Leader: “We have all this content, if we put it in a Gen AI tool, won’t that make it easier for people to get answers, reduce call center volume and create a better experience for our employees and customers?”Technologist: "Yeah, we can do that. We can integrate your CMS or knowledgebase with our Gen AI platform."Business Leader: “Michael, what do you think?”Me: "Well, I think there are more questions we need to ask. Do we have quality content to feed into the Gen AI experience? Do we have the right level of governance to ensure accuracy? Do we have clear roles and responsibilities for those who own content feeding into Gen AI? Is the ROI sufficient to invest the time and money to do this right?”  Business leaders are now recognizing the importance of good content to enable an effective Gen AI experience for employees and customers. Getting content governance right, especially in large organizations, takes lots of people, rigorous processes, clear roles and responsibilities and accountability. Here are three things all content professionals should focus on as Gen AI initiatives take center stage: <h3 id="1.-keep-moving,-even-when-it's-not-perfect">1. Keep moving, even when it's not perfect</h3>Be agile and be okay with imperfection. If you wait to use Gen AI until you've solved all your content governance problems, you will never start. Come up with an approach that works for your organization.  I see it as a two-pronged approach. First, what steps do you take right now to keep Gen AI moving? At this stage, you don't know what will work so keep it simple. Second, while you're doing that, plan for the long-term. To scale your approach, what tech do you need, what integrations and what processes need to be in place? Here’s a real example of what I’ve tried in my organization:When we need content for a new Gen AI use case, we follow this process:<ul><li>Identify – Identify relevant content that already exists. </li><li>Validate – Analyze content to ensure we have the most current version and it’s the correct level of detail.</li><li>Remediate – Work with subject matter experts to update content that is out of date and create new content to fill any gaps.</li><li>Extract – Technical team extracts content from our source system to ingest into Gen AI. </li><li>Monitor &amp; Update – Leverage existing reporting and processes to determine when content needs to be updated in the Gen AI tool.</li></ul>This is a largely manual process, but it works for now and as we refine it, we're planning for how best to scale it in the future and reduce manual effort through integrations and automation. <h3 id="2.-get-the-right-people-involved-">2. Get the right people involved </h3>If you're a content professional or a SME who owns content, speak up and get involved in Gen AI initiatives. You know things that are important to this process that others may not know. If you're not a content professional and you're on the technical side of Gen AI, don't go it alone. While you can probably get your hands on some content to start, there is a chance that there's a lot you don't know about the content. When assessing content for accuracy and relevance, there can be many nuances, especially in large global organizations. Additionally, content teams already have processes in place to source and update content, and they have relationships with the subject matter experts who can validate content. Rely on content professionals and SMEs to tell you which content is ready for Gen AI and what steps need to be taken to prepare content. Here’s a real example of what I’ve tried in my organization:We established weekly touchpoints that include a combination of content, IT and business process owners. The content team drives the identify, validate, remediate, extract, and monitor process. The content team works with SMEs and content owners to validate content accuracy and remediate gaps. Our IT partners ingest content into the Gen AI tool and train the model. This ensures that this work is connected to our existing content governance process and isn't seen as additional work for content and process owners. We have one source of truth, one process and one governance model for content. Gen AI is just an additional channel where the content is being consumed. This could change in the future, but leveraging existing processes and infrastructure is an effective way to get things moving quickly.    <h3 id="3.-seize-the-opportunity-to-get-resources-and-support">3. Seize the opportunity to get resources and support</h3>In large organizations, content governance has often not gotten the time and attention it deserves, beyond a small group of content professionals. In the short time I've been working on this, I have learned that this connection between content and the success of Gen AI, is logical but isn't always obvious. It's on us, as content professionals, to speak up, get involved and make the case. Here’s a real example of what I’ve tried in my organization:We engaged with leaders and content owners to help them understand how our content will make or break our journey with Gen AI and are weaving Gen AI into our strategic vision for the future of content. We’re defining requirements for how our content needs to be structured and stored in the future to enable a good Gen AI experience.  Specifically, how to simplify and componentize content with component-level metadata. We’re also defining future-state content governance and what that takes from a resource standpoint. This includes how we drive greater accountability and create clearer roles and responsibilities for our content professionals and content owners to ensure content accuracy. <h3 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h3>As with anything new, there are still more questions than answers. Here are a few questions that content professionals should be thinking about:<ul><li>I’ve been on a mission to promote the idea that less content is more. Will a minimalist approach to content work in the age of Gen AI? </li><li>Many people challenge the accuracy of information coming from Gen AI. What role might content professionals play to change that perception? </li><li>Will content structure, metadata and governance still matter as Gen AI gets more advanced?</li></ul>I’m sure we’ll continue to debate these questions in the coming years. This space is evolving quickly, and I'm confident there will be advancements to make it easier in the future. Given the technology and resource constraints that all organizations are dealing with, these are some practical things to consider as you embark on your Gen AI journey. For now, it’s going to be messy, and that’s okay. Seize this opportunity to elevate your role as a content professional in your organization.    <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:30.46%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/11/cms-summit-25.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-summit-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">CMS Summit 25</a></h4>May 13-14, 2025 – Frankfurt, GermanyDon't miss the first European edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community! CMS Summit 25 will bring together top-notch speakers, our renowned learning format, and engaging social events. Hear from leading practitioners like Deutsche Bahn, Dr. Oetker, and more – and join customers, agencies, and CMS vendors as we discuss current trends and what's ahead for the content and digital experience fields. Connect and network at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference focused on CMS. Space is limited for this exclusive event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">so book your seats today.</a> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

Michael Spenceley of J&J shares 3 things content pros should focus on as Gen AI takes center stage.

Run your apps, host your sites

Run your apps and host your sites with Google Cloud Platform

<hr /> If screen legend Eric Roberts is sometimes known as the “Busiest Actor in Hollywood” (he's racked up over 700 credits in film and TV), then <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://agilitycms.com/">Agility CMS</a> CTO <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/playing-to-win-in-the-headless-cms-game-interview-with-joel-varty-cto-at-agility">Joel Varty</a> has a valid claim as “The Busiest Man in the CMS industry.”Seriously. This year, Joel has released comprehensive video playlists on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/vartys-videos-a-ctos-take-on-nextjs">Next.js</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/vartys-videos-all-about-composable">composable content</a>. Now, he’s back to complete the trilogy with this latest YouTube series, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEI81bLU4t-uQbH7IZOLUvShAqKGhTlFA">Next-Level Dev: AI Meets Code</a>. We've got an exclusive wrap on this new edition, and you can watch all the videos below. We've even pulled some of Joel's Oscar-worthy quotes from each installment. Just for fun. So grab your popcorn, put away your DVD copy of Runaway Train, and prepare for a blockbuster knowledge drop. <h3 id="video-1:-building-a-vs-code-component-from-a-screenshot">Video 1: Building a VS Code Component from a Screenshot</h3>This is an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-gathering-of-content-champions-heres-why-cms-connect-25-was-super-in-every-way">award-winning</a> video. Literally.Joel opens with his <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-gathering-of-content-champions-heres-why-cms-connect-25-was-super-in-every-way">CMS Connect 25</a>, CMS Idol-winning demo. Within the Agility <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://agilitycms.com/product/headless-cms">headless CMS</a> platform – and in six swift minutes – Joel shows:<ul><li>How starting in your codebase (instead of the CMS) saves time.</li><li>The way AI assistants like Claude read your existing project patterns and build components to match.</li><li>Why this approach makes hard-to-visualize use cases simple and fast to deliver.</li></ul> Fun Joel quote: “I don’t even know what this is.”<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kh9eU1gWaU">Watch Building a VS Code Component from a Screenshot here</a>:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Kh9eU1gWaU"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/-Kh9eU1gWaU" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3 id="video-2:-can-you-code-ai-with-agility-cms?">Video 2: Can You Code AI with Agility CMS?</h3>Think of this as a longer, code-first expansion of the first video.Joel wires Agility CMS into a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://agilitycms.com/starters/nextjs">Next.js</a> site, starting code-first. He covers what the AI-assisted workflow looks like and why it matters for developer efficiency and editor usability. He also breaks down:<ul><li>Reverse workflows by taking a React component and letting AI convert it into an Agility CMS component without a manual boilerplate.</li><li>Using AI to add elements like dark mode support, consistent container spacing, and scroll-triggered effects.</li><li>Letting AI scaffold so <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://agilitycms.com/product/developers">developers</a> can focus on testing, code reviews, accessibility, and performance.</li></ul> Fun Joel quote: “I’m going to go boom.”<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtq-SgVbP_I\">Watch Can You Code AI with Agility CMS? here</a>:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtq-SgVbP_I"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xtq-SgVbP_I" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3 id="video-3:-oops!-no-dark-mode?-let’s-fix-it-together">Video 3: Oops! No Dark Mode? Let’s Fix it Together</h3>Joel shipped a hero component without dark mode.But fear not! AI to the rescue! Joel uses an AI agent to retrofit the component properly. Not only does he cover what to change, but also why the pattern matters for consistency across the site. He also dives into:<ul><li>Aligning spacing, tones, and dark-mode behavior with existing components.</li><li>Best practices for reviewing diffs and safely accepting changes.</li><li>How to iterate fast and make small manual edits where needed.</li></ul> Fun Joel quote: “It looks like it’s doing a bunch of stuff. Then it undid some stuff.”<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fl7avmXx3k">Watch Oops! No Dark Mode? Let’s Fix it Together here</a>:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5fl7avmXx3k"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5fl7avmXx3k" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3 id="video-4:-watch-me-build-a-carousel-with-ai,-mcp,-and-next.js">Video 4: Watch Me Build a Carousel with AI, MCP, and Next.js</h3>This is a bigger, hands-on video. Joel installs the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/cdejongfiero/agility-cms-mcp-server">Agility MCP (Model Context Protocol) server</a>, explains what MCP is, and shows how a code-first + AI approach accelerates modeling and implementation while maintaining Next.js conventions. You’ll also see:<ul><li>How to go from a simple <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/figma">Figma</a> sketch to a carousel component model and item content model using AI.</li><li>Correct <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/nextjs">Next.js</a> routing and file naming.</li><li>The developer’s job to craft precise AI prompts, review diffs, run tests, and enforce performance.</li></ul> Fun Joel quote: “Here’s my quote, unquote design. I am not a designer.”<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SgX8Yx39YQ">Watch Watch Me Build a Carousel with AI, MCP, and Next.js here</a>:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SgX8Yx39YQ"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7SgX8Yx39YQ" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3 id="video-5:-github-copilot-vs-cursor-vs-claude:-the-ultimate-ai-coding-showdown">Video 5: GitHub Copilot vs Cursor vs Claude: The Ultimate AI Coding Showdown</h3>The last video in the series is the big, winner-take-all battle.Joel compares <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/features/copilot">GitHub Copilot,</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.anthropic.com/claude-code">Claude Code (CLI)</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cursor.com/en">Cursor</a> by adding personalization to a Next.js background hero using Agility CMS. He also covers:<ul><li>The exact fields and list requirements for personalization.</li><li>How this exercise was set up, executed, and validated.</li><li>How developers ensure quality within AI scaffolding.</li></ul>Who takes it? You’ll have to watch. Fun Joel quote: “It’s not working. No, it’s not working. That did not work.”<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tJQC_CHXYY">Watch GitHub Copilot vs Cursor vs Claude: The Ultimate AI Coding Showdown here</a>:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_tJQC_CHXYY"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_tJQC_CHXYY" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3 id="the-post-credits-scene:-the-repeatable-loop">The Post-Credits Scene: The Repeatable Loop</h3>Whether intended or accidental, Joel’s series showcases that AI won’t replace developers. And maybe that’s the point.Each episode in Joel’s series sort of reinforces the same loop:<ol><li>Developers Start: It’s dev intent, through things like prompts, that drive the work. </li><li>AI Scaffolds: It drafts the boring parts.</li><li>Developers Stay Accountable: For things like naming, accessibility, performance, and overall quality.</li></ol>In <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://agilitycms.com/blog/i-taught-a-little-and-learned-a-lot-at-cms-connect-25">Joel’s recap of CMS Connect 25</a>, he pointed out that for AI experimentation, nobody has “cracked the code” on a singular, best way to do it. But in Next Level Dev: AI Meets Code, he may have found a workable formula where dev input and AI output are given equal consideration and craft.We’ll see. Until then, we're looking forward to the next installment of Varty’s Videos. <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="looking-for-guidance-on-agility?-talk-to-an-expert.">Looking for guidance on Agility? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/contact">Talk to an expert.</a></h4><hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

