Articles

artificial intelligence Article

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

janus-boye

The ‘Deep Dish’ on Composable: 6 Tasty Takeaways from the MACH Alliance’s 2025 Conference

matt-garrepy

<hr /> At <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmachalliance.org%2Fevents%2Fcomposable-conference-25&amp;esheet=54242130&amp;newsitemid=20250423626378&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=The+Composable+Conference+2025&amp;index=3&amp;md5=43a1cfa7eaa4a3566b2d9ca6d14dae9d">“The Composable Conference 2025”</a> this week, the topic of AI permeated almost every session and sidebar conversation. Based on my connections with attendees, it’s clear that many organizations have already invested heavily in their own strategies with varying results. Meanwhile, some businesses are still searching for the right place to start their journey.Now, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-composable-conference-2025-takes-shape-as-mach-alliance-announces-speakers-and-new-events">MACH Alliance</a> is providing a helping hand across the lifecycle, built on the terra firma of composability. The Alliance – a not-for-profit industry body dedicated to advocating for open, best-in-class technology ecosystems – just unveiled its new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmachalliance.org%2Fmach-ai-exchange&amp;esheet=54242130&amp;newsitemid=20250423626378&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=MACH+AI+Exchange&amp;index=2&amp;md5=2db441d6ec823188692b0030ff55277b">MACH AI Exchange</a>, a professional peer network focused on guiding real-world AI implementation for enterprise companies. The program, which was launched during this week’s conference, was inspired by a recent Alliance study that codifies the value of MACH in streamlining and accelerating AI adoption. According to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmachalliance.org%2Fglobal-annual-research&amp;esheet=54242130&amp;newsitemid=20250423626378&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=2025+MACH+Alliance+Global+Annual+Research&amp;index=4&amp;md5=8b35e7c9765b71263fa3b549fb481c06">2025 MACH Alliance Global Annual Research</a> report, 77% of organizations well into their composable journey are using AI. That’s compared to only 36% of those new to MACH. The data suggests that MACH's flexible, connected, and open foundation could translate into successful AI outcomes.<h3 id="implementing-ai-solutions-at-scale">Implementing AI solutions at scale</h3>As part of its rollout, the MACH AI Exchange will launch with three founding members who are leaders in their field. This includes <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlrh/">Karl Hampson</a>, CTO, Data &amp; AI at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/valtech/posts/?feedView=all">Valtech</a>; <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/vikasjain2007/">Vikas Jain</a>, Director, US Retail &amp; Consumer Ecosystem Portfolio at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/google-cloud/posts/?feedView=all">Google Cloud</a>; and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/thexunwang/">Xun Wang</a>, CTO at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/bloomreach">Bloomreach</a>.Core to its charter, the network’s mission is to support enterprise businesses as they implement AI solutions at scale. This includes the bleeding-edge realms of generative and agentic AI technologies. The MACH AI Exchange will accelerate a knowledge base of technical insights, architectural patterns, and implementation methodologies that can significantly reduce integration risk and accelerate deployment timelines.“AI thrives on structured, real-time data, and enterprise architectures face heightened challenges as AI workloads dynamically scale,” said Vikas Jain, founding member and Director of Google Cloud’s U.S. Retail &amp; Consumer Ecosystem portfolio. “The MACH AI Exchange will enable the convergence of composable principles and AI capabilities to help technical leaders establish a competitive advantage through architectural innovation.”