Articles - Page 25

The Top 10 AI Tools for Small Business: From Automation to a Coordinated Team of AI Agents

matt-garrepy

<hr /> Skip the intro and directly access my <a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/Responsible-AI-Guidelines-For-Content-Teams">downloadable Responsible AI Principle worksheet</a> for your team now.<h3 id="an-introduction-to-responsible-ai-for-digital-marketing-teams">An Introduction to Responsible AI for Digital Marketing Teams</h3>In today's digital age, artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a cornerstone of marketing strategies and tactics, driving innovation and efficiency across various tasks that marketers must complete. However, as AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into digital marketing teams, the need for ethical guidelines and responsible usage is also becoming increasingly crucial.I’m just going to say it: As powerful as AI is, in my opinion, content creation and digital teams are rushing headstrong into using tools like <a target="_blank" href="https://chat.openai.com/">ChatGPT</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://copilot.microsoft.com/">Copilot</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://gemini.google.com/">Gemini</a> without considering how to use them responsibly. I think there is a need to have a prudent approach and set of guidelines in place to ensure these tools are integrated correctly into their content operations. Does your digital marketing team have an AI Policy in use? Mine didn’t. In fact, I’d wager that most teams haven’t even prioritized having such a policy. I believe it’s time to start thinking about implementing one. Below is some context and background that may help. I’ve also listed some of the main factors you should consider when developing guidelines for your team's responsible use of AI.<h3 id="the-rise-of-ai-in-digital-marketing">The Rise of AI in Digital Marketing</h3>AI has revolutionized the marketing landscape, offering tools that can write content, translate from one language to another, automate content delivery, and optimize campaign performance. These advancements have enabled digital marketing teams to achieve high levels of efficiency, leading to more effective writing and improved ROI. CMS platforms and tools such as <a target="_blank" href="http://kontent.ai">Kontent.ai</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sitecore.com/">Sitecore</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kentico.com">Kentico</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.contentful.com/">Contentful</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.optimizely.com/">Optimizely</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.storyblok.com/">Storyblok</a>, etc., are all rushing as fast as possible to add more value with AI-enabled features in their products. I’ve seen it firsthand in many of them. All of these platforms want to be seen as the market leader in the space through AI innovation.In fact, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.futurepedia.io/ai-tools/marketing">Futurepedia</a>, a tool that tracks new AI tools as they come on the market, has over 211 AI tools listed in the Digital Marketing category.  <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:83.28%"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXftvTU4IabsW3KwL1ga2eWKlnhaDjSgAxG64tQEQ8O_vHarNdLMXPU70heYHuek2Loa9bVU5ln_WmC8Da2JE_QKs8avuqLGXZ6I8l1tmTE_rb0GS-8OhSoqZRQPubq6c1S2cUvye4yoQJMEY3uM996fRQLd?key=CLw_KJ6KxDiqOvRg30VM1w" /></figure> Heck, by the time I publish this article, there will probably be 212 or more listed. The pace of change and innovation is impressive. However, with great power comes great responsibility. The reliance on AI-driven tools necessitates a framework that ensures these technologies are used correctly, both from a vendor perspective and a digital team perspective.How do we place some governance on all this change? The answer is to be prudent in the approach to AI by leveraging Responsible AI as a core theme.<h3 id="what-is-responsible-ai?">What Is Responsible AI?</h3>Responsible AI refers to the development and use of artificial intelligence in ways that prioritize ethical, fair, and safe outcomes. Major tech companies like Google, Meta, IBM, and Microsoft emphasize that organizations should follow a set of key principles when leveraging AI. The principles listed below are the most common ones I see. They combine to be a set of guiding principles when using AI.<h3 id="six-key-principles-when-leveraging-ai">Six Key Principles When Leveraging AI</h3><ol><li>Fairness: AI systems should treat all people fairly.</li><li>Reliability and safety: AI systems should perform reliably and safely.</li><li>Privacy and security: AI systems should be secure and respect privacy.</li><li>Inclusiveness: AI systems should empower everyone and engage people.</li><li>Transparency: AI systems should be understandable.</li><li>Accountability: People should be accountable for AI systems.</li></ol>I actually completely agree with the way that Microsoft and others have laid this out. All of those large tech giants have complex resource sites or large PDFs that spell out even more detail around the idea of Responsible AI. The challenge is that these resources are extensive. As an example, the <a target="_blank" href="https://ai.meta.com/static-resource/responsible-use-guide/">Meta Responsible AI guide</a> is over 25 pages. Motivating myself to read all of that or browse multiple pages on the Microsoft Responsible AI site is hard enough. I can’t see my team or my client’s team going through all of that information. That’s why I really like focusing on the main six principles above.I believe that having a responsible approach to using or producing any AI tool in an organization is critical. It is also something that is needed in digital marketing/content teams as well. That’s why I started down this path. I wanted to put a policy in place at my own agency, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bizstream.com">BizStream</a>. <h3 id="why-an-ai-policy-is-essential">Why an AI Policy is Essential</h3>Adopting AI in digital marketing isn't just about leveraging new technologies for improved outcomes; it's also about acknowledging and mitigating the potential risks associated with AI's autonomy and influence. Issues such as data privacy, bias, and the chances of hallucinations (errors by a generative AI tool) pose significant challenges. Without a comprehensive AI policy, organizations risk breaching ethical standards, violating customer trust, and potentially facing legal consequences.In fact, to me, the clearest example of where generative AI can go wrong is the published information around <a target="_blank" href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2024/02/18/air-canada-airline-chatbot-ruling/">Air Canada’s chatbot failure</a>. An earlier ruling this year ended in favor of the end customer, and now Air Canada is on the hook for AI that was not used responsibly.An AI policy serves as a guiding beacon for digital marketing teams, ensuring that every AI-driven initiative is aligned with ethical principles and corporate values. It helps establish clear boundaries and standards for AI usage and addresses concerns like fairness, transparency, and accountability.<h3 id="the-role-of-principles-in-ai-deployment">The Role of Principles in AI Deployment</h3>Drawing inspiration from established frameworks like Microsoft’s six principles for responsible AI—fairness, reliability and safety, privacy and security, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability—digital marketing teams can develop a robust policy that governs AI use. These principles are not just theoretical ideals; they can be necessities that shape how AI tools are selected, deployed, and managed within a team.As digital marketing continues to evolve with AI advancements, having a well-defined, responsible AI policy should reduce friction with AI usage. It can ensure that while organizations pursue technological innovation, they remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical practices, full transparency, and working within societal norms.<h3 id="my-responsible-ai-principles-worksheet">My Responsible AI Principles Worksheet</h3>Bringing us back to my situation specifically, as 2024 has progressed, I witnessed more and more AI tools being used by my team. On the one hand, this was great because we were seeing the benefits firsthand of faster content creation on our website, email, and social media channels. On the other hand, I was getting a little concerned about two things. First, as more tools were added to our digital marketing stack, my SaaS tool spend was climbing quickly, and second, I questioned if all of these tools being used safely and responsibly.In an effort to ensure my own team at BizStream is adequately trained on the benefits and risks associated with using AI in a marketing context, I created the following tool for us internally. The idea is that I wanted to ensure each of my team members working with these types of tools had a set of guardrails or guiding principles. I used the key Responsible AI principles (Fairness, Reliability, and safety, Privacy, and security, etc. etc.) as the main set of information. From there, I pivoted a table across those principles to include the category or type of activity that we perform in our digital marketing efforts. Then, I added a description to explain further what kind of considerations to take around that type of activity that align to a principle. It started to look like this: <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:88.25%"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcyan4Kp5V4ui62GBclk3PRP2zf896t_SA2ud9i9Vpo_1v8qPrOQWfOp9xqD3WxN5ckXvPxyMRKoZXo45T-gZ4IY7D5nxcx73So7V4Ke7Bcqg63hunm9UIdd7i0AKnJKRkW2_kd8D0TMDctuawkQD6vaJ0c?key=CLw_KJ6KxDiqOvRg30VM1w" /></figure> After the first draft, my marketing specialist asked me some questions about this, so I added some guiding questions in the last column to help kick-start the brainstorming process. The current incarnation ended up looking like the screenshot below: <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:83.97%"><img src="https://lh7-us.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXfbgC_IIHSM1GTgfHUuYOxyKFikNuvB0mTdJu7oMB-maSSu0PxyYEKSKqJKnAsyS94qwbCMs_0wXMkIwpNfpD7wAei-G3vA7zYCH1yfadhC_eCth-Qa2Eiyk3OZI2MxajJ9EdHKKf2iiOIC-44Dc2pjylVL?key=CLw_KJ6KxDiqOvRg30VM1w" /></figure> You can <a target="_blank" href="https://bit.ly/Responsible-AI-Guidelines-For-Content-Teams">download the editable version of my Responsible AI Principles &amp; Guidelines for Content Teams</a> for free. My goal for this tool is to ensure that Responsible AI practices are considered when selecting third-party vendors, tools, platform features, and subscription services. I also aim for it to add governance to both our adoptions and those of our clients.Additionally, as we onboard new marketing team members or interns, I believe they will come up to speed faster with how we operate as a team. We are working to improve this process, but only time will tell.<h3 id="periodic-reviews-of-your-ai-policy-on-a-schedule">Periodic Reviews of your AI policy on a Schedule</h3>One other note. Don’t be fooled into thinking that an AI policy or single document is a ‘set and forget’ thing. The AI and especially generative AI world is constantly changing, as are the laws and regulations around it. You must treat your AI policy as a living, breathing document. Schedule time to review it regularly, considering the changes that are coming in at a rapid pace.<h3 id="feedback-wanted">Feedback Wanted</h3>As with any new idea, I’d love to gather feedback on it and improve it. If you download the worksheet and have thoughts on it, please let me know via <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianmckeiver/">LinkedIn</a> or email.<h3 id="conclusion">Conclusion</h3>Using AI in digital marketing and content creation comes with many benefits and responsibilities. By following clear guidelines and responsible principles, we can use AI ethically and efficiently. I recommend that all digital marketing teams strive to implement a responsible AI policy. Note: The above information has been written to provide general guidance only. It does not equate to legal advice. Varying legal requirements exist in different locations, and laws and regulations governing AI, privacy, and cybersecurity do not exist in a consistent manner.Note: Generative AI was used to edit this document for grammar and spelling. <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24---sold-out"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a> - SOLD OUT</h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