Varty’s Videos: Where AI Meets Code

cms-critic-staff

<hr /> If you think it was hard getting tickets to Hamilton, try scoring seats for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thesavannahbananas.com/team/">Savannah Bananas.</a> Oh, you’ve never heard of them? Let me enlighten you.You see, there’s baseball. And then there’s Banana Ball. They grow on the same tree, but the latter is a completely different kind of fruit. One might say it’s more, well… “a-peeling.” Once called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5RkB7_qNh8">“The Greatest Show in Sports” by ESPN,</a> the Savannah Bananas is easily the most fun you’ll ever have watching America’s favorite pastime. Banana Ball follows its own zany rules, injecting dancing players, acrobatics, and trick plays that challenge the status quo – often bringing fans and spectators into the experience.What made this quirky sport a viral sensation and a big-time brand success? Find out from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/yellowtuxjesse/">Jesse Cole,</a> the owner of Savannah Bananas, at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a>, November 3–5 at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort in Orlando, Florida. In his exclusive keynote, you’ll get the whole “brand banana” and then some. This year’s Symposium also promises a backdrop for upleveling your marketing using AI, data, and content to build experiences that are bona fide home runs.   Before you go bananas over this news, Sitecore has a few more things planned for this year’s Symposium. By the way, early bird ticket pricing ends this week (September 12), so register now at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="http://symposium.sitecore.com/">symposium.sitecore.com </a> <h3 id="loading-the-bases-with-brand-power">Loading the bases with brand power</h3>For Jesse, Banana Ball is the realization of his dream to make baseball livelier and more fun. The Savannah Bananas are often on the road, playing in front of sold-out stadiums to raucous fans who come for the sport, but stay for the batters on stilts and the shortstop’s cartwheels. Or even the musical interludes from the All-American Rejects.As Jesse said during <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hluf-1XUb2k">an interview</a> on a recent edition of 60 Minutes, it started as baseball. “But now,” he said wryly, “let’s just turn it up a little bit.” Jesse’s story is a remarkable one. When his dream of playing professional baseball was sidetracked by injury, he steered into coaching. Along the way, he realized just how bored he was sitting in the dugout – and that’s where the showman bug bit him. He started incorporating choreographed dances and baseline hijinks into the games. He even donned a whacky yellow hat as an homage to PT Barnum. As the famous circus proprietor once said, “Without promotion, something terrible happens: Nothing!” Jesse embodies that belief – and proudly wears his brand out loud every day.“If your owner is dressed up in a yellow tuxedo,” he said, “I think that gives permission to everyone else to not take themselves too seriously. To have fun.”This is a big part of what makes Banana Ball different. It’s not just the dancing umpires or golden capes. It’s the philosophy that drives it all. You'll get a better sense of it from that 60 Minutes package: <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hluf-1XUb2k"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Hluf-1XUb2k" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure> As you can see, Jesse screams authenticity. It’s a rare quality these days, but he’s the real deal – and cares deeply about the fans and community he’s cultivated. Despite the slim odds of actually nailing tickets for a game (there are thousands on the waitlist), the Savannah Bananas are committed to making their family-friendly fun affordable and accessible. And Jesse, a visible brand himself on social media, is always looking for ways to make fans feel like they’re the number one priority.Banana Ball has become a viral sensation, and attendees of this year’s Symposium 2025 will get a taste of it as Jesse Cole delivers the main stage keynote. His disruptive thinking has turned spectators into participants – and in many ways, that reflects Sitecore’s focus on helping brands move beyond transactions to create moments that matter. At Sitecore Symposium 2025, attendees will explore how to apply this ethos to their marketing strategy using AI, data, and content. Like the Savannah Bananas, the right combination of tools and thinking can help build experiences that feel personal, participatory, and even unforgettable. According to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/sitecore-taps-veteran-eric-stine-as-ceo-to-lead-next-phase-of-growth-and-innovation">Sitecore CEO Eric Stine,</a> Jesse has transformed the fan experience by proving that joy and connection can create lasting loyalty. “That same principle applies to every brand represented at Symposium,” he said. “With the scale and speed of AI-driven personalization, companies have the power to translate complex products, large end-markets, or immense amounts of content into meaningful experiences that are both personal and enduring.”<h3 id="explore-the-future-of-ai,-data,-and-content-in-paradise">Explore the future of AI, data, and content in paradise</h3>Symposium 2025 is the second event that Sitecore has held in Orlando this year, starting with its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/roi-explosion-sitecore-xm-cloud-delivers-371-return-on-investment-as-it-powers-the-agentic-future">Sales Kick Off back in July.</a> Orlando is a true “experience economy,” one of many reasons why it’s an ideal backdrop for an event that will attract 1,500 marketers, technologists, and digital leaders from around the globe.It’s also in Florida during the thick of autumn – exactly when the word “paradise” gets tossed into the descriptions. The air will be warm, the palm trees swaying, and the amenities are bountiful at the luxurious Dolphin Hotel. It’s also a stone’s throw away from Disney’s Boardwalk and a short hike to the Epcot theme park. While Jesse Cole is a big draw, Sitecore will also showcase its latest innovations at the event, including its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sitecore.com/partners/marketplace">newly launched App Marketplace,</a> which provides marketers, developers, and agency partners the freedom to build and deploy custom apps on demand using Sitecore’s SDK. When coupled with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/getting-loud-with-xm-cloud-sitecore-reports-100-growth-of-its-ai-powered-cloud-based-cms">XM Cloud,</a> Sitecore’s AI-ready, SaaS-native CMS, the App Marketplace provides dynamic solutions for brands to scale personalization with speed, flexibility, and precision – turning digital spectators into active participants. And XM Cloud continues to establish itself as a game-changer for organizations, delivering a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/roi-explosion-sitecore-xm-cloud-delivers-371-return-on-investment-as-it-powers-the-agentic-future">371% return on investment.</a> At Symposium, attendees will be treated to real-world stories from customers like the American Heart Association, DP World, GoTo Technologies, and WellSpan Health, illustrating how Sitecore is helping organizations transform their digital strategies – not just with tools, but with a mindset shift toward experience-led growth. “Partnering with Sitecore allowed us to move fast and deliver results,” said <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pemahoney/">Peter Mahoney,</a> Chief Commercial Officer at GoTo Technologies. “In a matter of weeks, we consolidated fragmented digital experiences, launched scalable personalization, and introduced innovations like a simplified product selector. As a result, we saw a 78% surge in organic trial conversions, a 200% improvement in lead quality and a projected 60–70% reduction in infrastructure costs. This wasn’t just a redesign – it was a transformation of how we engage, convert, and grow.”<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/masha-rubashkina-70b9361b/">Masha Rubashkina</a>, Managing Director, Global Head of Marketing and Branding at Kroll, also underscored the transformative impacts of XM Cloud on its Kroll.com website. As she said, it was more than just a platform upgrade – it set a new standard for digital excellence. “We have transformed how we present and deliver the firm to our clients, bringing clarity to our capabilities and strengthening our brand through a unified, global digital experience,” she said. “This new platform enables both our teams and our clients to move with greater speed, precision, and relevance – supporting marketing-led growth and reinforcing our position as a trusted advisor worldwide.”<h3 id="see-you-at-sitecore-symposium-2025">See you at Sitecore Symposium 2025</h3>Or Bananaland. Bottom line: we'll be having fun as we explore the future of digital experiences.Symposium is easily one of my favorite events of the year. It’s a chance to learn, connect, and be inspired by the people and projects being built on Sitecore. I'm also eager to hear about the real-world challenges affecting the content management and digital experience industry inside one of the leading ecosystems.Just like last year, I’ll be on the ground at Symposium 2025, connecting with partners, customers, and builders like you from across the Sitecore community. If you <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/sitecore-rocks-and-rolls-in-music-city-the-top-5-tracks-from-symposium-2024">read my analysis</a> from 2024 in Nashville, XM Cloud was already on a roll – and since then, it has continued to be a home run product for Sitecore. We’ll be tracking more of your stories as you share project outcomes and discuss the impacts of AI with Sitecore Stream and other advancements. If you want to join me, early bird pricing ends September 12, so register today at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">symposium.sitecore.com</a> <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="looking-for-guidance-on-sitecore?-talk-to-an-expert.">Looking for guidance on Sitecore? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/contact">Talk to an expert.</a></h4><hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

Batter Up! Sitecore Symposium 2025 Brings Jesse Cole of Savannah Bananas to the Plate 

matt-garrepy

Is content management dead? Contentstack’s Agent OS reimagines new life in the ‘Context Economy'

<hr /> 14 years. It’s a long time by any measure, but vastly more for humans living in a war-torn country under an oppressive dictator. Such were the struggles of the Syrian people under the brutal Assad regime, a tyranny that dates back over half a century. It was all horrific, but the last decade and a half were among the worst years as the country became an unforgiving battlefield.For <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nabeez/">Nabil Orfali</a>, those struggles hold a deeply personal meaning, like a wound in his heart. Syria is his homeland, the place where his journey as a technologist – and a digital dreamer – began.After graduating from Damascus University with a degree in computer science, Nabil spent the first three years of his career working in Syria. The dotcom boom was blossoming, and it was a time of great change as the internet connected the world. It was an exciting moment, and Nabil was at the center of it.“I helped bring web development to the whole country at that time,” he said, reflecting how Syrian businesses and agencies were investing in a new horizon of possibilities. In addition to other novel projects, Nabil built the first online payment system for the country’s first ISP, pioneering digital transactions and nurturing an entirely new industry flush with transformational opportunities. In 2001, Nabil left Syria, watching the chaos spread as then-president Bashar al-Assad grew more bellicose – monopolizing resources, violating human rights, and committing atrocities against his own people. This, among other illegal actions, led to crushing international sanctions that quelled any prospects of growth.In the years that followed, the people of Syria rose up in revolution, fighting a civil war to oust the divisive leader. As Nabil shared, the ensuing battle was replete with tragedy. Thousands died or were imprisoned. Families were broken and displaced. Millions sought safety across borders. It was nothing short of a humanitarian crisis. “Over the last 14 years, the Syrian people have been asking for freedom,” Nabil said. And while he was removed from the warfare and living in Canada, he did what he could to muster assistance from abroad. “My Syrian friends here and in the US were actively trying to help refugees with aid and supporting projects to help during that hard period.”One of the early projects that Nabil spearheaded was the creation of a workshop in Turkey, explicitly designed for Syrian women. The neighboring country had become a host for refugees, and this charitable vestibule provided a lifeline of self-sufficiency that taught practical crafts like crocheting, woodworking, and other trades. Equipped with these skills, Syrian women were able to build toys and produce children’s clothing to enrich their communities during the bitter winters. Local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) also purchased the wares, providing opportunities for families to earn a living. The workshop ended up employing around 190 families and became a shining beacon of hope. <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="-"> </h4><h4 style="text-align:center" id="“i’ve-been-in-technology-for-my-whole-career,-and-my-friends-as-well.-so-we-got-together,-around-ten-or-eleven-of-us,-from-across-the-globe.-places-like-the-uk,-germany,-the-us,-and-canada.-we-wanted-to-help-in-a-bigger-way.”">“I’ve been in technology for my whole career, and my friends as well. So we got together, around ten or eleven of us, from across the globe. Places like the UK, Germany, the US, and Canada. We wanted to help in a bigger way.”</h4> <hr /> In 2024, Syrian rebels launched a lightning offensive across the country, recapturing occupied cities like Aleppo – where some of the most violent fighting had happened. In the wake of liberation, the door opened to hope and jubilation. Some of the sanctions were lifted, and a fledgling new government went to work rebuilding the country.Many communities were in ruins after 14 years of conflict. As you can imagine, rebuilding will be a decades-long venture, with a core focus on repairing essential infrastructure like access to stable power and clean water. But the technology and communications infrastructure also require serious mending – and that’s where Nabil and his colleagues have been chiefly focused. “I’ve been in technology for my whole career, and my friends as well,” he said. “So we got together, around ten or eleven of us, from across the globe. Places like the UK, Germany, the US, and Canada. We wanted to help in a bigger way.”That led to the creation of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://14.digital/about-us/">14.Digital, </a>an NGO dedicated to revitalizing Syria's digital infrastructure through innovative and agile solutions. The members are uniquely skilled and qualified technology practitioners who are committed to rebuilding a nation that has endured decades of turmoil. The organization’s name is both an optimistic prompt and a stark tribute to Syria’s 14 years of revolution. It’s also a reminder of its deep sacrifices in the long journey to freedom – and, perhaps, the struggle that lies ahead.<h3 id="pairing-advanced-technology-with-global-values">Pairing advanced technology with global values</h3>I didn’t know the full extent of Nabil’s origin story. We see each other regularly at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">Boye &amp; Company CMS Experts events,</a> where he’s a constant beam of knowledge for our community. He has a deeply proven pedigree as a content management and DXP practitioner, with multiple Sitecore MVPs under his belt. What I did know about him was his successful track record as a builder and his penchant for restless creation. His company, Toronto-based <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.techguilds.com/">TechGuilds,</a> has been his sandbox for innovation, evolving to deliver quality solutions that encompass CRM, commerce, and other facets of digital experience. He's also the father of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/kajoo">Kajoo</a>, an AI-powered DX builder that accelerates front-end development for composable platforms, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/sitecore">Sitecore’s XM Cloud,</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/optimizely">Optimizely,</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/kontentai">Kontent.ai.</a> Like its name, Kajoo conjures a sense of wonder and whimsy, and watching it ingest a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/figma">Figma</a> prototype and convert it to clean, efficient code is nothing short of inspiring.Given Nabil’s flair for innovation – coupled with his innate drive and determination – it’s not surprising that he’s confronted the Syrian crisis with a bold sense of compassion. 14.Digital crystallizes that heart-led mission, and it’s already making an impact with projects on multiple fronts. There’s a big vision guiding everything, but as Nabil said, the post-war conditions are still being felt in the lack of general stability. As such, they have their work cut out for them.“The goal is to advance the digital maturity of the whole country,” he said. “They have very, very rudimentary resources. There are frequent electrical outages, with power coming only a few times a day. It’s improving, and people are getting creative with solar panels and batteries.”That resourcefulness is a credit to the Syrian people, who have lived under austerity for decades. This is why a key part of 14.Digital’s charter is to reinforce human rights and democratic values as it implements national and community-based projects. The organization is acting responsibly and transparently in its practices, and committing to generosity, collaboration, and respect across its operations. 14.Digital also champions equality, equity, and freedom of expression, striving for the open exchange of ideas and opinions. This is a stark contrast to decades of oppression. It's also a covenant of hope as Syrians look to build a resilient and thriving nation.  <h3 id="pioneering-a-sustainable-digital-infrastructure-to-power-the-future">Pioneering a sustainable digital infrastructure to power the future</h3>To enable local residents and communities to achieve greater independence, 14.Digital is working to address the challenges stemming from limited or underdeveloped infrastructure and, where possible, enhancing the technological footprint. Registered in both Syria and Canada, the organization’s team is comprised of skilled professionals from diverse backgrounds who are keenly focused on digital infrastructure development and community support.In terms of discrete services, 14.Digital provides a range of software design and development resources for creating and deploying custom solutions. This includes the architecting of secure, scalable digital and cloud infrastructure solutions to meet a variety of business goals. The team also provides physical and cybersecurity measures, network design, and even artificial intelligence services to deliver enhanced automation and efficiency. Training is another component of 14.Digital's mission. The civil war created a significant knowledge gap for Syria’s youth, with academic facilities shuttered and students left in limbo. Creating opportunities for Syrian-based technology and workers is a key area of focus, and one of the projects Nabil described was a partnership with Syrian university faculty to mentor students in computer science and conduct workshops on modern topics. “We're training in different digital areas, from web development to AI,” he explained. And it hasn’t stopped there. Nabil said that 14.Digital is also assisting with a host of cybersecurity initiatives, providing audits to government agency websites. After the fall of the previous regime, there's been a precipitous rise in hacking, leading to deeper audits and remediations. This has all proven difficult given that the country is working without solid data centers as part of its digital infrastructure.There’s also been a big push surrounding modernization across public agencies. One of the biggest projects Nabil and 14.Digital have proposed is to implement a secure core solution to power e-government services. “Civil records were largely paper-based, and a lot of them were damaged during the war,” he said. “If you don't have those records, you can’t provide healthcare properly, or conduct elections, or even confirm the identity of the citizen. So from that perspective, we proposed a project to provide digital identity to all government agencies for issuing IDs, driver's licenses, even passports down the road. But we’re going to build that core of digital identity in a very secure way.”Nabil said the project went through a period of deep study and research, which ultimately provided the budget to build multiple data centers with high redundancy in two different locations. It will be a massive undertaking, and likely take two or three years to complete, but they’ve already received millions in funding from outside donors. Nabil is optimistic that an approval will happen in the coming months, and they can break ground in the near term.<h3 id="healing-the-scars-with-hope">Healing the scars with hope</h3>In many ways, Syria is a diamond waiting to be polished. It has seen unspeakable horrors over the last 14 years, but its people have persevered. Now, they’re eager to restore its beauty – so it can shine brilliantly once more.Despite the regime's fall, the future of Syria remains uncertain. There are still fears of new conflicts between various non-state-affiliated groups, including ideologically driven factions. Millions are still in need of basic humanitarian assistance, and many remain outside the country as victims of displacement. But the enthusiasm for the future is palpable. And while there are many critical issues to solve, improving processes with digital technology could significantly accelerate the overall recovery. As Nabil shared, one of the biggest tragedies has been the loss of a generation of talent, and having access to stable power and internet services could enable students to gain ground through remote learning and improve their future prospects.“The thing they need most right now, in my opinion, is almost a rehabilitation of skill sets,” he explained. “Not just hard skills or technical skills, but also soft skills like language. A lot of these kids, they've been out of school for five years, ten years in some cases. It’s so sad. NGOs have created schools and there’s some tutoring available, but I would love to see us coming in from the digital and technology perspective to up level their skills to make their lives better. And in turn, they can make their country better.”As someone who has personally volunteered time, money, and technology resources to support the Special Olympics and other NPOs, I am moved and motivated by Nabil’s efforts. While many of us endeavor to give back in our own way, he is facing down a mammoth crisis. Most of us can’t even imagine what his country has been through or the trauma the war has left behind.In light of this, he remains incurably optimistic. This is a testament to his belief in technology's ability to make an impact, and illustrates the propensity for digital not to divide us – but connect us. “With all the difficulties that the Syrian people are still facing, you can see this amazing energy,” he said glowingly. “People are going to the streets, cleaning and repairing things, making the country look better. Doing anything they can within their means to help. All of a sudden, they feel that the country belongs to them. So you see all these little projects with groups of people just taking action. When I see that, I feel like I have a duty to help make their lives easier.”Wounds heal, but scars remain. They remind us of what's been lost. But they also tell a story about survival – and perhaps, with the help of others, they can symbolize a moment when everything changed. For the better. Bravo, 14.Digital. I hope the next 14 years will bring the peace and prosperity Syrians deserve. <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