<h3 id="who-can-join?">Who can join?</h3>According to the press release, the peer-to-peer community is open to those implementing AI in enterprise systems. This includes engineers, architects, and strategists integrating AI into workflows, builders and innovators shaping AI in MACH environments, and problem solvers pushing AI forward in business technology.“Enterprise stacks weren’t built to handle the constant innovation of the AI era, but that also doesn’t mean we need to start from scratch, either,” said Xun Wang, founding member, CTO of Bloomreach. “Just like MACH de-risks change by making technology adaptable, open, and connected, AI adoption requires the same foundation. In the MACH AI Exchange, members will share what works, what breaks, and how to de-risk AI adoption without common AI buzzwords and hype.”<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>As AI continues to ripple across our roadmaps, enterprises are struggling to separate the hype from the hope. Regardless of where an organization is on its AI maturity lifecycle, guidance continues to be a missing link – and without it, many businesses risk missing the mark on AI’s full potential.Buoyed by a MACH foundation, it’s evident that organizations can leverage a composable posture to accelerate and streamline their plans. But more importantly, the MACH Alliance is providing valuable industry insight to help mitigate risk and guide the journey. This layer of human expertise could be a critical differentiator.To learn more about the MACH AI Exchange, visit <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fmachalliance.org%2Fmach-ai-exchange&amp;esheet=54242130&amp;newsitemid=20250423626378&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=https%3A%2F%2Fmachalliance.org%2Fmach-ai-exchange&amp;index=6&amp;md5=835c89f808371874a54aaa43b71e7f53">https://machalliance.org/mach-ai-exchange</a> <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:24.53%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/03/image-1742910054704.png" /><h4 id="the-composable-conference-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/events/composable-conference-25">The Composable Conference 2025</a></h4>April 22-24 – Chicago, USAExperience the future of composable and MACH principles in “The Windy City” and dive even deeper into the innovative world of MACH architecture and its benefits for your business. Building on the momentum of MACH THREE, this conference will provide your teams with the expert, impartial guidance needed to craft a winning transformation strategy and leverage the latest advancements in automation and Al to maximize efficiency and drive your organization forward. This event is ideal for executives, business leaders, technologists, and everyone in between who is looking to harness the power of composable. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/events/composable-conference-25">Secure your spot today.</a> <img style="width:30.46%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/11/cms-summit-25.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-summit-25"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">CMS Summit 25</a></h4>May 13-14, 2025 – Frankfurt, GermanyDon't miss the first European edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community! CMS Summit 25 will bring together top-notch speakers, our renowned learning format, and engaging social events. Hear from leading practitioners like Deutsche Bahn, Dr. Oetker, and more – and join customers, agencies, and CMS vendors as we discuss current trends and what's ahead for the content and digital experience fields. Connect and network at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference focused on CMS. Space is limited for this exclusive event, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">so book your seats today.</a> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