Responsible AI Principles for Digital Marketing and Content Teams 

bmckeiver

<hr /> When I spoke to the incomparable <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinapodnar/">Kristina Podnar</a> last November, she was – in a word – ecstatic.And rightly so: the <a target="_blank" href="https://dataandtrustalliance.org/work/data-provenance-standards">Data Provenance Standards</a>, an initiative she helped guide into existence as Senior Policy Director at the <a target="_blank" href="https://dataandtrustalliance.org/">Data &amp; Trust Alliance (D&amp;TA)</a>, was finally emerging from the chrysalis and taking flight.The D&amp;TA has become a leading voice in the chorus for trustworthy data and AI. Founded in 2020 by market mavens <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ken-chenault/">Ken Chenault</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_J._Palmisano">Sam Palmisano</a>, the organization has been keenly focused on guiding the responsible use of data and intelligent systems.If you’re not familiar with the Data Provenance Standards, I encourage you to read my <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/can-you-trust-your-ai-data-new-standards-emerge-to-help-ensure-transparency">previous interview with Kristina</a>, who is an oracle on all things Digital Policy.As we discussed in our conversation, having clear data provenance – understanding the origin, lineage, and rights associated with data – is vital to establishing trust in the details and decisions coming from data-enabled systems. This includes AI applications, which are exploding in popularity and expanding across numerous industry use cases. The Data Provenance Standards were co-created by 19 member organizations of the Data &amp; Trust Alliance, along with multiple third-party industry partners and ecosystem experts. Contributing players include American Express, Humana, IBM, Mastercard, Pfizer, and Walmart (to name a few) – obviously some of the biggest and most notable brands in the world. Now, after testing and validation with more than 50 organizations both inside and outside the Data &amp; Trust Alliance, the organization <a target="_blank" href="https://dataandtrustalliance.org/work/data-provenance-standards">just released version 1.0.0</a> of its Data Provenance Standards. The announcement was detailed in a blog post by the brilliant <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/saira-jesani/">Saira Jesani</a>, Executive Director of D&amp;TA – who I’ve also spoken to previously about this ambitious initiative. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:63.94%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/07/saira-kristina-headshots-2.jpg" alt="Headshots of Saira Jesani, Executive Director, and Kristina Podnar, Senior Policy Director" /></figure>As Saira noted in her overview, the entire journey started because the D&amp;TA members and the broader business community were yearning for, as she called it, “better rules for the road around data quality.” Exacerbated by the race to adopt AI, she went on to frame how data has become the most sustainable source of competitive advantage. This revelation ultimately led to the creation of the Data Provenance Standards, and now to the vital feedback loop that will continue to improve the framework.<h3 id="what-are-the-data-provenance-standards?">What are the Data Provenance Standards?</h3>When first proposed back in November of 2023, Kristina was quick to point out that the new Data Provenance Standards were not a form of policy, but benchmarks accompanied by rich metadata. Functionally, this metadata would serve as a set of trustworthy considerations when validating the integrity of datasets. At launch, eight proposed standards were included, each with a unique provenance metadata ID and a label for tracking the history and origin of each data set. It’s worth noting that the standards apply at the dataset level, acting as an overall “fingerprint” for divining details like the data’s lineage, source, legal rights, and more.<hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="-"> </h4><h4 style="text-align:center" id="“these-practical-standards,-co-created-by-senior-practitioners-across-the-industry,-are-designed-to-help-evaluate-whether-ai-workflows-align-with-ever-changing-regulations-while-also-helping-generate-increased-business-value.”">“These practical standards, co-created by senior practitioners across the industry, are designed to help evaluate whether AI workflows align with ever-changing regulations while also helping generate increased business value.”</h4><h4 style="text-align:center" id="-"> </h4><h4 style="text-align:center" id="rob-thomas">ROB THOMAS</h4><h4 style="text-align:center" id="senior-vice-president,-ibm-software-and-chief-commercial-officer">Senior Vice President, IBM Software and Chief Commercial Officer</h4> <hr /> According to Saira, the standards were designed to facilitate business adoption via two key focus areas. The first is to demonstrate tangible business value by helping organizations assess which datasets are of higher quality. This includes delivering the transparency required for efficient, accurate, and reliable use of data – as well as mitigating the risks from legal, copyright, and regulatory compliance issues.  The second is making the implementation of the standards more streamlined and attainable, thereby encouraging adoption. This is achieved by homing in on the most essential metadata needed to reveal and understand a dataset’s origin, method of creation, and whether it can be legally used.Since last November, we’ve seen significant changes across the regulatory landscape regarding data and AI, chiefly marked by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.europarl.europa.eu/topics/en/article/20230601STO93804/eu-ai-act-first-regulation-on-artificial-intelligence">Europe’s sweeping EU AI Act</a>. As Saira noted, while this is happening at a macro level, we still don’t have standard definitions for its critical elements. To call this a conundrum would be selling it short, to say nothing of the challenges surrounding the quality and integrity of datasets – which are essential for AI model training to deliver accurate and trustworthy results.   “Model evaluation is difficult, with little transparency around the data that trains and feeds those models,” she stated. “The consequences – from copyright infringement to privacy to authenticity – could affect both the technology’s business value and its acceptance by society, limiting organizations’ ability to determine what is to be trusted.”There’s a lot at stake, and that’s why the creation of the Data Provenance Standards is an evolutionary process – one in which the D&amp;TA is steadfast in its commitment to engaging with stakeholders, reviewing feedback, and modifying its approach to improve outcomes and further encourage adoption. <h3 id="what’s-new-in-v1.0.0?">What’s new in v1.0.0?</h3>Since the Data Provenance Standards were first proposed, Saira and Kristina have been working diligently with the D&amp;TA’s ecosystem of data, AI, ethics, and legal experts to enhance business adoption, gauge feedback, and continuously test and validate the standards. This has led to version 1.0.0, which includes multiple refinements.First and foremost, the original eight categories have been simplified down to three standards, streamlining the adoption and facilitation. The accompanying metadata has also been revised, focusing on detail that “shows, not tells” – and giving data, AI, and legal teams stronger evidence to help inform critical decisions.There’s also been a concerted effort to make D&amp;TA queries more specific about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ftc.gov/policy/advocacy-research/tech-at-ftc/2024/02/keeping-your-privacy-enhancing-technology-pet-promises">Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs)</a> to attain more accurate information. PETs are a broad set of tools and practices that enable organizations to build products and functionality while protecting the privacy of users’ data. Demonstrating how PETs fit into the equation further acknowledges D&amp;TA’s commitment to transparency. Along those same lines, v1.0.0 also sports refinements around surfacing consent language – in particular, the content shown to a user when collecting their personal data to assess risks associated with consumer data usage.Here’s one of the biggest outcomes thus far: Thanks to persistent testing and validation over several months, D&amp;TA has assembled a number of case studies, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ibm.com/downloads/cas/KY5VLRP9">one that has been released by IBM</a>. This example illustrates how the Data Provenance Standards increased overall data quality and reduced clearance review time for datasets used to train AI models. <h3 id="what’s-next-–-and-why-it-matters">What’s next – and why it matters</h3>The Data &amp; Trust Alliance is shepherding a flock of forward-thinking organizations that recognize the challenges – and opportunities – associated with data quality and integrity. Market-leading brands represent a cabal of early adopters around the Data Provenance Standards, but their participation is also an incentive for their broad ecosystems to join the fold, if for no other reason than to do business with the Pfizers and Walmarts of the world.Leading by example is perhaps an obvious force multiplier, but as Saira observed in her post, the D&amp;TA’s goal is to increase transparency across the broader business scope – and encourage all organizations to take advantage of this free tool and realize the benefits of adoption.Accelerating and expanding that adoption is next on the docket. While numerous data suppliers and producers of all sizes participated in the feedback cycle of the Data Provenance Standards, the organization is focused on fully enlisting them as partners in adoption and easing the process with toolset providers. The D&amp;TA’s innovative work is manifesting quantifiable benefits. Since the launch of the proposed Data Provenance Standards, the business value has become more palpable – particularly around the impact to productivity. As it stands, data scientists <a target="_blank" href="https://www.anaconda.com/resources/whitepapers/state-of-data-science-report-2022">spend</a> nearly 40% of their time on data preparation and cleansing tasks, which is a huge drag on productivity. On top of that, 61% of CEOs <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ibm.com/thought-leadership/institute-business-value/en-us/c-suite-study/ceo">cite</a> the lack of clarity into data lineage and provenance as the central risks preventing adoption of AI across their businesses.Refinement is certainly a predictable expectation when launching a new concept like this. But already, the proof is in the provenance pudding – and the IBM case study is a poignant example of how these standards translate into real business value. Reducing friction and minimizing the barriers to testing AI models can accelerate time to market, all resulting from greater trust and confidence around datasets that have leveraged these standards.In my previous conversations with Kristina (including a chat at the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-cms-consultants-takeaways-from-cms-kickoff-2024">Boye &amp; Company CMS Kickoff</a> event in January), we discussed the potential impact of the standards on the content, ad tech, and marketing industries. All of these layers rely heavily on data, but AI has also infected every CMS and martech platform on the planet, both directly and indirectly. This cross-section is pivotal, as brands will increasingly rely on more trustworthy data to support their AI initiatives. The <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/what-is-a-content-management-system-cms">content management ecosystem</a> is at the foundation of how these technologies and campaigns will be managed. As such, the impact of the Data Provenance Standards could bring greater control and confidence to this sector of the market landscape. In an economy where data is the most valuable currency – and every business across industries is now (or soon will be) a data enterprise – trust is paramount. As organizations race to leverage the potential of AI, good data is absolutely essential. This takes on a heightened imperative when we consider the kinds of initiatives that AI is supporting, like cancer or diabetes research. This is precisely why the Data Provenance Standards are emerging as a key foundation for ensuring the future of data, AI, and – most importantly – people.   <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

Data & Trust Alliance Releases v1.0.0 of Data Provenance Standards, Enhancing Data Quality for AI