In the Scars of Syria, 14.Digital is Revitalizing Digital Infrastructure and Healing the Future

<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/andycohen">Andy Cohen</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/deane"> </a>is the founding architect of Sitecore XM Cloud. He is VP/Chief Architect at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.altudo.co/">Altudo</a>, and a CMS Critic contributor. <hr /> When people talk about personalization, they often mean “the right content to the right person at the right time.” That idea is now past tense.I have watched this shift play out up close, from <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/sitecore">Sitecore’s</a> early rules-based personalization, through <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/contentstack">Contentstack’s</a> use of edge-based personalization in a composable architecture, to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/optimizely">Optimizely’s</a> launch of Opal, a system of marketing AI agents. Personalization no longer stops at swapping content on a page. It now reaches into the interaction itself, and soon, into the relationships agents form with one another.<h3 id="when-agents-adapt-to-us">When Agents Adapt to Us</h3>That shift, from “what” to “how,” is where the major CMS players are already moving, and you can see it in the different bets they're making:<ul><li>Contentstack has put its weight behind <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/livin-on-the-edge-contentstacks-new-adaptive-dxp-might-just-rock-your-world">EDGE</a>, which they call a hyper-personalization platform. It blends their headless CMS with a real-time CDP, AI, and automation. The goal is simple but ambitious: deliver one-to-one experiences in the moment and at scale. Because it is composable, brands can adapt interactions without locking themselves into rigid patterns. What strikes me about EDGE is that it reframes personalization as something continuous, not a campaign you set and forget.</li><li>Optimizely has taken another route with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/optimizely-opal-gets-supercharged-for-agentic-ai-powering-infinite-use-cases-for-marketers">Opal</a>. Instead of a single assistant, Opal is built as a collection of agents that act like members of a marketing team. There is a campaign manager agent, a personalization advisor, a market researcher, and more. With the 2.0 release, Optimizely put the emphasis on letting these agents collaborate and run multi-step workflows across content, data, and experimentation. I have seen teams spend weeks coordinating those same steps manually. Opal hints at a world where marketing execution is handled by an ensemble of digital teammates who can plan, act, and adjust together.</li><li>Sitecore has focused on bringing assistance directly into daily work. Through <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.sitecore.com/products/sitecore-stream">Stream</a>, they have introduced AI copilots that support authors and marketers in real time as they draft and optimize campaigns. On top of that, Sitecore’s partnership with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/sitecore-sharpens-ai-focus-with-strategic-partnership-and-new-leadership-appointments">Gradial</a> shows how agentic workflows can extend into campaign execution. It is not just about smarter editors or quicker drafts. It is about agents that can carry intent through to delivery and adapt along the way. For a company that has lived for years in the world of static content publishing, that is a meaningful step forward.</li></ul>None of these approaches feels like a gimmick.They are different answers to the same problem: personalization is no longer about what content you are shown, it is about how the interaction unfolds. Whether that happens through hyper-personalization at the edge, through orchestrated marketing agents, or via copilots and execution partners, the shift is real and already in motion.<h3 id="what-nondeterminism-really-means">What Nondeterminism Really Means</h3>Most software behaves like math: 2 + 2 always equals 4. Generative AI does not. Ask it to draft a thank-you note and you will get three different answers, all plausible, none identical. That variability is what we call nondeterminism.It is the very thing that makes AI feel creative, but also the reason it needs personalization to stay useful. As <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://parivedasolutions.com/perspectives/managing-the-non-deterministic-nature-of-generative-ai/">Pariveda Solutions points out</a>, nondeterminism is what makes AI flexible and creative, but it also introduces governance challenges that remain unresolved. In my own work with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/getting-loud-with-xm-cloud-sitecore-reports-100-growth-of-its-ai-powered-cloud-based-cms">XM Cloud,</a> I have seen how unpredictable outcomes can be a feature if the system adapts well – and a liability if it does not.<h3 id="when-agents-adapt-to-each-other">When Agents Adapt to Each Other</h3>The next frontier is agents adapting not just to us but to each other. Nondeterminism multiplies when two autonomous systems interact. They need ways to converge on workable outcomes.Sometimes that looks like adjusting communication style, where one agent is structured and terse, another free-form and verbose. Sometimes, it means learning to accept differences in task style, such as fast approximation versus cautious step-by-step reasoning. Other times it's about role negotiation: who leads, who validates, who escalates.And sometimes it is memory. Agents do not just adapt in the moment; they remember. That memory can look like a grudge. A search agent that hallucinated last time will get fact-checked the next. A procurement agent that botched a deal may face stricter oversight. Even first impressions stick. If an agent’s very first hand-off is sloppy, the other agent may never fully trust it, no matter how good the later work becomes.Humans behave the same way. In corporate life, one bad kickoff meeting can color a partnership for months. Agents will carry those patterns too.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.deepset.ai/blog/ai-agents-and-deterministic-workflows-a-spectrum"> Deepset calls this the “spectrum of determinism to nondeterminism</a>.” I call it relationship management.<h3 id="everyday-illustrations">Everyday Illustrations</h3>Picture a grocery agent told to buy apples if they are $0.99 a pound. A deterministic system comes back empty because they are $1.09. An adaptive one checks with you, “They are a little higher today. Should I buy anyway?” That is useful, until the store’s own agent learns to nudge yours into paying even more.Or ride-hailing. You set a $20 target. The price surges to $23. Do you want your agent to decline, wait, or decide on its own? What happens when the ride-share’s agent starts upselling yours into priority pickup at $28?Or travel. You say, “Book me a flight under $500.” The system finds none. A flexible agent returns with, “There is one at $525 with better times. Should I grab it?” Helpful, but it shows how quickly rules can bend.In the enterprise, this gets thornier. Procurement policies might cap software licenses at $50 per seat. A deterministic agent halts the deal. A personalized one negotiates to $55 and closes it. That looks like a win until you realize the vendor’s agent deliberately anchored higher, knowing yours would flex upward.Healthcare raises the stakes even more. You ask for an appointment with your doctor next week. A rigid agent says none available. A personalized one offers a nurse practitioner tomorrow or a specialist in two weeks. That looks like a better experience, but it could also push you toward higher-margin services instead of the care you really wanted.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.salesforce.com/blog/deterministic-ai/">Salesforce has written about this exact problem</a> of when to script agents tightly and when to let them roam. I see it every day in delivery projects. Too rigid and you frustrate users. Too loose and you open the door to manipulation.<h3 id="agents-that-carry-“you”-with-them">Agents That Carry “You” With Them</h3>Now push it further. Imagine your agent not only executes tasks but carries your personality footprint into every interaction. If you are cost-sensitive, it pushes harder. If you are time-poor, it pays more for speed. If you are detail-driven, it double-checks everything.What if you could swap personas entirely?<ul><li>"Frugal Andy" does the grocery shopping</li><li>"Executive Andy" books the flights</li><li>"Playful Andy" explores games and hobbies.</li></ul>Your agent would not only personalize to you. It would personalize as you.But there is risk in this. If the other agent knows who you are or which persona you are using, it can adapt back. That can be powerful when aligned with your goals, but it can also be exploited. Imagine a vendor agent that recognizes executive mode and steers you toward premium packages.This is not hypothetical. Optimizely’s Opal agents already act like different team members depending on context. Contentstack’s Brand Kit lets you define voice profiles and store guidelines so that every AI-generated artifact reflects your identity. Sitecore’s Stream copilots are designed to guide content creators in real time, aligning their work with brand and role expectations.These are early signals of a future where agents carry pieces of us, including quirks, preferences, and even biases, into every exchange.<h3 id="why-this-matters">Why This Matters</h3>This is why nondeterminism is not a flaw but the feature. Deterministic systems did not need personalization. There was only one output. Nondeterministic systems can go in many directions, and personalization is what prevents chaos.The best metaphor I know is jazz. Musicians improvising do not know exactly where the others will go. They adapt, they respond, they personalize their playing to the group. The music works not because it is scripted but because the players trust each other enough to bend and flex.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/quantumblack/our-insights/seizing-the-agentic-ai-advantage">McKinsey has argued</a> that this adaptability is the defining advantage of agentic AI. From what I have seen in publishing systems, SaaS cost optimization, and large-scale CMS migrations, I agree. The resilience comes not from rigid plans but from the ability to adapt in context.<h3 id="what-leaders-should-prepare-for">What Leaders Should Prepare For</h3>Leaders should focus on their readiness in key areas. For example, trust frameworks must extend beyond human-agent interactions into agent-to-agent ecosystems. Standards cannot stay as fixed APIs; they need flexibility built in. Identity management has to protect personality profiles and alter egos from misuse. And agents must be able to remember not just what they did for us, but how they worked with others.<h3 id="the-future-of-personalization">The Future of Personalization</h3>Personalization started with content. It evolved into experiences. Now, it is moving into interactions – first with humans and then with other agents.If we get this right, nondeterminism will not be something to suppress. It will be the source of resilience, adaptability, and creativity. The companies that thrive will not just personalize their websites. They will personalize their agents. Those agents will adapt to us, and to each other, in ways that reflect who we are or even who we choose to be.And like humans, they will remember. First impressions will matter. Grudges may form. And relationships between agents will start to look a lot like relationships between people. <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

Agent-to-Agent Personalization: Trust, First Impressions, and the 'Grudge' Factor

andycohen

Big Bang ROI: Sitecore XM Cloud Delivers 371% Return on Investment as it Powers the Agentic Future

<hr /> Agencies and CMS platforms have long forged go-to-market partnerships to power channel opportunities. Recently, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/strapi">Strapi</a>, an open source headless CMS, formalized its collaboration with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://9ea41cec.streaklinks.com/CjocxQwZmb4zhUxDAgRF8o7i/https%3A%2F%2Falloycrew.com%2F">Alloy</a> – a premier agency specializing in precision storytelling and experiences for imaginative tech brands.According to Alloy's press release, its partnership with the headless content management system will give brands the power to create modern websites with a tech-stack-agnostic solution. The open source nature of the platform, in stark contrast to many closed headless CMS platforms – along with both its managed and self-hosted options – were key factors driving Alloy's excitement around the partnership. “We’re thrilled to welcome Alloy into the Strapi Partner Program,” said <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://9ea41cec.streaklinks.com/CjocxQwKSuOqgvDqfAOmQkmZ/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fmarkaraymond%2F">Mark Raymond</a>, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Strapi. “Their proven expertise, professionalism, and presence in the U.S. market make them an ideal partner as we expand our footprint in North America. Together, we’ll empower brands to create data-rich, scalable digital experiences built on the flexibility of Strapi’s open-source CMS.”<h3 id="building-demand-in-a-competitive-headless-cms-market">Building demand in a competitive headless CMS market</h3>Founded in 2015, Strapi gives developers the freedom to use their favorite tools and frameworks while allowing editors to easily manage their content and distribute it anywhere. Companies of all sizes have built their websites and apps with Strapi, including Apple, Adidas, Walmart, JP Morgan Chase &amp; Co., and Carvana, among thousands of others. As of this year, the platform had reeled in over 66,000 GitHub stars, amassed thousands of contributors, and topped over 50 million downloads – making it the most popular open source headless CMS on the market. They’ve also secured $45 million in funding along the way.Strapi combines a dynamic content editing experience with a solid underlying system for managing structured data. This makes it a solid choice for both marketing teams who need to easily manage content and developers who need a robust system that can handle different types of relational data. We've previously spoken with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-burgy-strapi-88671673/">co-founder and CEO Pierre Burgy</a> about Strapi's roadmap and how the platform is bringing together the best of all worlds for marketers and developers. At the same time, the company was founded by coders, and has cultivated a strong relationship and preference around its technical heritage.Strapi continues to build momentum around its ecosystem, including its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://strapi.io/cloud">Strapi Cloud</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://market.strapi.io/">Strapi Market,</a> which expand its breadth of offerings. The company is also touting its API creation, content modeling, and delivery capabilities. It also offers an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://strapi.io/partners">extensive list </a>of enterprise, business, and community partners in its ecosystem, specializing in everything from application development to AI.<h3 id="about-alloy">About Alloy</h3>Alloy is an integrated marketing agency that specializes in designing and building websites and products that merge elegance with cutting-edge technology. They work with customers in the Americas, Europe, and the Middle East, and the firm’s deep expertise in creating marketing strategies, platforms, ecosystems, multichannel campaigns and much more help imaginative brands engage with buyers, shape public opinion, build lasting influence and grow market share. "Strapi's open-source platform is a game-changer for our clients who want to own their technology stack," said <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://9ea41cec.streaklinks.com/CjocxQwsLK6WvlajYwr5GXhB/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Frogerfpeters%2F">Roger Peters</a>, VP of Technology at Alloy. “This partnership is all about giving clients the freedom to build and scale with a flexible, API-first CMS that integrates seamlessly and reduces the risk of vendor lock-in. We're excited to architect dynamic solutions for our clients that future-proof their brand for whatever comes next.”Since 2012, Alloy has been named a 10-time Best Place to Work, Technology Agency of the Year, and Fastest Growing Agency, and has been celebrated for Best Use of Measurement and Data. <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