MACH Alliance Launches New MACH AI Exchange to Help Enterprises Streamline AI Adoption

<hr /> I first heard the term “MCP” as a tech-obsessed, Commodore-64-toting 8-year-old. It landed during the epic video game movie Tron, where it was used as an off-hand contraction for the nefarious “Master Control Program."As the story's digital antagonist, the MCP exhibited the worst traits of artificial intelligence, projecting an unscrupulous, destructive, self-serving agenda. Kind of like that terrible neighbor who’s always on a power trip at your HOA meeting – but with lasers. Life is sometimes stranger than fiction, and this acronym has now materialized on the grid as a real-life TLA with an AI inference. Hopefully, the similarities to that other MCP end here, but I’m keeping my light cycle on standby.This newer permutation of MCP – <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://modelcontextprotocol.io/introduction">Model Context Protocol</a> – is an open standard for governing how applications provide context to LLMs. Much like USB-C provides a standardized way to connect devices to different accessories, MCP does the same to connect AI models to different data sources and tools.Why is this important? Because MCP has become a critical piece of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/its-an-ai-agent-world-is-agent-experience-the-secret-weapon-for-controlling-the-chaos">the agentic pie</a>, enabling you to build agents and workflows on top of LLMs – which often need to integrate with various data sources and tools. MCP can provide access to pre-built integrations that ease the connection process, including lightweight programs and hosts like IDEs. All of this, as Tron might say, is about interoperability. And while the digital frontier is very much focused on the evolution of agents, we’re still wrestling with integration complexities in the here and now. This is where data models can be key assets, helping brands, system integrators, and vendors to present products, orders, inventory, and other commerce-related data. But building a data model from scratch is tough. And by definition, each from-scratch data model is unique. That’s why the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-composable-conference-2025-takes-shape-as-mach-alliance-announces-speakers-and-new-events">MACH Alliance</a> has introduced a new <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/open-data-model-initiative">Open Data Model Initiative</a>, which aims to solve the lingering interoperability issues plaguing enterprises, SIs, and ISVs. The industry group – which is focused on future-proofing enterprise technology through open, connected, and composable digital experiences – just announced the launch of the program. It coincides with its annual live event, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/events/composable-conference-25">“The Composable Conference,”</a> which is being held in Chicago this week.  Led by the Alliance’s Interoperability Task Force, the Initiative will provide a set of reusable data model recipes and reference structures. These components will be extensible across critical technology domains, such as commerce, product information management (PIM), and orchestration. These patterns aren’t a set of draconian standards. In fact, they’re designed to be lightweight, adaptable, and built for real-world applications. This addresses the strategic concerns of businesses as they seek out more composable, interoperable solutions to help them navigate a rapidly changing digital landscape."Interoperability has been a primary focus for the MACH Alliance," said <a href="Adam%20Peter%20Nielsen">Adam Peter Nielsen</a>, CTO of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.novicell.com/">Novicell</a> and MACH Alliance Interoperability Lead. “With a shared data model recipe, we can make tangible progress toward seamless integration and strategic agility across diverse technologies.”<h3 id="broadening-the-composable-roadmap-">Broadening the composable roadmap </h3>According to the Alliance, its Open Data Model will be made publicly available under an open-source license on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://github.com/">GitHub</a>, helping to ensure transparency, accessibility, and broad community engagement. But that’s only the first step. The plan is to maintain innovation and maturity through the MACH Alliance Interoperability Working Group, which will actively enhance and expand the model. The goal is to deliver a solution that’s ready for full member consumption by the end of Q2 2025.To accelerate go-to-market readiness, the MACH Alliance is working with several MACH Certified Vendors that have provided sample material. The list includes <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/conscia">Conscia</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://alokai.com/">Alokai</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/commercetools">commercetools</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.bluestonepim.com/">Bluestone PIM</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/occtoo">Occtoo</a>, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://pipe17.com/">Pipe17</a> – which offered its open, comprehensive, canonical data model as a starting point. “We built our data model over five years,” said <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygoetsch/">Kelly Goetsch</a>, COO of Pipe 17 and former MACH Alliance president and chair. “It sits at the heart of our solution, has been rigorously tested in real-world use, continuously refined, and has always been open source from day one. We’re thrilled to contribute it to the MACH Alliance, further empowering the commerce ecosystem to innovate and scale faster.”Also leading the initiative are a set of MACH Certified System Integrators, including <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.applydigital.com/">Apply Digital</a>, Novicell, and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.valtech.com/en-us/">Valtech</a> – buoyed by the hyperscaling support of MACH Certified Enabler <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/aws">AWS</a>.<h3 id="giving-merchants,-sis,-and-vendors-a-mach-multiplier">Giving merchants, SIs, and vendors a MACH multiplier</h3>The new Open Data Model is poised to provide significant benefits across the MACH ecosystem. From vendor-neutral patterns for seamless interoperability to reference structures for vertical markets like manufacturing, the initiative will provide a “springboard” for new projects or legacy – all with a dedicated focus on transparency.  