<hr /> <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/ci-hub">CI HUB</a> has been a persistent explorer of in-app connections. The company’s software enables users to access and manage content from various key sources, including DAM (Digital Asset Management), PIM (Product Information Management), cloud storage, stock sources, and even work management systems. Connectors like this have become critical to productivity as brands wrestle with an increasingly complex and disjointed landscape of data sources. This is a big reason why <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/ci-hub-announces-major-investment-plans-to-scale-content-integration-solutions">CI HUB announced</a> a major investment from Scale Capital in March of this year, with plans to further advance its ecosystem of connector capabilities. Currently, it provides two core offerings: CI HUB Connector Professional and Connector Corporate.A big focus for CI HUB has been the burgeoning <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/adobe-experience-manager">Adobe Creative Cloud</a>, but they’ve also been blazing trails with other large-scale enterprise systems, including <a target="_blank" href="https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365">Microsoft Office 365</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/salesforce">Salesforce’s Marketing Cloud</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/google-cloud-platform">Google Workspace</a>. CI HUB also offers solutions for content, experience, and prototyping platforms like <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/wordpress">WordPress</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/microsoft-sharepoint">SharePoint</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/figma">Figma</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/sketch">Sketch</a>. One of the biggest deterrents to DAM and PIM utilization is complexity. With distributed teams having to leverage multiple platforms with different access credentials – and unwieldy systems stymieing the ability to locate assets – content creators can become frustrated and productivity can be significantly impacted. This can result in users getting “creative" with outside tools and unauthorized assets, which can impact brand consistency and integrity. In some cases, it can even open up Pandora's Box around things like stock image licensing and copyright infringement.CI HUB is once again easing the DAM burden with its new <a target="_blank" href="https://ci-hub.com/download/drive/">CI HUB Drive</a>, which enables users to access assets stored in DAMs, PIMs, and other systems directly from their desktops via MacOS or Windows machines. By bringing these systems into a local environment, CI HUB reduces the friction of finding and utilizing key assets, syncs components fluidly, and accelerates productivity and time to market. This translates into greater value around a DAM or PIM investment. “Most companies don’t get the most from their DAMs because employees find it difficult or inconvenient to log in and access what they need,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreasmichalski/">Andreas Michalski</a>, CI HUB Founder and CEO. “But with CI HUB Drive, DAM assets and data are available right on their desktop. By integrating CI HUB Drive into the most commonly used tools, MacOS Finder and Windows Explorer, there is zero training needed. This will significantly improve the adoption rate and company-wide use of DAM assets and data, making them a go-to hub for content, rather than simply an asset repository.” <h3 id="enhancing-the-value-of-dams,-pims,-and-other-sources">Enhancing the value of DAMs, PIMs, and other sources</h3>CI HUB Drive is capable of connecting multiple data sources simultaneously, providing a single desktop connector interface for DAMs, PIMs, MAMs, and stock image providers – as well as common cloud storage services such as SharePoint, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.dropbox.com/home">Dropbox</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/google-cloud-platform">Google Drive</a>, and many more. Here's how it works: CI HUB Drive virtually mounts an asset management system in a MacOS Finder or Microsoft Explorer. This enables users to seamlessly locate, use, and synchronize files without ever having to leave their desktops.  <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:86.86%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/07/ci-hub-drive-product-image-3.png" alt="" /></figure>CI HUB Drive on MacOS The beautiful thing about CI HUB Drive is its familiarity. From a visual perspective, the file structure is simple, clear, and highly navigable – which reduces the surface area of complexity for users. And with a multitude of connections available (anything from Adobe AEM to Bynder to more exotic systems), users have much more control over their asset domain. In MacOS, for example, being able to preview a stock image in a desktop window makes the entire experience second nature. It's intuitive and requires no training whatsoever. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:85.13%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/07/ci_hub_drive.png" alt="" /></figure>Viewing a stock image file in MacOS via CI HUB Drive The app also enables real-time multi-threaded file synchronization, meaning that edits made to assets locally on the desktop will be updated on demand in the original DAM or drive where they are stored. CI HUB Drive also replicates any permission-based access to folders within the DAM system, ensuring that users can access the correct files based on existing roles and rights within the connected system. “Everyone within a company is a potential content creator, and employees are accessing files from multiple sources every day,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerd-glaser-89b22a9b/">Gerd Glaser</a>, CI HUB CSO. “However, each system has a different log-in, interface and search function. Using CI HUB Drive eliminates the time-consuming processes of accessing and transferring assets between drives, tools and work management platforms. Now, users can access the company assets they need as easily as a personal drive folder linked to their desktop.” The new CI HUB Drive complements the existing CI HUB Connector plugin, which already enables users to seamlessly access their digital asset libraries within the most popular work apps such as Microsoft 365, Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, SharePoint, Google Workspace, Salesforce Marketing Cloud, and dozens more. <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>As brands and organizations struggle with the expanding ecosystem of assets – and the apps that house them – CI HUB Drive provides ease, fluidity, and familiarity that maximizes the value of a DAM or asset system. By reducing complexity and streamlining access, users can successfully locate what they need at a local level faster and more efficiently. Having a native UI in MacOS or Windows makes the entire journey of locating assets much easier. The process becomes more intuitive, eliminating much of the friction around the grunt work associated with simply browsing, picking, and finding stuff in the morass. Having a solid DAM makes it even easier, but bringing the assets closer to home makes the entire process feel more natural. One of the key benefits of CI HUB Drive is its first-class respect for permissions. This ensures that any mounted desktop access inherits the same roles for users and groups from the source DAM or PIM, so organizations can maintain governance across their teams – wherever they might be accessing resources. Additionally, the real-time multi-threaded syncing is a slick function, making it even easier to maintain consistency when users make edits at a local level. All in all, CI HUB Drive is a solid addition to the company’s portfolio of products. To sign up for access, you can <a target="_blank" href="https://ci-hub.com/products#drive">visit the company's website</a> for details.  <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

New CI HUB Drive Enables Desktop Access to DAMs, PIMs, and More

Yo Ho! Gartner’s New Magic Quadrant for Search and Product Discovery is a Compass for CX

For small-to-medium-sized businesses, establishing an online presence to sell products or services is an absolute must to stay competitive in today’s (and tomorrow’s) marketplace.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/ecommerce776x0-is.jpg" /> At first glance, the <a href="/top-5-ecommerce-platforms-for-your-website/">premier ecommerce platforms</a> might appear to be a hefty monthly or yearly expense. Fortunately, there are vast number of open source ecommerce platforms that not only have an attractive price tag (many are free!), but they also offer customizability, scalability, and community support that aren’t always found in enterprise solutions.Of course, opting to use a free open source ecommerce platform to manage online transactions might be an easy decision for your business as you look to get your feet wet in the online marketplace. Choosing the best open source ecommerce platform, however, will prove to be far more difficult. After all, they all have their various strengths and weaknesses.Fear not, though, as in this article, we’ll introduce you to 10 open source ecommerce platforms that stand out from the rest, both in terms of popularity and utility:<h2 id="1.-nopcommerce">1. nopCommerce</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/screenshot-2019-06-06-at-53906-am_qe3wkf.png" />The platform with a wide functionality of features that allows creating projects and integrations of any kind and complexity. It`s the most popular platform on Microsoft framework, that remains free since its establishment in 2008. Today, it powers more than 50.000 stores.The platform offers a wide range of functions. For instance, you can run multiple stores, use the multivendor, multi languages and multi-currencies features. This kind of wide functionality may cause difficulties at first: you may spend quite some time to deal with all the settings.nopCommerce`s marketplace is quite extensive and contains plenty of plug-ins and themes. If you`re not willing to pay for the premium support from core developers, you can always ask a question on the forums, the community of 100 thousand+ members is quite active.Perhaps the biggest drawback of the platform is that it might be difficult to launch a store if you do not have technical knowledge. On the other hand, after the store is launched, you will be able to run and support it on your own, and at the same time be sure that you will not encounter any additional fees<a target="_blank" href="https://www.nopcommerce.com/">Find out more about nopCommerce</a>.<h2 id="2.-prestashop">2. PrestaShop</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/presta-shop793x0-is.jpg" /> With over 250,000 stores using the ecommerce platform, PrestaShop is very popular due to its ease of use.It is easy to both install and customize the software, and everything is very intuitive. How much work you’ll put into creating a store using PrestaShop is up to you: you can either download a fully-hosted or self-hosted version, so you can determine your own level of technical control (both are free).That leads us into the biggest downside of PrestaShop: there’s not a lot of customizing that you can do. If you like tinkering with a bunch of graphics, you’ll likely be disappointed, as you’re not given a lot of leeway with graphic elements.If you want to really customize your site, you’ll have to purchase additional themes and templates or delve into the code.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.prestashop.com">Find out more about PrestaShop</a>.<h2 id="3.-opencart">3. OpenCart</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/opencart787x0-is.jpg" />OpenCart is especially popular with small businesses that don’t have anyone on staff with a lot of programming experience. It’s fairly simple, without a lot of the other functionalities found in other shopping cart software. This, of course, is a double-edged sword, as less complexity means it’s easier to use, but you might not get as much out of it in the end.That being said, you can still do a lot with OpenCart, though to really open this program up you’ll need a programmer to help you get around some of the code. You can also choose from a bunch of different plugins to give your site more flexibility.One of the other great things about OpenCart’s simplicity is the fact that it doesn’t drag on your server. You can slow everything down by adding a ton of plugins, of course, but for most people this should be one of the faster options.The biggest downside, besides the simplicity, is the fact that it’s so reliant on plugins. That means you may have compatibility issues with different plugins, or you might need an update that may never come. You’re putting yourself at the mercy of plugin developers much more with OpenCart than other software.All in all, the simplicity of OpenCart has made it the ecommerce platform of choice for daredevil Nik Wallenda.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.opencart.com/">Find out more about OpenCart</a>.<h2 id="4.-oscommerce">4. osCommerce</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/os-commerce740x0-is.jpg" /> osCommerce has been one the most trusted open source ecommerce platforms for the last fifteen years. With more than 7,000 community-created add-ons available for the platform, you’ll enjoy a wide range of customizability in designing and enhancing the appearance and functionality of your storefront.With more than 260,000 store owners, developers, and service providers, osCommerce offers a vast support network, which serves as an excellent resource when things go awry. If you’re having problems with your software, it’s virtually guaranteed that someone else has experienced – and solved – that very same issue.The downside to older software, of course, is that it’s old – and in osCommerce’s case, that means it doesn’t quite have the horsepower that other, newer options do. It’s not as scalable, and others have more features and just a little more “oomph.”<a target="_blank" href="http://www.oscommerce.com/">Find out more about OsCommerce</a>.<h2 id="5.-zen-cart">5. Zen Cart</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/zen-cart_1744x0-is.jpg" /> Zen Cart has one big advantage going for it: it’s got a great product management system. You can do almost anything – and do it easily – in Zen Cart, from controlling inventory to creating specials and sales. It’s total control, right at your fingertips.However, the system does tend to slow if you’re adding a bunch of new products, so it may not be great for businesses that do massive amounts of volume.The biggest drawback to Zen Cart is that it’s ugly – at least out of the box. You can gussy it up with new templates, and a talented programmer can make it dance, but if you just want to install and go, your storefront won’t exactly have the cosmetic appeal that the alternatives offer.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.zen-cart.com/">Find out more about Zen Cart</a>.<h2 id="6.-spree-commerce">6. Spree Commerce</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/spree-commerce.jpg" />One of the newer ecommerce platforms, Spree is based on Ruby on Rails. Its modular platform and small learning curve make it very easy to configure and upgrade its functionality. That’s why it should come as no surprise that it’s trusted by such retailers as 3D Robotics and Nutrisystem.Many of the extensions that you might want are supported by Spree itself, instead of independent developers, which is particularly advantageous when you need timely upgrades.Perhaps the biggest advantages of Spree Commerce are its flexibility and scalability. No matter the size and complexity of your storefront, you’ll be able to customize it to your liking. That’s why it’s widely considered one of the fastest growing open source ecommerce solutions.<a target="_blank" href="https://spreeecommerce.com/">Find out more about Spree Commerce.</a><h2 id="7.-woocommerce-(wordpress)">7. WooCommerce (WordPress)</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/woocommerce908x0-is.jpg" /> Largely considered the leading open source ecommerce platform for WordPress, WooCommerce boasts a large and rapidly-growing user community. Its seamless integration with WordPress makes it a breeze to install and manage, which is one of the main reasons why retailers like Cupcake Studio and EcoKitty have made it their open source ecommerce platform of choice.The mobile-friendly nature of WooCommerce makes it an appealing choice to brands looking to cater to the growing number of customers that use their tablet or phone to shop. In fact, the platform even enables brands to create a mobile app for their storefront with the installation of an add-on.Because WooCommerce can only be used with WordPress, it may not be the most attractive solution for some retailers and brands. However, for those already using WordPress, the scalability that WooCommerce offers makes it a particularly appealing option. However, as one might guess, paid extensions are necessary to get the absolute most out of the ecommerce solution.<a target="_blank" href="https://woocommerce.com/">Find out more about WooCommerce</a>.<h2 id="8.-jigoshop-(wordpress)">8. Jigoshop (WordPress)</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/jigoshop634x0-is.jpg" />Another WordPress-based solution that’s been gaining steam is Jigoshop. Like most other open source ecommerce solutions, Jigoshop is rather lightweight on its own. For retailers looking to make the most of their storefront, themes, plugins, and extensions are available for purchase.Like WooCommerce, Jigoshop is very easy to use – with one big exception. You can’t link variations on the software; meaning, if you were selling t-shirts in all different colors, you couldn’t just specify “blue” as the color for all sizes. You’d have to create a “blue small” option, then a “blue medium” option, and so on – which can be very time-consuming.Most everything that comes with Jigoshop is very basic, but you can purchase upgrades. This shop will ultimately have as much utility as you can afford to give it.<a target="_blank" href="http://www.jigoshop.com/">Find out more about Jigoshop</a>.<h2 id="9.-virtuemart-(joomla)">9. VirtueMart (Joomla)</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/virtue-mart711x0-is.jpg" />As the most widely used ecommerce extension for Joomla, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cmscritic.com/virtuemart-3-released/">VirtueMart</a> makes it a breeze to get your storefront up and running. Its multi-language capability makes it an appealing choice for retailers catering to a global audience, as customers can view product descriptions in their native language.VirtueMart is SEO friendly, which could potentially drive more organic traffic to the storefront when used properly. This simple, lightweight ecommerce solution also offers invoicing and inventory management capabilities.While VirtueMart doesn’t have all the features of its competitors, its simple integration with Joomla makes it a popular choice.<a target="_blank" href="http://virtuemart.net/">Find out more about VirtueMart</a>.<h2 id="10.-drupal-commerce-(drupal)">10. Drupal Commerce (Drupal)</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/drupal-commerce.jpg" />As one of my most popular open source ecommerce platforms among Drupal users, Drupal Commerce is both flexible and SEO-friendly. It features an easy-to-use administration system, and it is capable of handling some of the more complex payment models, such as those that are subscription-based.Just as WooCommerce is exclusive to WordPress and VirtueMart is exclusive to Joomla, Drupal Commerce can only be used with Drupal. It’s very basic right out of the box, although they do offer a “Commerce Kickstart” package that gives you a nice head start by providing you with the most popular add-ons.Whether you’re looking for a basic ecommerce solution, or one that you can supercharge with third-party add-ons, Drupal Commerce is a viable solution as long as you utilize Drupal as your content management platform. Its simplicity and customizability have made it the preferred ecommerce solution for retailers like Lush.<a target="_blank" href="http://drupalcommerce.org/">Find out more about Drupal Commerce</a>.<h2 id="11.-3d-cart">11. 3D Cart</h2><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/08/3dcart-screenshot-1750x0-is.jpg" />3dcart is a powerful online store builder and ecommerce solution that offers a staggering list of features for those looking to transact business online. If you are in the market for an exceptional platform for your store, this is a great product to consider. They offer a 15 day free trial that allows you to play around with their excellent software to see if it suits your needs. With 24/7 free premium technical support, quick setup and no transaction fees, 3dCart is definitely a solid option to consider.Their plans range from a very reasonable $19.99 / month to $129.99 / month and there is quite literally, a plan for every type of user you could possibly consider.<a target="_blank" href="https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=11762&amp;u=407830&amp;m=3609&amp;urllink=&amp;afftrack=">Find out more about 3dcart</a><h2 id="finding-the-best-open-source-ecommerce-platform-for-you">Finding the Best Open Source eCommerce Platform for You</h2>Ultimately, <a href="/wordpress-joomla-and-drupal-are-not-the-best-cms/">it’s impossible to say what the “best” platform is</a>, as your specific needs will determine which features will benefit you most. If you’re trying to do basic ecommerce, and you don’t need a scalable or customizable option, then one of the smaller, simpler ecommerce platforms could be perfect for you.On the other hand, if you need a lot of versatility (or you’re willing to pay for a developer), then one of the more high-performance platforms is more likely to suit your needs.You’re the only one who can decide what’s best for your business. Just remember, though, that people will judge your entire business based on your storefront…so choose wisely.Which open source ecommerce platform do you prefer? Leave us a comment below.