Strapi Launches Strategic Partnership with Alloy to Deliver Scalable, Data-Powered Digital Experiences

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Put on a happy CMS face: Storyblok's facial coding experiment reveals how AI is sparking joy 

<hr /> I’ve been following <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/amplitude">Amplitude</a> for several years, specifically throughout this promising (if not tumultuous) period of AI disruption. The company has continuously pedaled the innovation wheels, exploring new ways to improve insights for marketers and brands as the digital world furiously changes around us. For example, we covered the introduction of its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/replay-it-again-sam-amplitudes-session-replay-everywhere-rocks-with-analytics-visualizations">Session Replay Everywhere</a> earlier this year, which expands on the company’s initial launch <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/amplitude-expands-platform-capabilities-with-session-replay-and-simplified-pricing">in 2023</a>. This new approach incorporates the replay feature into every workflow to capture broader user engagement, minus the labor-intensive setup and rigid event taxonomies.Bridging this gap between qualitative and quantitative understanding is a powerful salve to what I call The Analytics Blues. It enables marketers to diagnose product issues, improve conversions, identify UX behaviors, innovate faster, and generally build better digital experiences.Experimentation is critical for marketers, and time is always the enemy. They simply can’t afford to wait weeks (or longer) to test an idea. Experimentation is the lifeblood of optimization, and when you run fewer tests, you get fewer learnings – and, ultimately, fewer conversions.In most cases, the holdup rests with the tooling. Many legacy experimentation platforms struggle with visual editors that break when used on modern sites, and marketers can’t address the fixes themselves. That means filing a ticket, waiting for engineering, and praying that the page doesn’t break once their changes go live. All these delays can impact a campaign’s effectiveness. And even when a test is finally running properly, the resulting metrics aren’t always useful.Tests need to work. And they need to be simple. Last year, Amplitude endeavored to solve these problems with its novel <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://amplitude.com/web-experimentation">Web Experimentation</a> solution, and the company says that marketing and growth teams using the service have realized strong gains in testing velocity and conversion optimization. I’ve seen it in action, and there’s real value for marketers.That said, Amplitude has been listening to its customers and evolving the platform’s capabilities. This week, they announced a major update of Web Experimentation, including four new features designed to help marketers and growth teams do more. These features – drag-and-drop visual editing, control variant editing, group cohort targeting, and out-of-the-box widgets – show great promise. And according to Amplitude, users could test three times faster and build with greater autonomy via these enhancements.As part of this announcement, Amplitude is also teasing the launch of its own <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://amplitude.com/ai">AI Agents,</a> which will give marketers and web PMs some slick capabilities like auto-generating experiment ideas based on conversion trends or drop-off points, or draft variant copy and layouts based on behavioral data.  <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:30.19%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/image-1756482273106.png" alt="A person smiling at the camera

AI-generated content may be incorrect." /></figure>Nithya Rajendran, Principal Product Manager, Amplitude I connected with Amplitude’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nithya-r-2a72794/">Nithya Rajendran,</a> a project manager working on the Web Experimentation and AI initiatives, about the frontier of Amplitude’s agentic investment. She provided some insight on what kinds of functionality we can expect and the benefits. “Our Agents work in parallel with teams to tackle essential but tedious activities like monitoring data, spotting patterns and changes, watching user sessions, forming hypotheses, running experiments, shipping changes, and monitoring impact,” Rajendran said. “Our AI Agents are built directly into the platform to help automate these tasks, meaning work that used to take weeks can now take minutes."<h3 id="giving-marketers-more-control-for-expanded-use-cases-">Giving marketers more control for expanded use cases </h3>Marketers are dealing with a lot these days. With dozens of tools to balance in their expanding toolkit – not to mention the diminishing realities of search traffic and the advent of GEO – they need enhanced observability and better analytics to manage the chaos. And when it comes to testing, they need to reduce the friction to make the juice worth the squeeze.Amplitude Web Experimentation has always been geared towards helping marketers run faster, easier, and more impactful tests, so they can optimize and improve their outcomes. With this major update and new features, it promises to deliver marketing and growth teams with more power for building and running experiments in a truly self-service motion – giving them the control they need to be successful. As the company stated in its press release, there are four new features in Web Experimentation. The first is the ability to rearrange elements with true drag-and-drop editing, where you can shift a headline from below a form to above it in seconds. We take these things for granted in CMS and DXP ecosystems, but having an easy-to-use visual editor at the testing level has been elusive. Now, with Web Experimentation, you can move page components around visually instead of relying on an engineering team to do the heavy lifting. With its new out-of-the-box widgets, Web Experimentation now supports more test types. This means simplifying the time and complexity involved with adding banners, CTAs, or pop-ups without custom code.With freshly added group cohorting capabilities, you can target by account, allowing B2B teams to personalize experiments for specific companies or account lists. You can also edit control variants directly, allowing you to update your “default” experience without waiting for developers to push changes.<h3 id="a-seamless-add-on-for-cms-and-dxp-platforms">A seamless add-on for CMS and DXP platforms</h3>Web Experimentation’s new features are designed to give marketing and web PMs a much faster and streamlined pathway to testing. It’s also CMS agnostic, making it much more extensible and easier for organizations to onboard. “It works anywhere you can add a simple script tag, whether that is a traditional CMS or a headless CMS,” Rajendran said. “Once the script is installed, marketers can use a no-code, drag-and-drop Visual Editor to launch experiments directly on their site without developer support.”Amplitude also offers official plugins for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://c67dcd9a.streaklinks.com/CjlzcGqbWy6jkUcbTQdlL3tq/https%3A%2F%2Famplitude.com%2Fdocs%2Fdata%2Famplitude-wordpress-plugin">WordPress</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://c67dcd9a.streaklinks.com/CjlzcGuKCuDX0DOR4QDezJ9N/https%3A%2F%2Famplitude.com%2Fdocs%2Fdata%2Famplitude-shopify-plugin"> and Shopify</a> that make it easy to install Web Experimentation – along with other solutions like Analytics and Session Replay – with minimal setup.Amplitude has also cozied up with the customer data layers across stacks, all the way down to the warehouse layer, where it offers self-service analytics capabilities. As Nithya explained, this connection to CDPs also enhances the overall flow. “Because Amplitude also integrates with CDPs like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/twilio-acquires-segment-for-3-2b-adds-market-leading-cdp-for-building-data-driven-apps">Segment</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tealium.com/">Tealium</a>, experiments are tied to consistent customer data that already flows through the rest of the stack,” she said.From a feedback perspective, Amplitude is touting its success with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://crometrics.com/">Cro Metrics</a>, where its drag-and-drop editor is having a notable impact. According to Co-CEO <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gwen-hammes/">Gwen Hammes</a>, it’s giving Cro Metrics a new level of agility for its clients, allowing them to spin up high-impact experiments like banners and modals within their marketing and product teams – so they can move from concept to customer faster than ever.“That’s the sweet spot,” Hammes said. “Empowering our clients to iterate quickly to see measurable lift, while freeing up their valuable time for us to collaborate on larger strategic initiatives and integrate test learnings cross-functionally for even greater impact.”<h3 id="amplitude-ai-agents-are-entering-the-stack-">Amplitude AI Agents are entering the stack </h3>As I mentioned, this update also framed Amplitude’s foray onto the agentic AI scene, where we’re likely to see a great deal of automation surrounding various use cases. Analytics is one area where AI is already demonstrating its immense value to glean meaningful insights from large data sets and provide more actionable intelligence. I suspect we’ll see that value translated here. I’ve been watching a lot of demos from vendors in different categories, and the use cases for agentic AI and the harnessing of MCP are yielding some spectacular results. According to Amplitude, we’ll see their applications come to life this fall, with the foundation being laid through these Web Experimentation updates. When put to work, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://amplitude.com/blog/ai-agents?siteLocation=ai-agents-spotlight-cards">Amplitude’s AI Agents </a>will take testing velocity to new levels, simplifying tasks and reducing workloads that used to take weeks into hours. While it’s still early days, Amplitude said its agents will have a huge impact on a myriad of functions, like autonomously prioritizing tests that are most likely to drive lift or interpreting results and automatically recommending actions. AI agents can also assist with some of the more “nefarious” challenges that exist in a flow, like creating better checkout experiences to reduce abandoned carts or improving products by driving users toward their preferred behaviors (think signups or upsells). <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:85.66%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/image-1756482272869.png" alt="A screenshot of a computer

AI-generated content may be incorrect." /></figure>Source: Amplitude website Here’s where the connection to Web Experimentation comes in: Because these AI agents are built into the broader Amplitude platform, AI Agents won’t just analyze experiments in isolation – they’ll learn from the same analytics, session replays, and surveys you do, and act on them instantly. And the new drag-and-drop editor, widgets, and control features represent three critical channels that Amplitude's AI Agents will use on your behalf.Amplitude has also worked to make these agents as accessible as possible to marketing teams across all skill levels by harnessing a natural language interface. “While marketers will benefit from huge time-savings, they still stay in control,” Rajendran said. “They decide the level of autonomy their Agents have, and as they build trust, they can adjust these guardrails. So that means you can rely on an Agent to recommend content variants, but a marketer approves them before an experiment is rolled out. After the experiment runs, an Agent will analyze the results and recommend next steps, but a marketer makes the final call."<h3 id="pricing">Pricing</h3>Amplitude <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/amplitude-expands-platform-capabilities-with-session-replay-and-simplified-pricing">introduced simplified pricing</a> early last year as part of its Sesson Replay launch, and there’s some decent guidance on their website. I like the inclusion of a free tier as a “jumping off” point, and the Plus plan starts at $49/month for 300K MTUs.Those dreaded MTUs. This is where the challenges exist, and hence why Amplitude offers a Growth tier with custom volumes. But all of its plans feature Web Experimentation, and hence, a gateway for experiencing these new features at any level. You can explore the full breadth of the packages on their <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://amplitude.com/pricing">pricing page. </a>According to Rajendran, there aren’t any pricing details for the Amplitude AI Agents as of yet. In her words, the company is focused on enhancing the overall experience for customers and not monetizing the capabilities.<h3 id="the-verdict">The verdict</h3>Amplitude continues to establish its leadership through innovation, and these new features are aimed at giving marketers even greater control over their experimentation and testing, and that’s a win. Doing it faster – and with stable tools – is the name of the game, and Amplitude is delivering on that front with its easy drag-and-drop capabilities and out-of-the-box widgets.Based on preliminary positioning, the roadmap for Amplitude’s AI Agents looks exciting. Data and analytics are prime real estate for converting value around agentic investments, and the gains in automation could be significant. We’ll have to monitor feedback once we see them in play and assess how these capabilities measure up to other competitive AI enhancements across the stack. There are already AI agents farming analytics from platforms like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://beam.ai/integrations/mixpanel">Mixpanel</a> to enhance operations efficiency and strategic growth. It’s worth a few demos and some homework on the AI roadmaps as you evaluate options, but Amplitude has a clear vision – and they’re executing for success.  <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

Amplitude’s New Web Experimentation Upgrade Gives Marketers 3x Faster Testing and More Control