First, merchants will have the ability to adopt this data model as their own – and effortlessly connect their existing homegrown systems with MACH-compliant solutions.Additionally, systems Integrators and agencies will be able to build repeatable solutions, enhance their overall efficiency, and speed up MACH implementations. This will accelerate their time to deliver value to merchants.As for MACH Alliance vendors, the initiative will provide immediate access to a robust foundational data model, dramatically reducing initial development effort and enhancing a more seamless data flow between partner solutions.<h3 id="what-about-ai-(and-that-mcp-stuff)?">What about AI (and that MCP stuff)?</h3>Of course, there’s the future runway to agentic AI that I mentioned, which is wholly dependent on data. As the Alliance posits, without a shared data model, enterprises will continue to face fragmented, siloed data environments that limit AI’s ability to make accurate decisions and deliver tangible business value.By establishing an open, vendor-neutral data model, the MACH Alliance is laying the groundwork for the use of agentic AI and supporting <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.anthropic.com/news/model-context-protocol">Anthropic’s MCP-powered agents. </a>This is helping to connect AI assistants to the systems where data lives, including content repositories, business tools, and development environments. Its goal is to help frontier models produce better, more relevant responses. "Enterprises demand solutions that work together,” said <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobhowland/">Bob Howland</a>, Chairperson of the MACH Alliance. “By standardizing an Open Data Model, we dramatically simplify integrations. Vendors adopting the Open Data Model will find faster implementation cycles and significantly reduced complexity – enabling true interoperability that powers digital innovation."<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>Spoiler alert: At the end of Tron, the computer system is once again free, giving the personified programs the ability to move about and, presumably, connect with other programs to build cool things. There’s something beautiful about this idea of seamlessly interoperating. There’s no question that security and governance are top of mind in such paradigms, and we’re a long way from easy. Still, interoperability can be made easier – better, even – with the introduction of more predictable standards. From the beginning, the concept of “openness” has been core to the MACH Alliance, making it a solid foundation for providing a common, open source data model that’s been proven. Based on the Alliance’s plans, it sounds like this model will continue to benefit from ongoing innovation and be well-supported in the future.The flexibility and extensibility of this model are also key factors. By enabling off-the-shelf access to its merchant, SI, and ISV ecosystems, the Alliance is helping to ensure that the model is instantly adoptable and supported by its members. There’s also an open invitation for experts and practitioners to help shape the model for future use cases.The market is always yearning for standards, and with the rapid acceleration of AI – specifically with MCP-powered model agents – having more predictable and reliable pathways to integrate should reduce the friction for building the next wave of agentic applications. Even the most advanced models are limited by their isolation from data, walled in behind silos and legacy systems. This is why this investment in an open data model is an ambitious and positive step forward.Will this solve every integration problem on the light cycle grid? Not likely. But it's a start. It might also unlock more potential for additional industry applications, something the organization has struggled with as it endeavors to expand and export its relevance to other industries. To that end, the MACH Alliance is also undergoing its own evolution (including its messaging). The Open Data Model might be the first page of its next chapter as it seeks to enrich its foundational mission and further support the market. With composable continuing to make gains, many are asking what's ahead, and this initiative is a glimpse of its vision for an open, AI-enabled ecosystem. You can learn more about the Open Data Model initiative and even contribute to the project at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/open-data-model-initiative">https://machalliance.org/open-data-model-initiative</a> <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:24.53%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/03/image-1742910054704.png" /><h4 id="the-composable-conference-2025"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/events/composable-conference-25">The Composable Conference 2025</a></h4>April 22-24 – Chicago, USAExperience the future of composable and MACH principles in “The Windy City” and dive even deeper into the innovative world of MACH architecture and its benefits for your business. Building on the momentum of MACH THREE, this conference will provide your teams with the expert, impartial guidance needed to craft a winning transformation strategy and leverage the latest advancements in automation and Al to maximize efficiency and drive your organization forward. This event is ideal for executives, business leaders, technologists, and everyone in between who is looking to harness the power of composable. <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://machalliance.org/events/composable-conference-25">Secure your spot today.</a> <img style="width:30.46%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/11/cms-summit-25.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-summit-25"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">CMS Summit 25</a></h4>May 13-14, 2025 – Frankfurt, GermanyDon't miss the first European edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community! CMS Summit 25 will bring together top-notch speakers, our renowned learning format, and engaging social events. Hear from leading practitioners like Deutsche Bahn, Dr. Oetker, and more – and join customers, agencies, and CMS vendors as we discuss current trends and what's ahead for the content and digital experience fields. Connect and network at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference focused on CMS. Space is limited for this exclusive event, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">so book your seats today.</a> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