Top 11 Open Source eCommerce Platforms

mike-johnston

<hr /> The digital experience landscape wouldn’t exist without <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/adobe-acquia-optimizely-top-latest-forrester-wave-for-content-management-systems">Adobe</a> – and more precisely, its <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/adobe-experience-manager">Adobe Experience Manager</a> (AEM) platform. AEM has long held the crown in the kingdom of DXPs (<a target="_blank" href="https://business.adobe.com/resources/reports/gartner-mq-digital-experience-platforms-2024.html">just as Gartner</a>), and leading global enterprises depend on its scale of features to power the most complex and demanding digital strategies.While ubiquitous, the Adobe name also conjures that oft-demonized word: monolith. It is an epic ecosystem of interconnected, often Frankensteined solutions that can feel overwhelming and unwieldy – and its AEM platform is no exception. Amidst the publishing and marketing automation suites snuggling under the Adobe umbrella, AEM has always enjoyed an elite (if not pricey) reputation, making it the domain of serious enterprises. However, it can also be incredibly challenging and time-consuming, requiring curated expertise from certified practitioners. All of this can impact the velocity of getting digital projects to market. And in an era where real-time responsiveness is key, any delay can translate into lost revenue or even market share. Given these pain points, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.vshift.com/">VShift</a> – a customer engagement and digital experience agency and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/jp-morgan-joins-mach-alliance-reinforcing-growth-of-composability-in-the-digital-financial-services">MACH Alliance</a> member – has developed a new <a target="_blank" href="http://vshift.com/ideas/vshift-introduces-the-aem-digital-experience-accelerator">AEM Digital Experience Accelerator</a>. The proprietary program is targeted at AEM users, helping them deliver more engaging digital experiences with Adobe and do it all faster, easier, and more cost-effectively.“In our experience with complex organizations, we kept hearing the same pain points – cost, time-to-market, internal friction,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/al-collins-255a371/">Al Collins</a>, Founder &amp; CEO of VShift. “We developed the VShift AEM Digital Experience Accelerator to make our clients’ experience with AEM better and help them get the most out of their Adobe investments. Our new program offers a streamlined process, an easier way of launching customer experiences, and an increased capacity to innovate at a fraction of the time and costs usually involved.” The accelerator program was announced at last week’s <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/clarks-kraft-heinz-take-top-honors-in-mach-impact-awards-at-mach-three">MACH THREE Conference</a> in New York City, this year's venue for the world’s leading composable technology conference. As a MACH-certified agency, VShift has cultivated deep expertise with enterprise-scale organizations in highly regulated industries like financial services, insurance, and healthcare – focusing its solutions through a composable lens. The company also has a proven track record of crafting and delivering digital platforms for companies like Freddie Mac and Prudential.<h3 id="accelerating-the-value-of-aem-with-composability">Accelerating the value of AEM with composability</h3>Accelerators are aptly named, but there are numerous benefits beyond speed. Such is the case with VShift’s AEM Digital Experience Accelerator. First and foremost, it expedites digital product or website development-to-launch programs – and according to VShift, this can effectively reduce the timeline to weeks. It can also be customized to an organization’s specific needs, helping them meet their explicit business goals.With increased velocity and less internal friction between content owners and tech teams, brands can move faster. The accelerator also provides great flexibility for changes, allowing teams to swap out components or switch directions in a snap (composable thinking at work). <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://youtu.be/F-1e6DPT7CE"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/F-1e6DPT7CE" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure> That “swapability” is what helps make VShift’s Digital Experience Accelerator a MACH-worthy solution. It also reflects those attributes by minimizing vendor lock-in and decreasing the oppressive need for specialized AEM-certified resources to execute. This is a persistent drag for many organizations when it comes to managing their AEM footprint and properly staffing for new projects and digital initiatives.  All these benefits add up to enhanced productivity and cost-effectiveness, enabling organizations to maximize their AEM investments and cut costs by supporting customer experiences with more affordable, composable solutions. Marketing and content teams can also realize huge benefits by harnessing more control while navigating within their organization’s security policies. <h3 id="a-complete-market-ready-solution-for-aem-success">A complete market-ready solution for AEM success</h3>VShift’s accelerator is now available as a complete package that includes a ready-to-deploy cloud-hosted environment with orchestration and integration tools. Users will have the ability to rapidly design and prototype their projects via <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/figma">Figma</a> and AEM’s headless platform and connectors. For any organization developing a website, app, or digital product, customizability is a key part of the experience. To that end, VShift’s accelerator promises a customizable prebuilt core UI component library. There’s also an AI-enhanced starter kit for a content model, complete with tags and an automated builder/loader for speeding up the content modeling and deployment process. From a connective integration perspective, VShift delivers some slick capabilities via its accelerator. This includes its own “universal” <a target="_blank" href="https://graphql.org/">GraphQL-based</a> connector. They also provide a web app structure that includes a baseline for pages and functionality. On the visual editing front, VShift provides composable choices. Organizations can leverage AEM’s <a target="_blank" href="https://experienceleague.adobe.com/en/docs/experience-manager-cloud-service/content/implementing/developing/universal-editor/introduction">Universal Editor </a>or use a non-Adobe visual editor to handle digital composition in a composable framework. VShift also offers value-added composable modules and services like authentication-as-a-service or search-as-a-service.To realize the full value and potential, VShift’s accelerator is accompanied by intuitive guides and documentation, as well as an expert team with deep AEM experience and composable tech.“We spend about two to three months customizing the VShift AEM Digital Experience Accelerator to a company’s needs," Collins added. "Then we turn over the reins, leaving our clients with thorough reference documentation and allowing content creators and tech teams to launch engaging customer experiences faster, easier, and cost-effectively.” <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>Accelerators have become a vital panacea for monolithic software. This new breed of pre-built frameworks provides a mature foundation and progressive architectures for building complex websites and applications faster and more efficiently. While the landscape varies, accelerators are proving invaluable as enterprises and agencies look to maximize value from platforms like AEM in an increasingly composable world. Despite its monolithic posture, Adobe continues to be an industry-leading staple across a multitude of market segments. Even with its less-than-rosy <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/cut-paste-delete-why-adobes-canceled-merger-with-figma-is-good-for-innovation">attempt to acquire Figma</a> and rule over the entire digital experience journey, the tech mammoth remains ever-relevant and persistently innovative. In fact, its skunkworks around <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/adobe-experience-manager-evolves-franklin-launches-next-gen-composability-feature">AEM Franklin</a> (also known as Project Helix or Composability) is showing real promise by enabling AEM pages using <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/google-cloud-platform">Google Drive</a> or <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/microsoft-azure">Microsoft Office</a> via <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/microsoft-sharepoint">Sharepoint</a>. Instead of components, Franklin uses “blocks” like text, images, and buttons to generate new pages quickly and even create reusable templates. Cool stuff. As a MACH-certified DX agency, VShift is reinforcing the value of Adobe for its customers and the market at large. Its new AEM Digital Experience Accelerator is bridging the best of all worlds by providing a pathway to greater composability and flexibility. The big benefits are clear: faster time to market and lower costs. But it’s also addressing the challenge of legacy software, and helping organizations continue to mine value from their AEM investments. We’ve written at length about the constant challenge of defining “composable” in a market of conflicting ideologies. In my recent coverage of the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/clarks-kraft-heinz-take-top-honors-in-mach-impact-awards-at-mach-three">MACH THREE Impact Awards</a> – of which I participated as a judge for the second year – I go into deeper detail on this reality and how the MACH Alliance continues to maintain tacit guardrails for the industry. Regardless of how any headless CMS or enterprise DXP projects its unique flavor of “composable,” the only measure that matters is how it impacts the customer. VShift’s accelerator – and other offerings like it – focus on the most challenging layers of a digital stack, where legacy systems are still mandated or represent a significant investment. It strives to address key pain points and deliver a complete solution with a clear set of composable principles baked in. Maybe that's the “shift” in VShift. To learn more about its accelerator, <a target="_blank" href="http://vshift.com/ideas/vshift-introduces-the-aem-digital-experience-accelerator">click here. </a> <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