<hr /> At <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-deep-dish-on-composable-6-tasty-takeaways-from-the-mach-alliances-2025-conference">“The Composable Conference” </a>this past April, AI was undeniably the central focus for the MACH Alliance community and the market at large. Agentic commerce was just starting to boil, and brands were lining up to talk about their plans to harness agents to do their bidding.At the event, I spoke with the Alliance’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-future-is-composable-a-conversation-with-new-mach-alliance-president-casper-rasmussen">Casper Rasmussen</a> (who recently announced he is stepping down as president) about all the hubbub. In a quiet moment, he reflected on the tidal wave of innovation he was shepherding at <a href="linkedin.com/in/casper-aagaard-rasmussen/">Valtech</a>, where he serves as Group Chief Transformation Officer. That's a cool title, BTW. I’ve seen some of their AI-powered handiwork, courtesy of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-abraham-0b6212/">Allison Abraham</a> – the agency’s SVP of North American ops. During her demo of Valtech’s AI Concierge for Lexus Europe, there were some jaw-dropping moments. Yeah, this AI stuff – it’s amazing. And to Casper’s point, the use cases keep getting better. That’s not to say there aren’t problems with AI. Some big ones, even. While some organizations are unlocking real value from their investments, others are staring down the reality that it’s just not paying off. If we’re being honest, a lot of those failed attempts have been due to a tempest of irrational exuberance, which often leads to poor planning and reactionary missteps. This is where vision and leadership are key – especially as we usher in the third wave of AI and the agent revolution. As agentic AI reshapes the business landscape, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/accenture-song-brings-its-composable-commerce-music-to-the-mach-alliance-heres-why-it-matters">MACH Alliance</a> has announced that its role is evolving to meet the swelling AI imperative. It will expand its charter to focus on the goal of unlocking trusted, agent-to-agent ecosystems that drive innovation and collaboration, while continuing to uphold the central tenets of MACH.So what does this repositioning really mean? Here’s a breakdown. <h3 id="aligning-with-an-ai-centric-technology-landscape">Aligning with an AI-centric technology landscape</h3>One of the biggest challenges with AI is guidance, and enterprises are on the prowl for it. I know, because I've spoken to many brands about their AI strategies, and there's no limit to their ambitions – or their anxieties. They need help.To that end, the MACH Alliance has already established its position as a trusted industry authority, and expanding its charter into the realm of AI is logical, particularly given the depth of adoption across its membership community. By enabling transformation through open, connected, and composable architectures, they have many of the essential ingredients to bridge vision with real-world implementation.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-aims-to-evolve-enterprise-ai-architecture-with-new-end-user-leadership-model">I recently wrote</a> about the Alliance’s intentional shift to an end-user leadership model, which seems to reflect a call for greater democratization from the top down. This will diversify the leadership structure and infuse real-world talent to help navigate the narrow harbors of successful AI execution. From a support perspective, this further reinforces the actionable tools the Alliance has been curating, specifically with the development of its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-new-game-for-interoperability-heres-why-the-mach-alliances-open-data-model-is-a-winner">Open Data Model</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-launches-new-mach-ai-exchange-to-help-enterprises-streamline-ai-adoption">MACH AI Exchange. </a>According to the Alliance, this move is a “refreshing” of its central positioning to establish MACH as the foundation for AI-ready enterprise architecture. A central driver will be the realization of agent-to-agent ecosystems that are trusted, open, and scalable across vendor and enterprise boundaries. Another key objective will be the reinforcement of interoperability through new certifications and governance standards – think MCP, A2A, AI-Connected Certification, and the aforementioned Open Data Model. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-heros-journey-to-composable-a-conversation-with-uniforms-mark-demeny">Mark Demeny</a> gave a current walk-through of the ODM at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-gathering-of-content-champions-heres-why-cms-connect-25-was-super-in-every-way">Boye &amp; Company CMS Connect 25</a> conference a few weeks ago, and it's looking very promising. I’ve previously spoken about the Alliance's need to invest in more actionable tools and training, and the docket for AI would include the publishing of practical tools, reference architectures, and business transformation guides. Further bolstering this position is a plan to launch what they call “proof-driven innovation,” which would follow the path of newer initiatives like the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/mach-ai-exchange">MACH AI Exchange</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/futuremach">FutureMACH</a> programs. <h3 id="unlocking-the-value-of-agentic-ai-with-mach">Unlocking the value of agentic AI with MACH</h3>It’s clear that AI is reshaping and accelerating how enterprises operate, from decision-making to customer interaction. As the MACH Alliance maintains, interoperability – not isolated tools – will be the key to powering the next wave of agent-to-agent innovation. To that end, composable, MACH-driven strategies will be a key activator for success. That’s not hyperbole. There’s some real historical validation to back it up. According to data from the Alliance, enterprises that are well along in their MACH journey are <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://23221942.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/23221942/2025%20Annual%20Research%20Report/2025%20MACH%20Alliance_Global%20Annual%20Research%20Report_Final_compressed.pdf">twice as likely to successfully deploy AI</a>, with 77% achieving success compared to just 36% for those new to MACH.MACH can play a critical role across the expanding AI horizon. For example, AI and agents need to function across silos, so it’s essential to provide agility around data and systems – something MACH and composable architecture can deliver. Agentic solutions also require real-time trust, governance, and negotiation, which MACH standards can further enable. Perhaps one of the most cogent arguments for MACH as a foundation for the future of agentic AI is access to composable ecosystems. As the Alliance pointed out, “no single player can build the future of AI ecosystems.” Given that, MACH provides a sort of connective tissue by guiding brands toward open, best-of-breed solutions that work more harmoniously.<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>With the rapid pace of AI transformation, the MACH Alliance might be one of the best shots at bringing some calm to the turbulence. Composable and API-first headless technologies are well-positioned for harnessing AI, MCP, and agent capabilities, and the Alliance has assembled a deep bench of member technologies that are pushing the boundaries of AI innovation. In this sense, it could be a vestige of stability and a beachhead for landing successful outcomes.A key part of the strategy relies on people, and the Alliance has invested in a cadre of resources to help support the human factor. From the pivot in its leadership model to the development of an AI Exchange, they’re making this evolution more meaningful around the challenges of the day.Will this refresh be enough to maintain the MACH Alliance's relevance within the industry zeitgeist? It’s hard to say. There have certainly been failures surrounding composable execution, but some of that is likely a product of poor planning and execution. The same penchant for overzealous AI adoption could land brands in the same pickle. So, having proven leadership, a solid ecosystem of solutions, and reliable guidance from ISVs could be the kind of relevance that really adds up for the future of the Alliance, its members, and enterprises looking to unlock the potential of agentic AI. <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

An Alliance for AI: To Unlock Trusted, Agent-to-Agent Ecosystems, the MACH Alliance is Evolving

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<hr /> Agents are everywhere. Literally. Last week, I covered the launch of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/vtex-expands-enterprise-capabilities-with-agentic-commerce-b2b-orchestration-and-omnichannel-power">VTEX’s new agentic entry,</a> which offers some promising potential in the realm of commerce. Prior to that, I was at the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-gathering-of-content-champions-heres-why-cms-connect-25-was-super-in-every-way">Boye &amp; Company CMS Connect conference,</a> where every conversation seemed to echo the word “agent.”Of course, this is just the latest crop. I’ve been watching and reporting on the emergence of the “AI agent revolution” since last year. The basic idea of an agent isn’t exactly novel or groundbreaking, but enabling this new breed of agents to harness AI is where the big opportunities lie.There are signals that might suggest we’re entering an “AI Winter,” one where brands are asking a common question surrounding their AI investments: Was it worth it? In fact, researchers at MIT published a report saying that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://fortune.com/2025/08/18/mit-report-95-percent-generative-ai-pilots-at-companies-failing-cfo/">95% of the generative AI programs</a> launched by companies failed to deliver the one big thing they were built for: more revenue.That’s not to say AI isn’t delivering efficiency – particularly with agents and their penchant for automation. It’s the bright spot in this otherwise darkening sky of AI bedlam, and the companies that leverage agents to unleash actionable insight and tangible results will be positioned to win.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/callminer">CallMiner</a> could be one of those winners. The company just introduced its new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://callminer.com/products/omniagent-virtual-agent">CallMiner OmniAgent</a>, a virtual agent solution that uses advanced automation and voice-optimized AI to deliver seamless, human-like interactions across voice and digital channels. With its powerful and innovative technology, OmniAgent avoids the traditional voicebot “fumbles” often spurred by complex queries, and instead fully automates conversations – resolving customer issues faster and with less human involvement.This isn’t a fly-by-night addition to CallMiner’s ecosystem. The Waltham, Massachusetts-based company has been blazing a steady trail in its pursuit of more innovative conversation intelligence solutions and has been recognized as a Leader in the same category on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://callminer.com/c/callminer-is-a-leader-forrester-wave-ciscc-q2-2025">2025 Forrester Wave</a> for contact centers. CallMiner also <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.finsmes.com/2019/12/callminer-receives-usd-75m-investment-from-goldman-sachs.html">closed on $75 million</a> from Goldman Sachs in 2019, which has clearly fueled innovation leading up to its recent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://callminer.com/news/press-releases/callminer-acquires-conversational-ai-and-automation-provider-vocalls">acquisition of VOCALLS</a> in June. While recently launched, we’ll have to see how these new agents execute their intended job. But on the surface, they seem engineered for success – and could have a significant impact on enterprise strategies for AI-powered conversation intelligence. <h3 id="mining-value-with-agents">Mining value with agents</h3>AI and agentic technologies are exploding at an unpredictable rate. And it makes sense: brands are under enormous pressure to perform in a highly competitive landscape – and customers are demanding fast, accurate, and personalized service at every touchpoint. Agentic AI tools are presenting companies with huge opportunities to drive their personalization strategies across a multitude of channels. As a leader in AI-powered conversation intelligence, CallMiner already delivers one of the industry’s most comprehensive platforms for analyzing omnichannel customer interactions at scale by combining deep domain expertise with powerful <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://callminer.com/blog/how-ai-analytics-can-improve-call-center-performance">AI analytics</a>. Armed with CallMiner’s intelligence, companies can spot areas of opportunity to drive better CX – and in this rapid-fire race for customer engagement and loyalty, optimizing that experience across channels is the name of the game. With the acquisition of VOCALLS, CallMiner expanded its platform's capabilities with AI agents focused on native voice and text. These acquired capabilities are now arming the new CallMiner OmniAgent ecosystem, enabling users to transform customer experiences across voice, chat, and email through intelligent automation and AI-driven conversational insights.<h3 id="how-omniagent-works">How OmniAgent works</h3>In a nutshell, OmniAgent leverages CallMiner’s deep analytics to glean actionable data from customer interactions, implementing virtual agents for efficient, high-impact automation. And by analyzing interactions across channels, organizations can gain better insights into critical aspects of CX, including contact drivers, high-volume contacts, contacts that are quickly resolved, and more.Once its virtual agents are in place, CallMiner continuously monitors conversations to assess performance and gather feedback. This feedback helps refine virtual agent training and improve processes, leading to better customer outcomes. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:67.43%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/ui_omniagent_screen_648x426.jpg" /></figure>Source: CallMiner website We already know how important feedback loops are to the overall optimization of any system or process. According to CallMiner, its OmniAgent system behaves like an automation and augmentation “infinity loop,” where conversation intelligence drives automation, automation generates new conversation data, and that data fuels continuous improvement. CallMiner is already seeing positive results in the field. One customer, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://learning.callminer.com/us/col/lc/case-study-omni-agent-supercharge-call-handing?pflpid=45098&amp;pfsid=hZkwmsaPr0">Estafeta</a>, a Mexican logistics company, reduced its average call handling time by 78%, from 420 seconds to just 90 seconds, while eliminating wait times and increasing call capacity by 120%. Estafeta’s use of the CallMiner AI voice agent has helped it efficiently handle routine inquiries like package tracking, freeing human agents to focus on other issues. This transformation has significantly improved customer experience, streamlined call center operations, and elevated Estafeta’s service quality – with 88% of users rating the voice agent positively.<h3 id="key-features">Key features</h3>There are a few standout features in OmniAgent that make it a solid and scalable AI solution. First, it offers omnichannel support, enabling brands to engage customers effortlessly across voice and digital channels. Whether through synthetic or natural human voices, images, videos, or interactive buttons, OmniAgent maintains context-aware communication and enables smooth transitions to human agents when needed.OmniAgent also provides natural language capabilities powered by advanced speech recognition and NLP, providing intuitive conversations that feel totally natural to customers. There’s also support for inbound and outbound calling, where OmniAgent handles diverse tasks – from appointment scheduling to debt collection – efficiently and effectively. With OmniAgent’s smart call routing, you can finally say goodbye to your antiquated IVR system. Where needed, OmniAgent can quickly connect customers to the right human agent and provide important interaction context while improving key contact center metrics like first call resolution.Integrations are key, and OmniAgent comes with some ready-made options, making it easy to connect your current CRM, CCaaS, and other systems to create smarter, more personalized interactions. You’ll also have access to performance management tools to monitor and optimize your virtual agent’s performance with an analytics dashboard, and you can design complex, personalized conversation flows using intuitive tools that integrate external data sources for context-aware engagement.<h3 id="pricing">Pricing</h3>CallMiner has a bit of a “black box” around its pricing, so there’s not much public guidance. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.g2.com/products/callminer-eureka/pricing">According to G2</a> and a few other sources, the company focuses on tailored solutions, so there’s not a one-size-fits-all model. It’s licensed as SaaS and offers two flexible pricing options: one based on a volume of annual inventory of hours analyzed, and one based on seats with some specific variables around usage. They also offers some packaged bundles, each providing resources for onboarding. These packages can also be customized with a la carte options. You can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.g2.com/products/callminer-eureka/pricing">explore more of the details here.</a> Here’s a really nice benefit: Customers receive a dedicated customer success representative for the life of their CallMiner engagement, providing trusted advisory innovation without any professional services costs.If you’re a frequent reader, you know how I feel about pricing transparency. Enterprise SaaS vendors can always do better, so buyers and evaluators have an easier time understanding the parameters. At the same time, CallMiner’s options are fairly robust, and likely require some individual price refinement.<h3 id="the-verdict">The verdict</h3>OmniAgent is a potentially great fit for organizations looking to elevate their customer service capabilities, particularly in the contact center segment. By combining its new virtual agent technology with its classic leadership in conversation intelligence, CallMiner's new agentic solution can power teams to deliver faster and more personalized support. This can translate into higher satisfaction and improved operational excellence.I already discussed some of the big challenges facing AI's value quotient, and one of CallMiner’s big attributes is in cost reduction. By automating complex, high-volume customer interactions, brands can significantly lower their operational costs. And by responding to and resolving issues faster with AI, organizations can deliver more efficient customer support. This all adds up in the value column. From a CX perspective, OmniAgent can help ensure consistent, compliant, and on-brand communication that builds customer trust and satisfaction. And happier customers translate into a healthier bottom line. CallMiner offers some rich functionality. As such, it might be perceived as a little more complex than some other industry alternatives (take <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://thelevel.ai/">Level AI </a>for example). But it does provide some helpful demos and posts with detailed resources on speech analytics and other products, as well as a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://learning.callminer.com/us">comprehensive learning center.</a> There are also some great resources in its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://callminer.com/products/solution-catalogue">Solution Catalogue</a>, and you can browse its selection of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://callminer.com/products/integrations">ready-made integrations</a> from CRM to chatbots to speech recognition platforms. As agents go, this might be a good change. You can inquire about a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://callminer.com/c/request-a-demo">demo here. </a> <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="looking-for-guidance-on-callminer?-talk-to-an-expert.">Looking for guidance on CallMiner? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/contact">Talk to an expert.</a></h4><hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.61%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/storyblok-joyconf-2025-logo.jpg" /><h4 id="storyblok-joyconf-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Storyblok JoyConf 2025</a></h4>October 14-15, 2025 – Amsterdam, Netherlands November 4, 2025 – New York, NY November 6, 2025 – Los Angeles, CAJoin us at JoyConf 2025, where the future of content meets the people shaping it. Built for developers, marketers, and digital innovators, this free conference goes way beyond product updates or yet another strategy playbook. It’s where you’ll get inspired, get real, and get connected – to ideas, to the community, and to what’s possible when you build joyfully. Whether you're building lightning-fast frontends or launching cross-channel campaigns, this is where content becomes connection and collaboration becomes second nature. Come for the talks. Stay for the community. Leave with joy. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://joyconf.storyblok.com/">Save your spot.</a> <img style="width:28.9%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/sitecore-symposium-2025.jpg" /><h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore Symposium 2025</a></h4>November 3-5, 2025 – Orlando, FLAt Sitecore Symposium, you’ll learn how to meet your customers where they are – across channels, moments, and touchpoints that didn’t exist a year ago. You’ll hear how the boldest brands in the world are transforming content into outcomes and creating experiences that are fast, relevant, and human. Join 1,500 marketers, digital leaders, and technologists in Orlando to see what’s possible when personalization scales, AI accelerates creativity, and trust becomes your competitive edge. This is the Third Wave of the Internet. And this is your moment to lead in it. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today.</a> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FLMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

Agent of Change: CallMiner OmniAgent Promises to Transform CX with AI-Powered Intelligence

A Gathering of Content Champions: Here’s Why CMS Connect 25 was ‘Super’ in Every Way