A New Game for Interoperability? Here’s Why the MACH Alliance’s Open Data Model is a Winner

Sitecore Partners with Microsoft to Launch Industry’s First AI Innovation Lab for Marketers 

Gettin’ hygge with AI (and more): A few cozy takeaways from the Forrester CMS Wave 2025

Hotjar - Spot what confuses

Spot what confuses your users with Hotjar & AI

#ffffff

Accelerating AI progress: ai12z brings powerful AI search and chatbots to Progress Sitefinity

Contentful Rolls Out New AI and Personalization Capabilities, Ramps Up R&D for its DXP

Lights, Camera, AI Action: Key Takeaways from Wistia’s 2025 ‘State of Video’ Report 

<hr /> In the icy doldrums of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, February might not seem like a haven for holidays. But look a little closer, and you’ll realize it’s jam-packed with reasons to celebrate. Like… Groundhog’s Day. Mardi Gras. Valentine’s Day. National “Ice Cream for Breakfast” Day (for real). Forget those. This is the month when the NFL's <a target="_blank" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Super_Bowl_LIX">Super Bowl</a> tackles our attention with its gridiron action, over-the-top commercials, and epic seven-layer dips. Isn't that a holiday?The Big Game might be behind us, but February was also touchdown-worthy for <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/sitecore">Sitecore</a>. After scoring a Visionary position in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/6101227">Gartner’s 2025 Magic Quadrant for DXPs</a>, the company just announced more than 250 innovations for its intelligent digital experience platform and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/what-is-a-content-management-system-cms">content management system.</a>250. That’s a lot of yards to rush. But this already felt like the status quo for Sitecore even before it kicked off 2025, steamrolling ahead under <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/big-shift-at-sitecore-dave-oflanagan-takes-the-helm-as-interim-ceo">CEO Dave O’Flanagan.</a> I recently connected with <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/getting-loud-with-xm-cloud-sitecore-reports-100-growth-of-its-ai-powered-cloud-based-cms">Sitecore's Chief Product Officer, Roger Connolly</a>, about the remarkable growth of the company’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sitecore.com/products/xm-cloud">XM Cloud platform</a>. Global revenue for the SaaS CMS exploded by 100% in 2024, scaling 130% in the U.S. alone. The company also surpassed $500 million in ARR last October, putting even more power behind its passing game.Now, with the advent of these new innovations – including big advances in its <a target="_blank" href="https://eur02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sitecore.com%2Fproducts%2Fsitecore-stream&amp;data=05%7C02%7Cjessica.rampen%40sitecore.com%7C12e993bd996c44828a1308dd4b67bcb1%7C91700184c3144dc9bb7ea411df456a1e%7C0%7C0%7C638749631100552726%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&amp;sdata=gWaDk%2FpigHYjWCTHz0eVesfXtuwRpK29XvQK%2FygMM8Q%3D&amp;reserved=0">Sitecore Stream</a> AI capabilities – the company is giving marketers 250 more reasons to build and deploy their digital customer experiences on its platform.<h3 id="is-stream-is-a-dream-come-true?">Is Stream is a dream come true?</h3>According to Sitecore, it is. Originally Introduced at the company's <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/sitecore-rocks-and-rolls-in-music-city-the-top-5-tracks-from-symposium-2024">Symposium 2024</a> conference, Sitecore Stream embeds three powerful capabilities across its products, blending control and more progressive <a target="_blank" href="https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/ai-agents/">agentic AI</a> features into the mix. Previously the domain of edge applications, the use of AI agents has become mainstream, and Sitecore has been innovating heavily in its development to help automate a wide range of tasks and functions.The first embedded feature is Sitecore’s powerful brand-aware AI, which keeps AI-driven actions on target and renders them smarter over time – enabling more personalized and conversational experiences at scale.Second, Sitecore’s AI copilots and agents – now available for brand, campaign, content, experience, and optimization – give marketers more freedom to strategize, execute, and scale. Finally, agentic workflows help to “harmonize” human input with AI automation, achieving what Sitecore calls a “balance of automation with authenticity.” Sitecore provides degrees of tolerance with these agentic capabilities; users can select automation levels that include “chain of thought” prompting, “human in the loop”, and fully agentic.Together, these features are delivering new levels of AI performance for Sitecore users. <h3 id="250-business-boosting-innovations-for-marketers">250 business-boosting innovations for marketers</h3>So what’s on the scoreboard in this seasonal release? As stated, the company has released hundreds of new innovations targeted at marketers. They encompass specific tools and capabilities designed for creating, building, and optimizing digital experiences. With these features, users and brands will be better equipped to boost engagement and conversions and drive their business objectives across channels. There are too many to list them all, but here’s the highlight reel: <h4 