VShift Introduces AEM Digital Experience Accelerator to Help Launch Faster on Adobe

<hr /> Data is, without question, the most valuable currency to any business. That said, digital analytics have taken on a pronounced role in making data actionable and impactful to an enterprise – particularly when it comes to its products and experiences.<a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/amplitude">Amplitude</a> has long established itself as a leading platform in the digital analytics space, due in no small part to its scope and range. It enables organizations to build better products by tracking and translating user behavior, allowing stakeholders to gain deeper insights into critical facets like engagement, retention, and revenue. One thing that sets Amplitude apart is its elegant, event-based analytics capabilities, which transmit in-product interactions and behaviors in real time. This is especially valuable for organizations mapping the user journey across digital experiences powered by CMS or marketing automation tools. To that end, Amplitude recently launched a set of new and expanded integrations that will make it easier for businesses to understand customer activity and leverage analytics to maximize the potential and performance of their experiences. Among the new tools is a <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/contentful">Contentful</a> plug-in for marketers that provides no-code testing features, as well as an enhanced <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/hubspot">HubSpot</a> integration designed to improve email campaign results and analysis. There’s also a new <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/wordpress">WordPress</a> plug-in that ingests website data into Amplitude with just one click – powering faster, data-driven website decisions. The company also announced the availability of a new <a target="_blank" href="https://amplitude.com/docs/partners/integration-portal">Integration Portal</a>, designed to speed up and simplify integration development. Now, technology partners will have access to a range of tools and resources – including documentation, code samples, and best practices – to enable their teams throughout the integration process.“We want to provide our customers with the most flexible platform on the market. This means meeting them where they are so they can get the most out of their existing investments,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/francoisajenstat/">Francois Ajenstat</a>, Chief Product Officer at Amplitude. “Our expanded partner ecosystem gives customers even more choice to integrate and extend Amplitude to meet their unique needs. Our new integration portal provides the resources teams need to easily and seamlessly build on top of our platform.”<h3 id="enhancing-data-based-decisions-with-contentful">Enhancing data-based decisions with Contentful</h3>With personalization becoming a key objective for marketing teams, having nimble tools that allow for rapid, iterative testing and analysis is paramount. The new <a target="_blank" href="https://amplitude.com/blog/experiment-contentful-integration">Contentful integration</a> is a great example of how a headless CMS and content platform can leverage Amplitude’s analytics to enhance the personalization of digital content – and ultimately improve customer experiences. One major benefit of a composable platform like Contentful is the capacity to build world-class omnichannel strategies. Juicing this with customer data gives marketing and growth teams access to all their content so they can easily build variants for their A/B tests. This also makes it simple to organize and reuse content, which means they have a nearly inexhaustible supply of options for each test variant. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:83.25%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/06/amplitude-contentful-1.png" alt="" /></figure>Creating a new experiment in Amplitude for a homepage hero banner in Contentful Using Amplitude, a company’s web, growth, and marketing teams can run no-code tests using <a target="_blank" href="https://streaklinks.com/B__ewgkSEs1pVgGBMAmfaPnh/https%3A%2F%2Famplitude.com%2Famplitude-experiment">Amplitude Experiment</a> and Contentful. With Amplitude Experiment, teams get the guidance they need to set up tests accurately. Meanwhile, Contentful can build out new messaging and page layouts with just a few simple clicks.  <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:81.96%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/06/amplitude-contentful-2.png" alt="" /></figure>Analytics results from a new Contentful hero banner test in Amplitude Amplitude's rich analytics provide a much deeper review of an experiment's performance. Unlocking no-code experimentation also empowers teams can drive growth and ROI faster by executing more tests – and directly impacting their acquisition, monetization, and retention results."A growing number of our customers want to build personalized experiences. But to pull this off, they need to be able to quickly A/B test different headlines, CTAs, page layouts, and more,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/krrau/">Karthik Rau</a>, CEO at Contentful. “Our integration with Amplitude makes this process so much easier. Without any help from engineering, our customers can set up an experiment in Amplitude using content they already have in Contentful. Once the test is complete, they can roll out the right experience to the right group of users. It not only helps teams move faster, it empowers them to make more informed, data-based decisions." <h3 id="an-expanding-ecosystem-of-integrations">An expanding ecosystem of integrations</h3>Amplitude has been doubling down on its integration strategy and enriching its breadth of offerings. With more than 130 integrations currently available, including the recently announced <a target="_blank" href="https://streaklinks.com/B__ewhR3t-oOryrAPwbtjQ1x/https%3A%2F%2Famplitude.com%2Fpress%2Fsnowflake-native-amplitude-GA">warehouse-native offering with Snowflake</a>, Amplitude provides customers with a wide range of choices for getting data into – and insights out of – its platform. Along with the Contentful features, Amplitude also launched an enhanced, two-way integration for HubSpot. The plug-in allows companies to bring user cohort data from Amplitude into HubSpot to easily tailor email campaigns or bring HubSpot data into Amplitude for deeper analysis of campaign performance.  From an open source perspective, Amplitude now offers a <a target="_blank" href="https://streaklinks.com/B__ewgsiYg3R8Qy_owjA9zC9/http%3A%2F%2Famplitude.com%2Fblog%2Fwordpress-plugin">new free plug-in</a> for WordPress – the world’s most popular <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/what-is-a-content-management-system-cms">content management system</a> that powers over 400 million websites. With the new integration, customers can bring website data from any WordPress page into Amplitude in just one click, allowing marketing teams to quickly gain insights into user behavior to boost engagement and increase conversion rates.Additionally, Amplitude now offers integrations for:<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://movableink.com/">Movable Ink</a>: Using artificial intelligence, Movable Ink develops creative content for every customer touchpoint. With the new integration, users can send data from Amplitude to Moveable Ink and automatically generate custom marketing content tailored to each user's preferences.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.humanic.ai/">Humanic.ai</a>: A marketing automation platform that utilizes AI to unlock growth for product-led companies, Humanic.ai leverages data from Amplitude to give teams the ability to deliver hyper-personalized content that drives higher activation and adoption.</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.unitq.com/">unitQ</a>: Using the AI solutions in unitQ, companies can better understand and take action on user feedback, enabling teams to uncover behavioral insights alongside customer feedback channels to improve onboarding, A/B testing, feature road mapping, and more.</li></ul><h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>Data's true potential is realized when it's made actionable. Deeper insights are essential to every modern data strategy, and leveraging a secure, trusted resource for meaningful and relevant analytics is a mandate for any modern enterprise.Amplitude continues to prove itself a leader and an innovator in the analytics space. Expanding its scope of available integrations and its capabilities for building custom integrations via its new portal makes it more extensible than ever. Given the other analytics tools on the market, few deliver this kind of control, flexibility, and customization.From a CMS perspective, Amplitude’s new plug-ins for Contentful and WordPress provide an indispensable asset for delivering more personalized content at scale. It further supports the enterprise charter to optimize processes, improve conversions, and enhance the value of one-to-one experiences.Also, by providing both Contentful and WordPress options (and presumably more in the future), Amplitude is delivering greater choice for organizations leveraging best-of-breed enterprise or open source CMS platforms.The more you know, the more you grow. It might sound cliché, but that's the promise of good analytics. <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

Amplitude Launches New Analytics Integrations for Contentful, HubSpot, WordPress and More