<hr /> When I last spoke to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariano-gomide-de-faria-vtex/">Mariano Gomide de Faria</a>, it wasn't long after he published <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/mariano-gomide-de-faria-vtex_for-all-the-reasons-explained-in-the-article-activity-7310313384015511552-APGm/?utm_source=share&amp;utm_medium=member_desktop&amp;rcm=ACoAABz8skQBu3yAX4WwKnVszlZSL3qGoPZCq6w">“The MACH Mirage”</a> on LinkedIn. It was a veritable shock to the system that pointedly criticized aspects of the composable movement – and, with specificity, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-aims-to-evolve-enterprise-ai-architecture-with-new-end-user-leadership-model">MACH Alliance.</a> At the time, he announced that <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/vtex">VTEX</a> (the connected commerce platform he founded and steers as co-CEO) would be pausing its membership in the best-of-breed ecosystem, citing the drift of composability from operator control as a central grievance. Famously, both Mariano and MACH Alliance president <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-future-is-composable-a-conversation-with-new-mach-alliance-president-casper-rasmussen">Casper Rasmussen</a> met on “The Watson Weekend” retail program to hash out some of the issues in a town square forum. The debate was friendly, healthy, and focused squarely on the challenges of enterprise architecture – which is being transformed by the advent of AI across the composable stack. And that’s the big tuna. The crucial role of AI in digital commerce can’t be overstated, and this is precisely where Mariano felt the MACH Alliance could be more prolific in supporting its association – and the market at large – in the AI course corrections. In his mind, this required less a less rigid approach to the enshrined standards of MACH.“At the end of the day, we cannot close our eyes to the reinvention of SIs informed by a future where AI rules,” he said, pointing out how organizations like the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://nrf.com/">National Retail Federation</a> could also help to lead discussions that generate value. Since then, VTEX has been putting its nose to the grindstone and building its own ecosystem for agentic commerce. And the timing couldn’t be more apropos: During my many interviews and discussions at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-deep-dish-on-composable-6-tasty-takeaways-from-the-mach-alliances-2025-conference">“The Composable Conference”</a> in April (the annual MACH Alliance event), agentic commerce was already lighting the world on fire. The noise level has only increased over the last few months, and the push to adopt these capabilities is reaching a fever pitch. According to a recent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.digitalcommerce360.com/2025/03/20/agentic-commerce-ecommerce-trends/">Digital Commerce 360 survey</a>, over 44% of e-commerce leaders are already seeing strong results from their AI investments, and a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rierino.com/blog/agentic-commerce-with-ai-agents">study from Rierino</a> suggests that agentic frameworks are also paying off with a 6-10% increase in revenue and a big bump in order efficiency.Now, VTEX is shipping its automated agentic AI workforce – and other features – into prime time as part of an expansion of its enterprise-grade capabilities. Unveiled at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=http%3A%2F%2Fvtex.com%2Fen-us%2Fvision%2F2025&amp;esheet=54310335&amp;newsitemid=20250819007039&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=VTEX+Vision+2025&amp;index=1&amp;md5=8e8045401ca4c78ebfc0f12961001495">VTEX Vision 2025</a>, its annual digital showcase, the company’s latest release includes new solutions tailored to B2B complexity and personalized omnichannel experiences. “Enterprise commerce doesn’t slow down in the face of complexity,” Mariano said. “It rewards those who turn it into leverage. With VTEX Vision 2025, we have expanded our infrastructure to meet rising demands, from B2B buyer personalization to seamless consumer retail experiences, all on one unified commerce platform built for growth.” <h3 id="capabilities-that-convert-and-scale-for-the-b2b-enterprise">Capabilities that convert and scale for the B2B enterprise</h3>In the pantheon of digital commerce, B2B operates with its own set of rules, requiring intuitive digital infrastructure that’s built to move high-volume transactions and manage the full complexity of modern procurement. VTEX’s B2B innovation reinforces a key truth that enterprise leaders know: Success requires infrastructure built around how corporate buyers manage procurement, not systems that restrict transactions. This is where VTEX has its edge, and its Vision for B2B is bringing core capabilities to support these requirements.What’s in the new release? Personalized catalogs, pricing, and payment methods per buyer, as well as advanced buyer organization management that includes branch structures, role-based access, budgeting, and policy control.Brands will also have access to buying policies and approval workflows that enforce custom procurement rules automatically, and rapid cart creation that leverages quick order tools by file and search term. There’s also SKU matrix and reorder tools for high-frequency purchasing and native punchout integrations to centralize procurement within enterprise systems.From a market validation perspective, Andy Hoar's <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fvtex.com%2Fen-us%2Fcampaign%2Fparadigm-b2b-report-2025%2F&amp;esheet=54310335&amp;newsitemid=20250819007039&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=B2B+Paradigm+2025&amp;index=2&amp;md5=9e2f7662e0ed2cad3ef71cd6af712a9d">B2B Paradigm 2025</a> report recognized VTEX with the most Gold medals across its Enterprise and Mid-Market categories, including key metrics like TCO and marketplace capabilities. <h3 id="the-next-level-of-omnichannel">The next level of omnichannel</h3>We’ve been talking about omnichannel for a long time, and how composable stacks help support these strategies. But for enterprise brands, true omnichannel is still a bit elusive. Why? Blame inventory silos, delayed delivery updates, and disconnected store operations (for starters), which block many organizations from operating at their full potential. VTEX closes these gaps by strengthening the “operational backbone” needed to move with speed, accuracy, and complete fulfillment control. AI is helping to power these features in VTEX. This includes AI Semantic Search, which delivers relevant results by interpreting shopper intent through natural language. There’s also AI Product Recommendations that help drive conversions with personalized, behavior-based suggestions.With VTEX, Distributed Inventory is unified and made available across every channel, covering B2C, B2B, marketplaces, and stores. Multi-seller Carts also merge 1P, 3P, and in-store items into one seamless checkout experience, making the entire lifecycle faster and easier.VTEX’s Delivery Promise is also a powerful fixture, helping shoppers find products that are located near them and can be delivered quickly. There’s also Cross-Channel Fulfillment, where newly simplified BOPIS (buy online, pick up in store), ship from store, and simplified returns can lead to operational cost reductions and improved inventory accuracy.<h3 id="agentic-commerce:-the-enterprise-ai-workforce">Agentic commerce: The enterprise AI workforce</h3>For the unindoctrinated, agentic commerce is the application of autonomous AI agents that work independently within a digital commerce system. They’re bestowed with “agency,” meaning they can make decisions, execute tasks, and adapt to context across both frontend and backend workflows. Agentic commerce isn’t just recommending things. It’s effectively running parts of your business with autonomy, tapping more adaptive AI and intelligent automation capabilities that can execute on their behalf. The explosive gains in productivity are making agentic commerce incredibly popular as brands and enterprises look to move faster across channels.Enterprise commerce is entering a new operational era, and VTEX is helping to lead that shift with agentic AI built that can effectively streamline critical workflows and accelerate enterprise performance across the globe. To kick off its roadmap to a fully agentic commerce platform, VTEX is launching three AI agents that are engineered around precision, speed, and adaptability. As the company stated, it’s the beginning of a new standard where digital infrastructure operates as intelligently as the enterprises it serves.“As VTEX advances toward a fully agentic commerce platform, we continue to transform cost centers into engines of growth with measurable impact,” Mariano said. “Our first wave of AI agents marks a critical step, compressing complex workflows and unlocking new value for global brands. Flexibility, transparency, and real-time adaptability will define the next generation of enterprise leaders. Anything else will be left behind.”Some cool capabilities are rolling out, starting with VTEX’s Customer Service Agent, a fully autonomous support agent that works across WhatsApp, Instagram, SMS, and more. Brands like UNICEF and Cencosud are currently using it, which, according to VTEX, has already resolved 92% of tickets without human input – and cut AHT from hours to minutes. Impressive results to be sure.Forthcoming is a Visual Editor Agent, which promises some powerful experience-level capabilities with no developer support required. Teams will be able to instantly respond to change by updating a storefront using a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/figma">Figma</a> file or natural language.Finally, VTEX’s Data Insights Agent is all about powering productivity and observability across channels. The agent receives priority access to real-time omnichannel performance data in plain language, without the need for static dashboards or SQL queries.<h3 id="why-it-matters-">Why it matters </h3>“There's no survival without passing through this chaotic moment,” Mariano said. We were discussing the embedded challenges with navigating legacy systems and how many companies are still modernizing from old IBM mainframes. That might sound a little arcane, but we’ve come a long way on the frontier of interoperability. The MACH Alliance has played a huge role in shaping that, but we’re in yet another chaos moment – one where AI is rendering our roadmaps almost useless. Brands are having to react to change instantly, and commerce is going to need the scale and automation of agentic AI to win customers across channels. To its credit, the MACH Alliance is putting greater emphasis on the AI horizon, manifesting in more end-user representation at the top of the organization. Recently, Casper Rasmussen announced that he will be stepping down as president, and the Alliance will begin shifting to an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-aims-to-evolve-enterprise-ai-architecture-with-new-end-user-leadership-model">end-user leadership model</a> to support enterprise AI architecture. Will this help mend some of the fences with VTEX? Does it address the core issues surrounding operator control with the composable system? Probably not. There's a rhyme to MACH's reason, and maintaining fierce standards is part of that language. But we’ll see how things unfold. One thing is certain: Mariano will continue his quest for greater flexibility in a market that’s being utterly transformed by AI. “History proves that the highest risk position we can take now would be not assuming any risk,” he told me. “And that serves for NRF, that serves for the MACH Alliance, that serves for any association.”Institutional disagreements aside, VTEX is clearly pushing to innovate on its own terms with agentic commerce, and this could power its already strong collection of 3,400 active storefronts across 43 countries with less friction, greater productivity, and an even nimbler posture. Based on its measurable successes with real customers using its preliminary agents, VTEX is making real headway toward its vision of an autonomous platform that powers the future of digital commerce for B2B and B2C models. They certainly have the chops and market credentials to lead the way, with more than 2,400 brands trusting its technology to unify omnichannel sales, intelligent order management, data pipelines, retail media, enterprise-grade security, and more.It’s early days, so it will be interesting to see how VTEX's pricing models evolve surrounding its agent services. But for buyers with complex requirements and global fulfillment demands, the promise of agentic commerce could be a game changer – with the right platform to build on.  <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="looking-for-guidance-on-vtex?-talk-to-an-expert.">Looking for guidance on VTEX? <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/contact">Talk to an expert.</a></h4><hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FloridaMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

VTEX Expands Enterprise Capabilities with Agentic Commerce, B2B Orchestration, and Omnichannel Power