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<hr /> Turning 20 is a milestone for everyone. It’s your second decade, a rite of passage into adulthood. You’re not exactly a “kid” anymore, but you’re still at the beginning of your story – and ready to write the biggest chapters of your life with (hopefully) a little experience under your belt.The same is true for businesses. Reaching 20 years means you’ve navigated a multitude of challenges on the ride up – from an evolving competitive landscape to shifting economic conditions – and persevered. It’s even more of a monumental achievement in the tech sector, where everything moves at warp speed and change is a persistent reality. That’s what makes this an extra-celebratory moment for <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/kentico">Kentico</a>, a market-leading content management system and digital experience platform. The company just marked its 20th year in the market, growing from humble beginnings to become a respected, well-established global player in the CMS ecosystem.At these moments, it’s cathartic to consult the rearview mirror to gauge what’s ahead. The road to success for the Brno, Czech-based “hometown hero” has been long and hard-fought, but clearly worth the effort. Now, Kentico's future looks more promising than ever as it focuses on its innovative product and a unique set of capabilities for managing multichannel content.<h3 id="a-20-year-journey-to-build-a-market-leading-cms---">A 20-year journey to build a market-leading CMS   </h3>Like most technology businesses, Kentico started with an idea. In this case, it was founder <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kentico.com/CMSModules/Newsletters/CMSPages/Redirect.ashx?linkguid=7d2e12cb-7416-4b73-89e1-2b5915e001cd&amp;email=matt%40cmscritic.com&amp;hash=be0d1d8f19e0858f5111492f222eca952b1f9d98aaaeebe1c4c04b9dec830ced">Petr Palas’ bachelor thesis project</a>, which featured a simple CMS framework. Just six years later, it went from a university drawing board to a well-recognized company with offices around the world.In that timespan, it also scaled by an impressive 1,781%, placing it fourth on <a target="_blank" href="https://brand.kentico.com/Who-are-we/Historical-milestones">Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50</a>. The years that followed saw numerous milestones for the company, including the launch of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kentico.com/platforms/xperience-by-kentico">Xperience by Kentico</a> – its new flagship product with a committed roadmap. Kentico revealed the news at its <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/kentico-connection-2023-nashville-focuses-on-innovation-partnerships-ai-and-the-future-of-dxp">Connection 2023 event</a>, showcasing its unique and innovative hybrid headless DXP. Last year, the company was also recognized on the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kentico.com/discover/newsroom/kentico-recognized-for-the-seventh-time-in-the-gartner-magic-quadrant-for-dxp-report">Gartner Magic Quadrant</a> for DXPs for the seventh time. And already in 2024, Kentico has continued its streak of groundbreaking accomplishments, powering over 90,000 websites and counting – with continued growth on the horizon. Here’s a great video timeline that covers many of its accomplishments:<figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iq3T9duz8j4&amp;list=PL9RdJplq_ukZeB9RYcXls0YzTWI8yjD-9&amp;index=1"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/iq3T9duz8j4" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure><h3 id="celebrating-success-and-dedication-across-a-global-community--">Celebrating success and dedication across a global community  </h3>A big part of Kentico’s success has been its people – a global team that’s now more than 250 strong. To celebrate its 20-year milestone, CEO Dominik Pinter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kentico.com/CMSModules/Newsletters/CMSPages/Redirect.ashx?linkguid=2ecc6459-06f9-46d1-a0da-47a2e3511bfc&amp;email=matt%40cmscritic.com&amp;hash=be0d1d8f19e0858f5111492f222eca952b1f9d98aaaeebe1c4c04b9dec830ced">gathered with employees to reflect</a> on the company's journey amidst global and tech industry transformations.  When it comes to its team and the broader community, Kentico’s secret sauce has been a tacit team spirit – one of its core company values. By focusing on personal and career development, the company has cultivated a diverse, committed, and tenacious culture. As a result, many employees have stuck around <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kentico.com/CMSModules/Newsletters/CMSPages/Redirect.ashx?linkguid=aaa0a905-ff3a-49e4-b455-b898693b44c4&amp;email=matt%40cmscritic.com&amp;hash=be0d1d8f19e0858f5111492f222eca952b1f9d98aaaeebe1c4c04b9dec830ced">since the very beginning</a> – a testament to Kentico’s progressive posture as a people-first company. <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_rKf4dwDi78&amp;list=PL9RdJplq_ukZeB9RYcXls0YzTWI8yjD-9&amp;index=3"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_rKf4dwDi78" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure>Kentico’s success also reflects its blossoming community of fierce creators and advocates. With 500 digital agencies in its network and eleven MVPs – a collection of marketers and developers passionate about Kentico – the company is expanding guidance to partners and customers while continuously leveraging feedback to improve its products and services. <h2 id="leading-kentico’s-future-with-a-bold-vision">Leading Kentico’s future with a bold vision</h2>Before rising to the illustrious rank of CEO, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominik-xperience-pinter/">Dominik Pinter</a> was a long-standing employee at Kentico. His journey began in 2007 as a part-time QA tester while still a student, and over the years, transitioned through different roles – from technical leader to product manager. After a four-year hiatus, Pinter returned to Kentico as Vice President of Product Management. He officially took over as CEO in 2022 after founder Petr Palas stepped away to become chairman. During his tenure, he has seen the company transform from a niche vendor to a product-focused market leader. “As a human grows up, it’s very similar to Kentico,” he said. “At the beginning, we were really just a small kid doing some little websites and stuff like that. Then we grew and grew into a digital experience platform solution.”As a deeply experienced member of the Kentico team, Pinter gained tremendous insight into the company's customer, product, and operational functions. This equipped him with an ideal mix of long-term perspectives and resources to guide the next successful chapter in the company’s story. <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>At CMS Critic, we’ve spent years watching growth take root at Kentico. Reaching the 20-year threshold is reason enough for any company to pop the champagne cork and cheer the accolades. But seeing further opportunity and prosperity ahead – especially after such humble beginnings in the growing tech hub of Brno – is even more rewarding. It’s clear that they are deeply committed to their hometown in a way that other companies could learn from.Kentico has been a consistent voice in the CMS chorus, helping to shape its trajectory. The company has long been a fixture on the landscape, representing a deep trust and reliability that customers need – particularly at a time when security and compliance have become dubious expectations with unproven technologies. Many of today’s headless CMS platforms have only been in the market for a few years. While several have been successful and achieved sizeable funding, there’s something to be said about amassing the business and market wisdom that comes with legacy platforms. This is where brands like Kentico can provide greater value through their well-established user communities, certifications, regulatory benchmarks, and other intangible assets. Of course, experience can be a double-edged sword in tech, where hot new technologies can disrupt the status quo and steal market share. Herein lies the challenge for any “older” CMS or DXP player: battling the perception of no longer being a “startup” culture, and overcoming the challenge of relevance – particularly in a more composable-minded world. However, Kentico has been maintaining its market poise by focusing on innovation across its products. In this way, it's been acting like a startup within a proven and profitable business. By earning preference and loyalty with creative agencies and enriching its channels, Kentico is also continuing to mine value and create differentiation in an increasingly competitive and confusing market.Finally, Kentico’s fearless leader, Dominik Pinter, is as much a CEO as he is a bridge – connecting a heritage of strong CMS principles with a future of innovative potential. He’s not a financial outsider solely focused on spreadsheets, but a practitioner of the Kentico product – bringing a perspective that is more aligned with customer experience and expectations. Pinter is also a relatively young leader (still under 40). He’s hungry, energized, and passionate, but also brings the right mix of learning and decisive action to the table. A great combination of traits for a chief executive.  Congratulations on your 20th, Kentico. Blow out every candle and wish for big possibilities. We can’t wait to see what you have in store for the next two decades – and how you will continue to impact the world of CMS. <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

Kentico Marks 20 Years of CMS Innovation and Leadership

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<hr /> As a digital analyst – and, at heart, a guy who just likes to write stories about cool people and tech – I try to bring an outside perspective to everything.Sometimes, I’m just beyond the perimeter. Others, I’m inside it. More on that in a minute.Let me start today with one of our favorite words: composable. I’ve long held that it is, indeed, a “thing.” I think most of you will agree with me. Trends come and go, but this one is as much about technology as it is about philosophy – and broader in its reach than the stiff walls of industry categories. Even now, debate continues around how we define the composability of a product or a company, with conflicting POVs emanating from various camps based on a number of factors. Why can't we all just get along? As the feud wages on, the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-expands-certification-scope-to-include-offerings-within-larger-vendors">MACH Alliance</a> has been a leading voice in shaping the answer to this and other questions. Since 2020, it has endeavored to quantify the dimensions in a tangible way, establishing core tenets that reinforce key attributes and educate the market. How does the Alliance define composable? In a nutshell, it's a modular development approach that allows organizations to create custom applications by combining smaller, independent components. These components can then be customized, replaced, and plugged in independently to meet specific needs. In other words, you “compose” your stack.The charter of the MACH Alliance has always been clear: make it easier for buyers to understand the benefits of composable so they can evaluate solutions confidently, and even procure technologies that meet rigid MACH (Microservices, API-first, Cloud SaaS, Headless) standards. These standards provide the guardrails for certifying a solution as truly composable, which is where some of the debate stems from. By this definition, all MACH solutions are composable, but not all composable solutions are MACH compliant.Like composable, MACH is also a “thing." And that’s made clear by its continued rise in adoption (solid <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-publishes-first-annual-report-showcases-industry-impact-and-plans-for-2024">research validates this</a>). At last year’s <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">MACH TWO event</a>, we saw how European markets and global brands were turning MACH’s pioneering principles into real projects and successful outcomes. Because of its early adoption across EU markets, some people assume this whole movement started in Europe. Not exactly.Now, at this year’s <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/events/mach-three">MACH THREE event</a> – which wrapped in New York City last Tuesday – we’re seeing the movement's zeitgeist take root in North America. This is a big deal for the MACH Alliance, another signpost reflecting its continued rise and influence. The organization, which advocates for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems, has attracted more than 100 members to its ranks. This includes a signature bench of Enablers like <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/aws-joins-mach-alliance-as-enabler-member-reflects-growth-of-cloud-native-solutions">AWS</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/google-cloud-platform">Google</a>, and industry Supporters that feature <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/newsroom/mach-alliance-announces-paypal-is-the-first-company-to-join-new-supporter-membership-category">PayPal</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/members/j-p-morgan">J.P. Morgan</a>. Heavy hitters, to be sure. At CMS Critic, we’ve been following the organization’s successes and challenges since Day One, and always taken a keen interest in its trajectory. We’ve covered its accomplishments and accolades, but also the challenges and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-openly-invites-companies-claiming-mach-to-apply-for-certification">occasional controversy</a> that the movement has stirred – particularly among competitors. <h3 id="full-transparency">Full transparency</h3>I am a member of the Alliance’s Executive Advisory Board, where I listen and counsel with objective industry insight. I view things first through the CMS lens, but I've cultivated a deeper knowledge of the wider market and how composable and MACH are being leveraged to future-proof enterprise stacks.For the second year, I was asked to judge the prestigious <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/mach-impact-awards">MACH Impact Awards</a>, a staple of the annual conference’s agenda – and a reflection of the actual work being performed in the market. The MACH Impact Awards recognize organizations that have demonstrated tremendous value through digital transformation projects by successfully implementing a MACH approach. What qualifies me for this honor? Over the last two decades, I’ve built digital experiences with numerous tools and platforms – too many to count. There have been incredible highs and wildly successful launches, but I’ve also struggled, maybe even cried a few times (not ashamed to admit that). Along the way, I've also watched the seedlings of composability bubble up effervescently as stacks became more decoupled and dependent on APIs. In my second year judging the Impact Awards, I’ll say this: it’s getting easier and harder. Easier in the sense that more organizations clearly understand the fundamentals and are adopting the mindset in a more intentional way. Harder in that the use cases are more dense, complex, and difficult to choose as winners in a juried contest. I can’t get into the sausage-making behind the scenes. But I’ll simply say this: it was a joy to read, rank, and collaborate with fellow judges on our panel, all of whom are accomplished industry experts. We were all committed to assessing every entry with a fair, critical, unbiased eye – giving each use case a thorough evaluation. With that said, here are the results of that work.<h3 id="mach-matters-more-than-ever">MACH matters more than ever</h3>There were some astoundingly rich, detailed, ambitious, and downright intimidating entries in the third annual Impact Awards. Before I Iist the victors, there are a few key insights derived from 2024's cohort of applications.First, it’s worth noting that this year’s Impact Awards experienced a 20% increase in entries. That’s a clear signal that interest and awareness is growing – but also that organizations, vendors, and SIs are understanding the fierce requirements needed to satisfy a successful MACH program. In terms of scope, the MACH Alliance handed out ten MACH Impact Awards, recognizing projects from focused industries, project teams, and individuals. There was some notable expansion into the categories of travel, tourism and hospitality, and consumer product goods manufacturing. The MACH Alliance also added a Best New Breaking Ground Project award for companies paving the way in a new sector.There were two new “Grand Prix” awards featured in this year’s contest. This included Best Digital Experience and Best Overall Change, where the category award winners vied for a “best-of-the-best” honor as chosen by the judges.  “We are seeing companies implement MACH projects across a growing range of industries and geographic markets like never before, which speaks to the importance of operating a flexible, modern, and composable technology infrastructure,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-hall-4b14a945/">Holly Hall</a>, managing director, MACH Alliance. “Our <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/content-hub/mach-global-research-2024">2024 global research</a> discovered that 9 in 10 IT decision-makers say composable technology will be instrumental to the success of their organization in the next five years.”<h3 id="“we-are-the-champions”-(cue-the-music)">“We are the champions” (cue the music)</h3>No shocker if you read the headline, but Kraft Heinz and Clarks earned the pretigious Grand Prix honors. These were incredible projects, and certainly worthy of the accolades. Official winners of the 2024 MACH Impact Awards include:<ul><li>Best B2B Project: Hynds Group</li><li>Best Retail Project: Clarks</li><li>Best Health &amp; Wellness Project: Vision Healthcare</li><li>Best Travel, Tourism, &amp; Hospitality Project: Wendy’s</li><li>Best Manufacturing (consumer goods) Project: Kraft Heinz</li><li>Breaking New Ground Project: Micheldever</li><li>Team of the Year Award: Varner</li><li>Contributor of the Year Award: Justin Thomas, head of digital experience, Kraft Heinz</li><li>Grand Prix – Best Overall Change: Clarks</li><li>Grand Prix – Best Digital Experience: Kraft Heinz</li></ul>One special exception: during the event, recognition was given to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.danielsmusic.org/">Daniel’s Music Foundation</a>, a New York-based nonprofit that provides accessible music programs to people living with a disability. As the organization proclaims on its website, it’s changing lives through the power of music – a unique and worthy cause with local and global implications. This spotlight is another example of the MACH Alliance’s mission to make positive changes in our world, particularly in the realm of diversity, equality, and inclusion. If you’re interested in perusing the full list of nominees and winners, visit the <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/mach-impact-awards#Finalists">MACH Impact Awards page</a>. <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>I think I’ve hit the high points in the opening salvo, but there are two main reasons why these Impact Awards are a milestone.First, it signifies the tangible growth of MACH and composable – and it’s not just hype or hyperbole. By featuring real use cases and successful outcomes, the Alliance is pinpointing just how successful its investments in community and education have been. With significantly more entries in this year’s contest, it’s clear that interest continues to rise.Second, MACH is making strides in the U.S. market, where it has been slowly taking root. The addressable market is large and relatively untapped, and its efforts over the last year to build a beachhead and drive awareness has been successful. This was part of the calculus in selecting New York City as the host location for the MACH THREE event – a hub for tech, finance, and just about every other industry under Gotham’s sun. Also, having U.S.-based brands like Kraft Heinz achieve standout recognition is further evidence that opportunities are evolving Westward.The contention around composable is a real phenomenon, and the division has been palpable. As monolithic platforms make inroads towards a more composable posture, headless CMSes and MACH-certified tools have also been evolving their own offerings to better compete in a grueling marketplace of options. I could probably write a book about the chaos that has ensued – both sides feeling a bit marginalized, both racing towards the middle in their own ways. But in the end, what really matters is the customer, and that’s what I love about these Awards. They elevate the voices of brands and builders, allowing their individual and collective success to tell their stories. And for the third year in a row, the MACH Alliance has made those stories a jewel in the crown of its premier event.  Awards programs are a fun and spirited way to celebrate achievement and excellence among our peers. The Impact Awards have delivered that in spades and continue to exemplify the promise and potential of MACH. Congratulations to the winners.  <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

Clarks, Kraft Heinz Take Top Honors in MACH Impact Awards at MACH THREE

<hr /> Maybe you've noticed, but there's been a bit of “sea change” in CMS leadership over the last year (among other industries). Here are just a few examples of the notable transformation at the top:<ul><li>In November of 2023, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/kontentai-welcomes-mark-ruddock-as-new-chief-executive-officer">Kontent.ai</a> appointed <a href="Mark%20Ruddock">Mark Ruddock</a> as Chief Executive. </li><li>In April of this year, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentful-unveils-new-features-and-ai-powered-capabilities-to-accelerate-creativity-for-digital-teams">Contentful’s Steve Sloan</a> left the post where he served since 2019, handing the reins over to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.contentful.com/newsroom/contentful-appoints-karthik-rau-as-ceo/">Karthik Rau</a>.</li><li>At <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/sitecore">Sitecore</a>, <a href="Dave%20O'Flanagan">Dave O’Flanagan</a> officially took the helm after an interim spell, serving in the wake of long-time CEO <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/tzikakis/">Steve Tzikakis</a>. </li></ul>One could draw quick conclusions from the repetitive exodus of leadership.On the upside, the “COVID Years” were like the Gold Rush, with demand for digital transformation reaching epic proportions. To keep pace, vendors built and bought, leading to some astounding seed rounds and acquisitions. A couple of quick examples come to mind: In 2020, Episerver bought <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/optimizely">Optimizely</a>. A year later, Sitecore consumed CDP and digital commerce vendors <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/sitecore-acquires-boxever-and-four51">Boxever and Four51</a> to complete its DXP puzzle. The list goes on – and after runs like that, a CEO might want a break from the cycle of chaos. On the downside, the economics are less enticing. The SaaS market is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/salesforce-earnings-slowing-growth-risk-more-disappointment-ahead">clearly softening</a> (just ask <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/salesforce">Salesforce</a>), and CMS vendors are looking at new ways to ignite value beyond adding generative AI features. In some cases, having a new vision and go-to-market strategy – and someone to shepherd it – is a sage solution.Clearly, there are a multitude of factors contributing to these changes in “The Big Chair.” And while acquiring and adopting new technologies will continue to be a focus for enterprises – particularly those that optimize performance and reduce costs – modernizing websites and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/what-is-a-content-management-system-cms">content management systems</a> are still visible line items in corporate budgets. As such, vendors are doubling down on creative ways to position as brands tighten their tech belts. Downstream, website builders are experiencing similar economic and competitive pressures. With a bevy of choices – including automated, AI-powered features in platforms like <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/pulp-fiction-payday-heres-why-squarespace-is-trading-public-life-for-a-juicy-private-deal">Squarespace</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://dorik.com/">Dorik.ai</a> – users are more discriminating, and even agencies are assessing the value of more attractive affiliate terms as they consider what tools to use.Now, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/webflow">Webflow</a> is joining the ranks of its CMS “cousins,” elevating <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/lktong/">Linda Tong</a> from COO and President to the role of CEO. The company’s founder, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladmagdalin/">Vlad Magdalin</a>, shared the news in an open letter to staff and later to the world. Unlike similar departures from the top ranks, Magdalin will stay on full-time as Webflow’s Chief Innovation Officer (following a planned sabbatical). The role will entail exactly what it sounds like: helping the company build and support what it now calls a “Website Experience Platform.” Magdalin will focus on product evolution, customer and community intimacy, recruitment, and evangelizing the Webflow mantra.Magdalin will also continue to chair Webflow’s board of directors, which Tong formally joined this week with her appointment as CEO. <h3 id="bringing-deep-experience-and-“infectious-energy”-to-the-ceo-role">Bringing deep experience and “infectious energy” to the CEO role</h3>Magdalin announced the news ahead of the company’s “Webflow Together” meeting yesterday. In the message, he described Tong as an ideal choice to assume command based on her deep experience and “infectious energy” to lead Webflow in its next chapter. Tong has served as President and COO at Webflow since June of 2022, overseeing a number of key achievements – including the recent <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/webflow-buys-intellimize-why-its-an-intelligent-buy">acquisition of Intellimize</a>. Prior to Webflow, she had a string of really big jobs. These included leadership roles at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cisco.com/">Cisco's</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.appdynamics.com/">AppDynamics</a>, focusing on innovation across its product offerings. During her tenure, she was ultimately promoted to General Manager of the AppDynamics division. She also spent three years at <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/google-cloud-platform">Google</a>, sharpening her product marketing chops in a multitude of areas, including Android OS channels and applications. There was also a stint at the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nfl.com/">NFL</a> for two years. Betwixt the market-leading brand experience, Tong has also served in an advisory role at companies startups and been involved with venture partners. She even held a limited partner role with a Bay-area organization called <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/operator-collective/">Operator Collective</a> – a venture fund comprised of leading tech executives from a variety of backgrounds. Over the last few years, Magdalin and Tong have been functioning as a sort of “dynamic duo” at Webflow, shaping the company’s trajectory as a unified leadership cabal. This special relationship has clearly permeated Webflow’s culture, with staff clearly aware of the pairing's collaborative force.“For those of you who’ve had the privilege of working with her over the last few years and seeing her take on more and more responsibility across the company, Linda becoming our next CEO might feel entirely obvious,” said Magdalin. “And it’s so clear why that sentiment exists – because from day one, she has been my #1 partner in navigating scale, tackling unprecedented challenges, and chasing new opportunities. Linda deeply understands our team, our customers, our partners, our community, our business, and our culture. And she has led businesses many times larger than Webflow in the past, and has a proven track record of navigating the kinds of scale that are still ahead of us. She’s the perfect fit for this role.”<h3 id="why-now?">Why now?</h3>As Magdalin described it, Webflow is at a pivotal moment in its journey. The company has certainly attained key milestones worthy of applause, but as already noted, the road ahead is paved with challenges. Still, collaboration has proven to be a deep source of inspiration for modeling the right team and culture – something he reflects fondly on.“When I first had the idea for Webflow, I never imagined that a fledgling idea to empower more people to build for the web would turn into the powerhouse that it is today,” he stated in his open letter. “What Sergie, Bryant, and I began to build in a grungy co-working space in Silicon Valley in 2012 has become something truly transformational.”With nearly <a target="_blank" href="https://getlatka.com/companies/webflow#:~:text=How%20much%20revenue%20does%20Webflow,generates%20%24128M%20in%20revenue.">$130 million in revenue</a> from its subscription-based business service, Webflow is certainly moving in the right direction. Magdalin is perhaps most bullish about the prospects of adding Intellimize’s AI-powered personalization – what he sees as the key to unlocking the company’s new position as the “Website Experience Platform.” “With this vision, we’re taking the most important part of the digital experience – the website – and creating a seamlessly integrated and visual-first platform that allows marketing teams to break their dependence on code and innovate at speeds they could never reach before,” he described. “We believe that this will not only lead to empowered, revenue-driving marketing teams, but also to a better experience for everyone on the web.”To achieve what Magdalin describes as Webflow’s “grand ambitions,” it will need a lot. But in his mind, the core components rest with its team around collaboration, execution, and innovation – and helping users unlock their website-building superpowers. Tong’s appointment as CEO and his shift to an innovation focus is meant to accelerate the next steps.“Webflow is already extraordinary, and in many ways, we’re just getting started,” he said. “I’m so proud of how far we’ve come and I can’t wait to see this new chapter unfold. With Linda now at the helm – along with hundreds of the smartest and hardest working teammates that I’ve ever met all across this company – I know that nothing can stop us from realizing our full potential. Together, we’re unstoppable!”<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>Website builders are a crafty community. They’re visual designers with a technical penchant, but also pragmatists with a desire to simplify. They seek tools that unleash their creativity while giving them total control over the expression of their ideas across devices – and modern tools are finally starting to pay off on the promise to deliver that experience.Webflow is, without question, the most robust platform in the website builder ecosystem. It’s rich with features and capabilities, and offers some of the best documentation and video-based teaching resources on the market. And while no drag-and-drop builder will ever be completely bug-free, Webflow’s support continues to earn happy campers across its community.Visual builders are popping up across the CMS landscape, and with more composable solutions becoming attractive plays, an ecosystem like Webflow will face competition from all sides of the market. Economic challenges aside, the addition of Intellimize’s AI personalization could be a game changer – and with Tong’s product expertise leading the way, it might have all the boxes checked to make a solid run toward growth.From a CMS feature perspective, Webflow is also building its muscle. Yesterday, the <a target="_blank" href="https://webflow.com/updates/cms-on-canvas-editing">company announced</a> that canvas editing is now available in Webflow, enabling users to edit CMS content directly on the visual canvas and spin up new CMS pages without leaving the Webflow Designer. As Tong <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/YayLT/status/1803123250735804857">stated on X</a>, she's excited about what's on the roadmap in this area of their product.Community is a dynamic factor for many platform vendors in this space. But loyalty aside, price and value will continue to play a crucial role when acquiring new subscriptions and addressing churn. The intangibles – like ease of use and support – can influence the gravitational forces at play. Webflow will need to be conscious of all these factors while continuing to create clear, value-based messaging for its audiences. Growing the appeal with enterprise customers is also in play. Webflow has made significant inroads with larger brands, despite the shift towards more composable solutions. Some companies are very clear about their needs and objectives, and those with the right requirements could be attractive targets for an ecosystem play. And for a no-code website builder, it's opening up some interesting enterprise channels like the <a target="_blank" href="https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace/pp/prodview-eeecmlfoh7lgs">AWS Marketplace</a>, where you can procure Webflow Enterprise for $100K with a private SaaS license.Perhaps the most endearing part of this transition is Magdalin's clear respect and admiration for his successor. This demonstrates a trust in leadership that few brands are often able to mount or manage. There are certainly the external optics of customers, but there’s also the internal confidence of teams. This was handled with a degree of decorum that sets it apart from most other transition plans.As Magdalin stated to his staff: “From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for trusting me to be Webflow’s CEO for well over a decade. I deeply love this company and our mission, and it’s out of that love that comes to a very heartfelt request: I’m asking each of you to fully rally behind Linda and give her tons of support as she steps into this tremendously important role.“And Linda – I can’t ever thank you enough for everything you do for Webflow. Thank you for sharing my love for our mission, our team, and our customers. For being such an incredible partner and friend. And for your passion and courage to lead Webflow in this next chapter. I truly can’t wait to keep building this special company side by side with you.” <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