<hr /> I’ve written about CDPs quite a bit. The category is rapidly evolving, particularly as data and context become more critical to the CMS and broader DXP ecosystem. There's also been the periodic acquisition of a CDP by an enterprise digital experience platform – think <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/optimizely-acquires-customer-data-platform-zaius">Optimizely buying Zaius,</a> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/sitecore-acquires-boxever-and-four51">Sitecore absorbing Boxever</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentstack-just-acquired-lytics-a-real-time-customer-data-platform-heres-why-it-matters">Contentstack adding Lytics</a> to its menu. These purchases were separated by time, but they speak to the critical need for data within their integrated offerings, especially when powering the “Holy Grail” of personalization. And as we know, that last piece is taking on a whole new urgency in the age of AI.On a more architectural level, I’ve personally been crawling through the underbelly of CDPs for years now, connecting all kinds of apps and sources, inspecting JSON packages, and worrying incessantly about MTUs – those monthly tracked users that we care so much about. Most recently, when I was working on a big cloud-based SaaS product, it was breathtaking to watch the real-time events passing into our customer data platform. But it was also alarming as you considered the scale of users and the associated price tag. Ouch.In every stack, there are multiple cost dimensions to consider, and CDPs bring their own unique challenges to the mix. Some platforms are focusing less on MTUs and zeroing in on active users, while others are embracing event-based pricing. There are also the processing resources that come in the form of compute. This is where overruns are a persistent and pesky concern. But <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/treasure-data">Treasure Data</a> is trying to change that. The intelligent customer data platform, which is built for enterprise scale and super-charged by AI, just unveiled a groundbreaking “No Compute” pricing model that completely decouples cost from processing resources. This could be the unearthing of buried treasure for users in a hunt for more efficient data solutions. This “No Compute” model is made possible by Treasure Data’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.treasuredata.com/product/hybrid-cdp/">Hybrid CDP</a> architecture. It primarily charges for the number of unified customer profiles stored and the behavioral events associated with them. This enables brands to run unlimited queries, segmentations, and activations – all without fear of runaway bills.I caught up with Treasure Data’s co-founder and CEO, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kazukiohta/">Kaz Ohta,</a> who provided a bit more context. In his mind, predictable costs in a CDP should be a right, not a luxury.“Our ‘No Compute’ pricing removes the biggest barrier to full CDP adoption – cost anxiety – so every team can activate data and AI agents with confidence.”Here’s some of Ohta’s vision from 2023, which is worth a listen. He lays out the challenge surrounding loyalty during periods of economic uncertainty (which takes on a more pressing urgency today), and where a CDP can unlock potential around personalization and customer experience: <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=88nTuVXSJ6o"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/88nTuVXSJ6o" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure> A lot has changed in two years, but it provides a foundation for how Ohta is steering Treasure Data towards success in an increasingly competitive market. He’s a compelling figure in the customer data landscape, and this disruptive new approach to pricing could be another element that elevates the company’s preference.<h3 id="solving-the-cdp-industry’s-cost-dilemma">Solving the CDP industry’s cost dilemma</h3>When it comes to selecting a CDP, it’s fair to say that enterprises have been in a pricing pickle. On one side, DXPs have been consuming CDP players into their pre-ordained stacks with integrated capabilities. Meanwhile, pure play solutions have been energizing their feature sets to enhance their independent relevance. Composed solutions with built-in customer data layers have some obvious advantages. But do they deliver as intended? I asked Ohta about the nuances between the DXP strategy and pure-play solutions like Treasure Data and where his company might have the upper hand. “DXPs such as <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/adobe-experience-manager">Adobe</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/acquia">Acquia</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/optimizely">Optimizely</a> take a different approach,” Ohta said. “They want to provide the complete stack. They bundle CDPs in their stack. However, we see many failed implementations of their CDP, just because leading DXPs mostly acquired their CDPs as a bolt-on solution. They are not really integrated. While I see the vision of DXPs, the execution of DXPs are poor: they, in reality, are Frankenstein stacks and a collection of different businesses – and that’s why buyers are not happy with them.”Within these shifting business dynamics, pricing is a key consideration and fraught with challenges. Buyers are faced with a choice between packaged CDPs that focus on metering the number of profiles and compute, or composable-only CDPs that primarily meter the number of profiles and shift the processing burden to a cloud data warehouse, creating potentially unpredictable query charges.Treasure Data’s new pricing model attempts to end this trade-off by separating economics from compute location. Customers get transparent pricing based primarily on the number of real-time, resolved customer profiles managed and the volume of associated behavioral events – think website visits, mobile app usage, email activities, and the like. “The true value is no longer just in data storage and movement, but in the intelligence you apply to it,” said Ohta. “Treasure Data is infused with AI everywhere, and now our customers pay for the value they get from AI-driven outcomes like better personalization, predictive insights, and campaign optimization – not for the underlying compute cycles.”In an age where CDPs and data warehouses need to align in all the right ways, Treasure Data is providing an optimal solution. Whether workloads are running in its high-performance database engine or inside a customer’s CDW environments, enterprise teams get the same consistent experience without having to consider infrastructure or cost complexities. In this way, it’s a bit of a godsend.I asked Ohta how this new approach to Treasure Data’s pricing model came about and how users are receiving it thus far. “Our largest customers have trillions of records and hundreds of millions of profiles managed with Treasure Data,” he said. “We pioneered this pricing model with them in the last few years and renewed their contracts under these terms. It’s worked well and now we’re rolling it out to other customers.”<h3 id="powered-by-hybrid-cdp-architecture">Powered by Hybrid CDP architecture</h3>Flexibility is a keystone attribute for any software solution. Composability can deliver on this promise, but there are instances where customers might want a hybrid approach over purely composable architectures based on specific use cases. Treasure Data conducted some research around the preference for a hybrid CDP architecture, where IT teams can choose the optimal processing environment to meet their needs. Based on its global survey of CDP buyers, 65% wanted a hybrid approach (edging up to 69% in the US). In the same report, a much smaller portion opted for packaged or composable architectures.I asked Ohta how this reinforces Treasure Data’s position.“While people talk a lot about the composable stack, the majority of buyers want choice and flexibility,” he said. “An enterprise has multiple brands, businesses, regions, and departments where they have different levels of martech and data maturity. Customers are asking to have choice over their architecture, anchored in a CDP or in a data warehouse, per brand, region, etc. Composability on its own requires the right engineering resources around, but hybrid lets you have the best of both worlds.”How does Treasure Data’s unique Hybrid CDP architecture empower IT teams with choice? In two ways: First, they can leverage its Complete Mode, where Treasure Data provides the complete CDP solution – journey orchestration, segmentation and activation, ID unification, batch and real-time connectors, storage and compute – so you can implement it as a single source of truth.There’s also a Composable Mode. Designed for more mature data engineering organizations, where a cloud data warehouse already exists as a single source of truth, Treasure Data builds a real-time cache of the customer 360 view from the CDW for instant customer data activations.One of Treasure Data's key advantages is implementing the optimal processing environment based on preferences and use case suitability. This dual-mode approach helps preserve governance, maximize CDW ROI, and guarantee sub-second performance for time-sensitive engagement. All solid benefits.<h3 id="availability-and-pricing">Availability and pricing</h3>According to Treasure Data, the new “No Compute” pricing model is generally available today for new customers and existing ones who want to make the move. It’s worth noting that there are multiple options for deploying Treasure Data, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-jrcyyln5ecfgi">through the AWS Marketplace.</a> How do the pricing benefits translate in the real world? That’s the real question. The mechanics of the model make sense, and as Ohta said, they’ve seen success with existing users. Those metrics could be part of an upcoming webinar on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.brighttalk.com/webcast/15379/650390">The Power of a Hybrid CDP: Connected Experiences with Predictable Costs</a>, which is being held on September 8th.Obviously, a CDP’s total cost is a product of its usage, and this new model presents a big shift in how that functions. As far as assessing just how impactful this might be in your own stack, you’ll need to contact Treasure Data for a personalized cost analysis. There are different features composed into various packages across the CDP product landscape, so be sure to specify your goals when engaging with their pricing team – and do your homework on available integrations and warehouse options.From a security and compliance perspective, Treasure Data has a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://trust.treasuredata.com/">trust and security center</a> that includes all of its artifacts. It’s robust, but it’s always worth a look to ensure that you’re meeting the proper data privacy and regulatory requirements. There’s also an option to conduct a security review.<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>The CDP space is heating up as the market evolves and data warehouses take on an elevated role. Organizations are struggling to turn these resources into action, and leverage CDPs to power their personalization and customer 360 efforts. Despite the consolidation within the DXP category, pure play solutions are finding value with new features – and now, new pricing models that are strengthening their posture within the composable stack.  With Treasure Data’s new “No Compute” pricing, customers are more empowered to utilize their CDP. It allows them to explore and assemble multiple segments, run various queries, and leverage its on-board AI agents – all without compute costs weighing them down. That means they’re free to align around outcomes that really matter to them, like the number of unified profiles and the behavioral events resulting from their marketing efforts.On that topic, marketers using Treasure Data will also have more latitude to keep their existing CMS or DXP and their data warehouse – and still get real-time, AI-powered engagement at a predictable cost with a CDP that integrates with all these tools. This core flexibility is a key competitive advantage for Treasure Data within the pantheon of customer data platforms. As Ohta said, AI is a big part of the feature set for marketers and enterprises. But cost anxiety is a major pain point – and they’re helping to overcome that challenge.“Our hybrid architecture blends historical depth with live behavioral data for sub-second personalization, all in a no-code, self-service environment for marketing teams,” he explained. “It’s about giving marketers the speed, insight, and freedom to act on every moment of opportunity without budget surprises.” <hr /> <h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FloridaMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

Treasure Hunt: 'No Compute' Model from Treasure Data Promises More Predictable Pricing with Hybrid CDP 

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<h4 id="-"> </h4><h4 id="listen-to-the-full-episode-of-“the-critic's-corner”-podcast-&gt;"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cms-critic-the-critics-corner-podcast/id1801794414?i=1000722088473">Listen to the full episode of “The Critic's Corner” Podcast &gt;</a></h4> <hr /> “I set out to create the Moby Dick of adtech.”I know it was said in jest during the recording of our podcast, but I think <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/aripaparo/">Ari Paparo</a> was accurate in his literary self-assessment. Without question, the “Great White Whale” is an apropos metaphor for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/google-cloud-platform">Google</a>. And I’ll borrow from Melville here: If Ari’s heart were a cannon, he would have shot his heart upon it.As a historical documentarian of Google’s rise and legal fallout as the preeminent ad tech goliath, Ari is clearly the Ishmael to the DOJ’s Ahab, telling us the story in vivid detail. And what a story it is. After a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/department-justice-prevails-landmark-antitrust-case-against-google#:~:text=Today%20the%20Antitrust%20Division%20of,%2C%20increasingly%2C%20the%20internet%20itself.">long and sordid legal quagmire</a>, Google’s ad business has been harpooned, with the Department of Justice handing down sweeping remedies. Additional lawsuits are pending, so the saga is far from over.While a complete breakup of Google’s advertising empire is unlikely, the government appears to have prevailed in its quest to stop its overreach. And despite the financial and business impacts on the Big G, the public’s perception of the search giant is clearly tarnished. We now know just how underhanded the manipulation was across Google’s buying and selling exchange, how they squeezed partners and bent the market to its will.But there were unscrupulous players on all sides, as Ari pointed out. Some of that was reactionary, perhaps even predictable. It was all fruit of the poisonous tree. Or, more appropriately, rows of teeth in the whale’s mouth. “It wasn't just Google that was cheating,” he said. “They had a unique ability to cheat, because they were both on the buy and the sell side. But everyone else was cheating, too. The counterparties, in many cases, were doing shenanigans to raise the prices.”In his new book, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.amazon.com/Yield-Google-Bullied-Advertising-Dominance/dp/B0F67HV2BB">Yield: How Google Bought, Built, and Bullied Its Way to Advertising Dominance,</a> Ari takes us on a fascinating journey through the bowels of the burgeoning adtech world over the last two decades. He guides us through the high-stakes industry game that saw Google pit against “The Big Three” (AOL, MSN, and Yahoo) to control the advertising landscape, and how innovation – and shadowy tactics – helped them systematically dismantle the competition. The tale is stranger than fiction. And while one chapter has ended, we’re still roaming the turbulent waters, waiting to see what the whale does next. The intrigue goes beyond Silicon Valley's hallowed and often vulturous vestibules, weaving in Madison Avenue's misanthropic, profit-driven culture. It was like the new Gold Rush – and Ari had a front-row seat on the inside. After some dotcom-era dabbling, Ari joined the pioneering ad powerhouse, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DoubleClick">DoubleClick</a>, and was later shrink-wrapped into the 2008 Google acquisition. In our conversation, we discussed the transformation across these business entities and what the cultural shift was like. While he's not a character in the book, his proximity gave him deeper insight.“I was part of the sale, and I ended up a Director of Product Management at Google, overseeing a lot of the products sold to advertisers and agencies,” he said. “And that was a really important transaction that kicks off the book, and I was just part of that.”Here's a taste of our conversation:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/kYM1A2bjdnU"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kYM1A2bjdnU" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3 id="a-tale-in-three-acts">A tale in three acts</h3>Along with his career credentials as a former Googler, Ari is a curious explorer – an adtech guru who worked at the center of the industry and later leveraged his expertise to report the “goings on” for various news outlets. These days, he’s the CEO of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://news.marketecture.tv/">Marketecture Media</a>, a network of podcasts and events in the digital media business, where he continues to keep his fingers on the pulse. As Ari detailed in the podcast, the book is divided into three sections: The financialization of advertising, Google's march to dominance, and the legal challenges that followed. We discussed the profound invention of the ad exchange and how Google’s dual role as both a buyer and a seller allowed it to manipulate auctions.The book is replete with examples of unethical practices – enough to make your head spin. But Ari also explained how the rise of reactive market pressures changed perceptions and created, shall we say, “interesting” responses. That included the advent of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Header_bidding">header bidding</a> (one of many strange terms in the digital advertising lexicon), which allowed other parties to compete with Google on more even footing, further conflating the programmatic advertising landscape.<h3 id="the-‘legal-eagle’">The ‘legal eagle’</h3>Google’s power play remained in a black box – for a while. But as brands and advertisers became painfully aware of its shady practices, a cohort of unlikely bedfellows, including tech and communications giants like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/microsoft-azure">Microsoft</a>, AT&amp;T, and Verizon (and publishing giants like News Corp, The Daily Mail, and Gannett), tried to shift Google’s course. As the book details, this alliance ultimately failed, leaving the question of whether a single company could control the destiny of media and journalism unanswered.Enter the U.S. Department of Justice, which becomes a pivotal character in the story. As the last line of defense, the courts sought to unravel Google’s advertising empire and render its monopoly inert. During this landmark antitrust trial, Ari decided to camp out in the Virginia courthouse where the action was unfolding. He published a daily newsletter, which, in his words, got “snarky” at times. About midway through, the idea of crystallizing the saga as a book came to him.“I said to myself, this is like a pretty good story, an emotional ‘people story’ about feeling gaslit and betrayed and having your power taken away from you as a publisher or as a monetization professional,” he recalled. “So it was born out of the testimony in the trial."Spoiler alert: As we cover in the podcast, the DOJ is successful, and Google is currently being forced to dismantle its machine – or at least parts of it. And the drama is far from over as additional suits work their way through the courts. While the guilty verdict has ended in calls for a breakup of key business components and interests, Wall Street is still waiting for the judge’s gavel to fall on proposed remedies. The DOJ is even seeking a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.investors.com/news/technology/google-stock-wall-street-awaits-judges-ruling-on-remedies-in-search-antitrust-case/">divestiture of Google’s Chrome browser</a> as part of the regulatory case’s many remedies. In fact, this week, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.perplexity.ai/">Perplexity</a> – the popular AI answer engine with a keen focus on search – tendered an offer to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/ai-startup-perplexity-makes-bold-345-billion-bid-googles-chrome-browser-2025-08-12/">purchase Chrome for the sweet sum of $34.5 billion</a>, although Google claims it’s not for sale.<h3 id="a-people-story">A people story</h3>It would be easy to say this is a tale about tech, but it’s not. As Ari said, it's about people – and our delicate relationship with trust and transparency.During the pod, Ari shared his experience of living through the antitrust trial and preparing to write a detailed book. Not only did he scour thousands of pages of documents in his research, but he also listened closely to the human toll of Google’s abuses, emphasizing the emotional impact on publishers and advertisers.“This isn't just for me, the ad tech uber geek,” he said. “I really had to put it in the historical perspective with the real stories from the people that were involved.”Maybe breaking up Google’s ad server and exchange is a logical next step. Opening its algorithms might also rebalance the equation. But as we discussed in the episode, the industry has already transformed, and AI is a big part of that. As traffic declines, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://searchengineland.com/google-search-zero-click-study-2024-443869">zero-click searches</a> rise, and users shift their preference to answer engines like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://chatgpt.com/">ChatGPT</a>, the advertising world is already playing by a different set of rules – and there’s no going back. During our pod recording, Ari offered some reflections on the future of journalism, the realities of “the open web,” and how consumers and advertisers might coexist in this new ecosystem of business models. As one of the leading minds in the field, he has a sense of where things are heading and how we have to adapt to this new paradigm.“When we talk about what the old-fashioned definition of what the ‘open web’ means – free to consumers on the web, spiderable by search engines – there's no sugar coating it, that's on the decline,” he said. “And the ad-supported portion of that is also on the decline. And I don't think there's anything you can do about that. You have to look at other ways of supporting journalism, be it paid, nonprofit-supported, government-supported, or other things like that.”<h3 id="the-verdict">The verdict</h3>What can I say? I loved this book. It is a tour de force of research, observation, and analysis with an authentic thread of humanity woven across its pages.If you're looking for a powerful read, this is it. Yield is challenging, engaging, and beautifully crafted. It offers a well-balanced exchange of gripping narrative with technical exposition, giving you a deeper understanding of how the field of digital advertising functioned under Google's rule – and all the shenanigans they pulled. It’s a fascinating ride from cover to cover.If you're a marketer, this book is for you. If you're a tech hawk that's obsessed with unpacking the cultural dysfunction of Silicon Valley in its mashup with Madison Avenue, this book is for you. And if you're a fan of documentary-style stories about unthinkable corporate profiteering and legal drama, this book is definitely for you.I highly recommend it – and you can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.amazon.com/Yield-Google-Bullied-Advertising-Dominance/dp/B0F67HV2BB">purchase your copy here.</a><h3 id="“the-critic’s-corner”-podcast-with-ari-paparo">“The Critic’s Corner” podcast with Ari Paparo</h3> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cms-critic-the-critics-corner-podcast/id1801794414?i=1000722088473">Listen to the full episode &gt;</a><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cms-critic-the-critics-corner-podcast/id1801794414">Subscribe on Apple Podcasts &gt;</a> <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:59.7%"><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cms-critic-the-critics-corner-podcast/id1801794414?i=1000722088473" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/ari-paparo-podcast-image.png" alt="" /></a></figure> <h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FloridaMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

How did Google buy, build, and bully its way to advertising dominance? Ari Paparo tells us in “Yield” 