Webflow Appoints Linda Tong as CEO, Vlad Magdalin to Remain as Chief Innovation Officer

Umbraco 14 Blossoms with a Fresh Architecture, Delivering Enhanced Customization and Extensibility 

<hr /> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jpmorgan.com/global">J.P. Morgan</a> is one of the most iconic and recognizable brands on the planet. As a leading financial services firm, it has long been at the forefront of fintech innovation, where trust is the foundation of every digital decision.In terms of its scope and scale, J.P. Morgan is handling an epic number of transactions. In fact, its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.jpmorgan.com/payments/solutions/commerce">J.P. Morgan Payments</a> unit processes nearly $10 trillion in payments each day across 160 countries and 120 currencies.To support this level of traffic at a global scale, the company has been investing in composable technologies and architectures to realize greater speed, flexibility, and other key benefits. Over the last several years, J.P. Morgan’s team has been modernizing its tech stack specifically around MACH principles, so it can future-proof for what’s next.It would seem that J.P. Morgan’s adoption of MACH is succeeding – so much so that the storied company is throwing its hat in the ring with the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-expands-certification-scope-to-include-offerings-within-larger-vendors">MACH Alliance</a>: a not-for-profit industry body dedicated to advocating for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems. Today, the Alliance announced that the J.P. Morgan Payments arm has joined the MACH Alliance as a Supporter member. In this role, it will help elevate thought leadership and educate companies on the role of composable technology in financial services, with the goal of delivering more innovative digital experiences to both clients and end users.“At J.P. Morgan Payments, we continue to deliver new solutions and enhance our capabilities as we build a modern payments business globally,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-walton-721a174/">Kate Walton</a>, chief commercial officer, merchant payments at J.P. Morgan Payments. “We have a rich network of relationships with organizations across the commerce technology ecosystem, including partners, clients, and service providers.”<h3 id="ushing-in-a-composable-era-in-fintech-with-mach">Ushing in a composable era in fintech with MACH</h3>It goes without saying that change is a constant in technology. Banks and financial institutions are under significant pressure to continually adapt to both technological and market disruptions, modernizing their experience to meet the needs of digital-first consumers. The numbers reflect organizations' growing anxiety about the pace of innovation and the need to stay ahead. According to the MACH Alliance’s “<a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/content-hub/mach-global-research-2024">MACH Global Research 2024</a>” report, three-quarters of global IT decision-makers say that it’s more urgent to innovate in 2024 than in the past five years.Many enterprises are turning to MACH as a panacea for this pain – and driving more composable solutions to future-proof against change. In fact, 87% of IT leaders in the financial services sector have increased their investment in MACH in the last 12 months, reflecting the scope of growth. J.P. Morgan has been at the edge of this transformation in the critical financial services industry, aiming to enhance its commerce capabilities with MACH solutions in online payments, in-store and omnichannel payments, fraud protection services, and more. From a mindset perspective, J.P. Morgan’s technological approach also demonstrates a commitment to MACH principles in several key areas. This includes the deployment of <a target="_blank" href="https://developer.payments.jpmorgan.com/">API-first</a> connectivity for automated business processes and the build-out of a cloud-native architecture for enhanced security.The company is also leveraging component-based microservices to speed up its implementation of commerce capabilities while driving a digitally enabled experience to simplify a myriad of back-office functions.“The movement toward MACH is an exciting transformation,” Walton said. “And we look forward to helping our clients accelerate innovation to better deliver more seamless and secure experiences for their end customers in a rapidly evolving landscape.<h3 id="supporting-mach-with-thought-leadership">Supporting MACH with thought leadership</h3>The MACH Alliance subsists on its <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/members">core base of members</a>, which includes 49 independent software vendors, 23 startup ISVs, and 30 systems integrators. These technology suppliers, agencies, and consultants have received exclusive certifications that qualify their MACH affiliation – and validate their readiness as trusted MACH resources for building composable solutions.Additionally, the Alliance has enlisted a group of Enablers and Supporters to help shepherd the MACH ecosystem with both technology and thought leadership innovation. J.P. Morgan joins <a target="_blank" href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mach-alliance-announces-paypal-is-the-first-company-to-join-new-supporter-membership-category-301866133.html">PayPa</a>l as the second Supporter member in the Alliance.The Supporter category is intended for organizations from across the broader industry that bring diverse expertise and opinions to the Alliance community. As such, they sit outside the requirements for MACH certification while still embracing and reinforcing its tenets. The goal is for Supporters to share unique thought leadership and innovation around composability and actively contribute across MACH Alliance activities, conferences, and the wider member community. “One of the more cutting-edge companies in financial services, we are thrilled to have J.P. Morgan join the MACH Alliance to share its knowledge and advocate for more modern digital experiences,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-future-is-composable-a-conversation-with-new-mach-alliance-president-casper-rasmussen">Casper Rasmussen</a>, president of the MACH Alliance and group SVP of technology at Valtech. “The rate of adoption of MACH in the U.S. and globally is rising. The firm is well positioned to support customers that adopt composability, such as retailers that need reliable commerce and payment tools.” <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>J.P. Morgan is a high-profile global brand, bringing unmatched gravitas to the MACH Alliance's ecosystem. As an established leader in a premier industry, the addition of its Payments arm adds further credibility to the MACH movement and reflects a growing trend of U.S.-based interest in composable trends and technologies. As Rasmussen noted in previous interviews, the U.S. is a key focus for the MACH Alliance in 2024. According to the organization's <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-publishes-first-annual-report-showcases-industry-impact-and-plans-for-2024">2023 annual report</a>, U.S. adoption was already on an upswing, representing a much larger addressable market for expansion. With J.P. Morgan providing thought leadership – and demonstrating its success with adopting MACH in its own practices – the Alliance stands to gain ground with other U.S. prospects and global brands. <h3 id="accelerating-to-mach-three">Accelerating to MACH THREE</h3>The MACH Alliance is holding its annual conference, MACH THREE, from June 17-18 in New York City. The event is designed to help companies learn more about the advantages of MACH and composability, with a variety of real-world use cases and applications.You can still <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/events/mach-three">register for this free industry event</a> to hear from peers discussing MACH and composable trends, and learn from leading brands who have future-proofed their digital strategy with MACH.   <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-conferences">Upcoming conferences</h3> <img style="width:29.67%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-connect-2024-logo.png" alt="CMS Connect 24 logo" /><h4 id="cms-connect-24"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect24">CMS Connect 24</a></h4>August 6-7, 2024 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present our first annual summer edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community. Join us this August in Montreal, Canada, for a vendor-neutral conference focused on CMS. Tired of impersonal and overwhelming gatherings? Picture this event as a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">CMS Kickoff 25</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaJoin us next January in the Tampa Bay area of Florida for the third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global 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, so secure your tickets today.

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