Siteimprove.ai Redefines Accessibility and Performance with Unified Agentic Content Intelligence Platform

Narrative Content: Storytelling Over Time

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<hr /> When I attended <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/machtales-voices-from-the-composable-conference-with-mokshika-sharma-of-sur-la-table">“The Composable Conference”</a> in April, the buzz around agentic AI was deafening. Way back in those days (and I do mean “way back,” because we measure tech history in days and weeks now), pioneering platforms were rolling out their first <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-new-game-for-interoperability-heres-why-the-mach-alliances-open-data-model-is-a-winner">MCP servers,</a> and the notion of serving bots with an “agent experience” was starting to catch fire.Fast-forward to today, and thousands of MCPs populate the landscape as agents swarm across our stacks and applications. Check out the registry at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://mcpservers.org/">mcpservers.org,</a> which is just one of the many growing libraries you can peruse. It is, as they say, a thing.Despite the overwhelming enthusiasm, navigating the AI pathways continues to present some sticky challenges. This is where composable enterprise architecture is proving to be a key determinant for successfully testing, deploying, and harnessing AI technologies and agentic strategies.At the same time, public debate (stirred in part by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://vtex.com/en-us/">VTEX’s public criticisms</a>) has raised questions concerning the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-composable-conference-2025-takes-shape-as-mach-alliance-announces-speakers-and-new-events">MACH Alliance's</a> rigid evangelism and the need for operators to have more agency in the agentic era. While some of the feedback feels reactionary, many of the observations have been salient.  One of my big feedback points during “The Composable Conference” was the need for more actionable resources to help support the evolution along the AI horizon. We’ve now seen that manifest with the introduction of the new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-launches-new-mach-ai-exchange-to-help-enterprises-streamline-ai-adoption">MACH AI Exchange</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-new-game-for-interoperability-heres-why-the-mach-alliances-open-data-model-is-a-winner">Open Data Model</a> (ODM), both of which I covered in <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-deep-dish-on-composable-6-tasty-takeaways-from-the-mach-alliances-2025-conference">my conference wrap.</a> You can also listen to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/andrew">Andrew Kumar</a> of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/uniform">Uniform</a> discuss his initial feedback on the new ODM, as well as his overall perceptions of the conference. Great insight offered through the vendor's lens: <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/C3pSrxD87Fw"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/C3pSrxD87Fw" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure> Initiatives like the ODM are great steps forward. But elevating end users to help lead what’s next could be a ray of light in an otherwise darkening sky of AI turbulence. It could further translate real-world value from the top down, and that’s exactly what the MACH Alliance is doing. Last week, the organization <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/insights-hub/mach-alliance-advances-end-user-leadership-model-to-guide-enterprise-ai-architecture-evolution">announced a strategic evolution</a> of its leadership structure to further accelerate AI-powered transformation across commerce enterprises. According to its press release, the MACH Alliance will transition to what it calls an “end-user leadership model” by September of next year, building on the collaborative foundation of vendors, SIs, and end-users that comprise the MACH community. It's worth noting that this journey towards an end-user-focused model begins with a major shift in the existing leadership fabric: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/casper-aagaard-rasmussen/">Alliance president Casper Rasmussen</a> will step down in September, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s evolution. What does this all mean for the future? Let’s unpack it. <h3 id="elevating-real-world-leadership-to-navigate-the-ai-era">Elevating real-world leadership to navigate the AI era</h3>It’s abundantly clear that agentic AI is disrupting everything in its path. Enterprises are leaning towards the right technology partnerships to help them harness AI successfully, and the MACH Alliance's unique ecosystem of composable vendors, system integrators, and end-users is providing a foundation for trusted, vendor-neutral guidance to answer this call. According to the Alliance, the mission of its end-user leadership model is to ensure a more collaborative environment grounded in real-world execution. Bolstered by experience and proven success, these end-users will have discrete knowledge, insight, and access to the innovation and expertise of technology providers and implementation partners within the MACH ecosystem.Since its founding in June of 2020, the organization has been headed by representatives across its founding partner quadrant, which reflects a mix of vendors and SIs. Moving to an end-user-led model marks a profound shift in the leadership composition, and one that reflects the rapid cycle of change driving the motion to an agentic landscape.<h3 id="a-strategic-evolution-–-and-a-big-leadership-change">A strategic evolution – and a big leadership change</h3>I’ve interviewed Casper Rasmussen many times (you can <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-future-is-composable-a-conversation-with-new-mach-alliance-president-casper-rasmussen">read my favorite one here</a>), and we knew each other long before ChatGPT was a twinkle in anyone’s eye. Casper’s contribution to the Alliance can’t be understated. He is, in many ways, at the heart of the composable movement, guiding the vision as its chief ambassador. In his “day job” as Group Chief Transformation Officer at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.valtech.com/">Valtech</a>, he continues to be a leading voice on the digital frontier, with a keen focus on AI's evolutionary impact.During his tenure as president, Casper has overseen significant growth of the Alliance’s membership community. Always a champion of education, he has also enriched its <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-taps-dylan-valade-of-abbott-to-drive-expanding-ridemach-education-program">rideMACH program</a> to help shepherd the composable revolution to the larger addressable North American marketplace. As previously mentioned, Casper will step down as president on September 30th, after serving three years in his role. According to the press release, the Alliance will elect a new president from its membership at some point during the same month and transition to an appointed end-user president in September 2026. As part of this evolution, two end-user ambassadors will be appointed to the MACH Alliance Executive Board next month, alongside the nine elected member seats. As part of its annual election cycle, nominations are also now open for six board seats, all of which will be gleaned from the Alliance’s membership base. The goal is to help ensure end-user perspectives are integrated throughout the governance structure.With these strategies, the MACH Alliance aims to deliver the trust and clarity organizations need for AI re-invention while maintaining its role as the vendor-neutral authority for bridging innovation with practical deployment.<h3 id="activating-enterprise-ai-transformation">Activating enterprise AI transformation</h3>Along with the shift to an end-user leadership model, the MACH Alliance is doubling down on its commitment to helping enterprises navigate and embrace AI. This includes programs that help activate the potential via real-world tools, frameworks, and experiences. The first is the aforementioned MACH AI Exchange, which was announced at “The Composable Conference” earlier this year. The AI Exchange is effectively a peer network that connects technology providers, SIs, and brands through experiences like “MACHathons” and cross-vendor working groups. Led by member practitioners working at the edge of AI, the program enables businesses to build interoperable AI experiences while maintaining MACH flexibility and composability.The other is the aforementioned Open Data Model (ODM), which was unveiled in tandem at the same venue. The ODM serves as a semantic interoperability layer – a "Rosetta Stone" for understanding how to translate data between systems in hybrid commerce architectures.  <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:87.82%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/image-1754685225176.png" alt="A person standing in front of a large screen

AI-generated content may be incorrect." /></figure>Mark Demeny of the MACH Alliance presenting the Open Data Model at CMS Connect 25. At the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25/program#wg">Boye &amp; Company CMS Connect 25 Conference</a> in Montreal this week, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/mark">Mark Demeny</a>, who has worked closely on the project, gave us a first-hand tour of ODM. The solution provides canonical reference models and implementation guidance, enabling architects to design effective data integration across commerce platforms while preparing organizations for AI-powered ecosystems.Finally, the forthcoming MACH X Event in London this October aims to energize the “AI-ready enterprise.” Billed as the premier event for AI-powered composable architecture, it will bring together the full ecosystem to help accelerate adoption. Registration is <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/events/mach-x-2025-london">now open</a>, but space is limited.<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>The MACH Alliance has been a fierce custodian of modern composable principles. In the beginning, its evangelism surrounding MACH standards and frameworks provided an essential foundation for delivering composable architectures and ensuring successful outcomes. And while the concept of modularity has been around for quite some time, it provided a reference architecture that reflected real maturity.But it was more than technology. Within the Alliance, MACH has always been positioned as a mindset, a philosophical set of tenets for governing more than just platform architecture, but human collaboration and enterprise scalability.That said, AI is forcing a recomposition of composable. Compounded by global trade wars and economic tension, brands and businesses need to ship interoperable AI experiences faster, all while maintaining MACH flexibility and composability. Meanwhile, this core flexibility is being tested. Having proven end-users with AI experience shape the roadmap for MACH is a sage response to market realities and frequent criticisms. As a collection of member technologies, having the Alliance’s leadership cut from the practitioner’s cloth is a key asset – and should provide real-world perspective as AI continues to ripple across the roadmap.  The new AI Exchange and Open Data Model show significant promise, and align to more of the actionable tools and resources I’ve been wanting to see. With the ODM in particular, having a Git-based ecosystem will allow for greater contribution and evolution, providing richer use cases over time. If there’s one constant in the technology business, it’s change. And while the MACH Alliance has served as a stable foundation for navigating transformation, it too is experiencing its own evolution. By facing the future head-on through the leadership lens, it’s taking the right steps to maintain its critical relevance in the market landscape – and continue its heritage as an alliance for good.   <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.44%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/cms-kickoff-2026-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2026"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">CMS Kickoff 2026</a></h4>January 13-14, 2026 – St. Petersburg, FloridaMeet industry leaders at our fourth annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff26">so secure your tickets today.</a>

MACH Alliance Aims to Evolve Enterprise AI Architecture with New End-User Leadership Model 

<h4 id="-"> </h4><h4 id="listen-to-the-full-episode-of-“the-critic's-corner”-podcast-&gt;"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tinyurl.com/bdzj4t2d">Listen to the full episode of “The Critic's Corner” Podcast &gt;</a></h4> <hr /> Last year, a new word was added to <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/">Merriam-Webster's</a> Dictionary called enshittification, a slang term used to criticize the degradation in the quality and experience of online platforms and experiences over time. Fun, right?Er… not so much.From a website or e-commerce perspective, enshittification typically manifests as an increase in things like ads, costs, or features, but the definition has been expanded to encompass any state of deterioration – even politics and culture.One might conclude that our world is in a current state of enshittification, but for the purposes of my latest episode of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/asteroids-and-dinosaurs-a-moment-in-time-on-ai/id1801794414?i=1000720435502">“The Critic's Corner” podcast,</a> we'll stick with the decay of modern digital experiences. Something we're all familiar with. On that note: my guest <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygoetsch/">Kelly Goetsch</a> was enshittified upon, something he wrote about recently on LinkedIn. If you don't know Kelly, he's what you might call an industry luminary, someone who has been shaping and influencing the DX and commerce landscape for quite some time. He's currently the COO at an outfit called <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pipe17.com/">Pipe17,</a> an OSM alternative that's make waves in its category.In our podcast conversation, Kelly shares more about his recent brush with "abysmal" CX during a retail TV purchase, exposing how online experiences have truly degraded in quality over time as the pursuit of profit takes over. He digs into the prevailing winds that brands face and how a lot of discovery and transacting is happening off-platform and off-site – and that's changing commerce pretty substantially.“A lot of e-commerce over the traditional web is very, very broken,” he said. “And generally, it's a lot harder to drive people to your brand.com website.”Maybe this abysmal reality is a sign of the times. Simultaneously, AI is dismantling the SaaS landscape before our very eyes. It's now possible to build apps faster than ever with less developer reliance, and there's a conscious move to consumption-based pricing. All this uncertainty is disrupting the roadmaps for software vendors and enterprises, and it's all accelerating at a breakneck pace. <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="-"> </h4><h4 style="text-align:center" id="“value-is-not-created-by-that-which-is-different,-but-that-which-is-unique.-that's-something-that-took-me-a-while-to-fully-understand,-but-it's-true.-there-are-a-lot-of-legacy-platforms,-or-even-newer-versions,-but-still-fundamentally-legacy-approaches.”">“Value is not created by that which is different, but that which is unique. That's something that took me a while to fully understand, but it's true. There are a lot of legacy platforms, or even newer versions, but still fundamentally legacy approaches.”</h4> <hr /> When I invited Kelly on “The Critic's Corner," I was hoping to catch up on our alignment within the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-deep-dish-on-composable-6-tasty-takeaways-from-the-mach-alliances-2025-conference">MACH Alliance.</a> We've been in each other's orbit for several years, and I've watched him drive success at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/commercetools">commercetools</a> while building a strong community of interest around composable architectures and practices. But our conversation took some intriguing twists and turns. During the episode, Kelly gets real about what’s at stake as consumers seek new and better ways to search and engage with brands – namely, AI-powered answer engines like <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://chatgpt.com/">ChatGPT</a>, where simplicity seems the norm (for now). No more combing through blue links or battling search ads to get a straight answer, and we can expect more ads and transactions to move there as well. Of course, this is resulting in a precipitous decline in classic search traffic, which is bad for marketers. He likened all this change to the moment an asteroid wiped out the dinosaurs.Dark? Sure. But from the ashes rose new life, and he sees the same potential.At the same time, as revolutionary as ChatGPT is, Google isn't going anywhere tomorrow. Websites will continue to be relevant for a while as consumers adapt to this new digital reality. You can catch a two-minute snippet of Kelly's observation about “living in the future” right here: <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/fcaczDULJ-c"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fcaczDULJ-c" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure> On the content and enterprise software side, we also discuss CMS and its own category challenges. He recently asked in another LinkedIn post if we really need another content management system in an already crowded and mature space. This isn't a problem that's exclusive to our industry, but with hundreds of choices battling it out, it's a common question. I ask Kelly how we navigate this commoditization, where platforms – particularly legacy players – are compositionally the same, and AI is shifting expectations. He's focused beyond the legacy “dinosaur” story and looking for real differentiation.“Value is not created by that which is different, but that which is unique,” he said. “That's something that took me a while to fully understand, but it's true. There are a lot of legacy platforms, or even newer versions, but still fundamentally legacy approaches.”Asteroids… dinosaurs... could this be the end as we know it? Maybe. But as Kelly maintains, this is where the opportunity lies. So things get a little dark, but there's some light at the end of the tunnel. I promise. I have mad respect for Kelly's thinking, and this podcast episode is chock-full of wisdom nuggets. We spend a little time talking about his “origin story,” which colors some of his perspective. That collective experience – and success – might also be why he's firmly grounded despite these seismic changes. So strap in, turn up the volume, and watch the skies for falling objects.<h3 id="listen-to-“the-critic’s-corner”-podcast-with-kelly-goetsch">Listen to “The Critic’s Corner” podcast with Kelly Goetsch</h3> <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tinyurl.com/bdzj4t2d">Listen to the full episode </a>&gt;<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://tinyurl.com/bdzj4t2d">Subscribe on Apple Podcasts</a> &gt; <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:58.49%"><a href="https://tinyurl.com/bdzj4t2d" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/08/critics-corner-apple-podcast-kelly-goetsch.jpg" alt="" /></a></figure> <h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaSee Agility CMS at the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

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