id="brand-centric-ai-enhancements">Brand-centric AI enhancements</h4>Staying on-brand for large enterprises is challenging – especially with components and objects spread far and wide. Sitecore Stream is bringing order to the brand chaos with some dynamite enhancements, many of which were gleaned from customer feedback. Stream can digest and comprehend schemas in XM Cloud or XP, learn from previous campaigns, and even recommend actions that align with a customer’s brand and marketing strategy.Along with the brand-centric benefits, Stream’s content copilot is along for the ride to back things up. The tool is available in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sitecore.com/products/experience-platform">Sitecore XP</a>, allowing customers to leverage brand-aware AI. Stream orchestration capabilities are also available in XP, enabling users to manage projects, deliverables, and tasks.  <h4 id="cms-tools-focused-on-marketers-and-content-creators">CMS tools focused on marketers and content creators</h4><a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/what-is-a-content-management-system-cms">Content management</a> is still the foundation of the experience hub, and Sitecore is doubling down on enriching its CMS capabilities. Like its brand-savvy AI, a content copilot powered by Stream helps creators and editors generate on-brand content and personalized variants to tailor messaging, optimize performance, and maintain relevance across platforms and contexts. From an observability perspective, Site Collections gives marketers a visually intuitive way to view, manage, and maintain multiple sites with ease. Meanwhile, a new marketer dashboard provides a comprehensive view of website performance, workflow, and language version support.On the personalization front, A/B/n testing is now fully integrated into the XM Cloud authoring experience, empowering marketers to create and analyze up to six component variants to determine the most effective version. An A/B test insights feature also gives marketers access to critical performance data – and their winning variants – so they can optimize with confidence.From a composability standpoint, XM Cloud is becoming more flexible and providing greater choice. In addition to <a target="_blank" href="https://nextjs.org/">Next.js</a>, it now supports <a target="_blank" href="https://angular.dev/">Angular</a> and .<a target="_blank" href="https://dotnet.microsoft.com/en-us/apps/aspnet">NET Core frameworks</a>. This means developers can use their preferred technologies while leveraging XM Cloud’s server-side rendering and editing capabilities. <h4 id="game-changing-dam-features">Game-changing DAM features</h4>DAM has been an active category over the last year, with many pure-play stand-alone products investing in AI-powered capabilities. As part of its DXP ecosystem, Sitecore has introduced more generative features to its DAM, helping users create and refine content and grammar with greater speed and efficacy.Search is still a key part of the experience, and an area with AI is having a profound impact. Sitecore’s DAM now includes enhanced visual search, helping users surface content assets even without exact keyword and taxonomy matches. New options include visual similarity, semantic, reverse-image, and search by color. Additionally, AI is being harnessed to enhance a new grounded image tagging feature, helping users find images faster, improve metadata accuracy, and perform bulk updates and easier reviews. Content and variant creation also help users tailor messaging for diverse audiences and languages to scale their content use.<hr />If you’re interested in the granular breakdown – specifically for Stream – you can check out <a target="_blank" href="https://developers.sitecore.com/changelog">Sitecore’s official changelog</a>. You can also learn more about these advancements (and some yet to be released) at <a target="_blank" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Sitecore’s annual Symposium</a> conference, which will be held November 3 – 5 in Orlando, Florida.<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>The Super Bowl is, among other things, a spectacle. It brings the biggest players in American football to the field, hunting for glory, bragging rights, and a big payday. Sometimes, the battle is epic. This year, it was a blowout.In the DXP leagues, there isn’t a single game that decides the seasonal outcome for a team. Instead, we have analyst grids and reports that attempt to crystallize the state of the market. As such, we have to dig deeper and probe the broader optics before throwing our weight behind a franchise.This year’s Gartner MQ for DXPs revealed some surprising shifts, but Sitecore continues to drive its visionary status with key innovation. This includes its XM Cloud product, visual builder, Stream AI, and enhanced workflow capabilities. It has also made significant strides in developing a more composable posture, enabling more of its components to function in a stand-alone fashion.  <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:59.62%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/02/image-1740603215935.jpeg" alt="Gartner MQ diagram for 2025" /></figure> One big advantage has been Sitecore’s investment in governance. At last year’s Sitecore Symposium, the company announced that its core products – XM Cloud, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sitecore.com/products/content-hub">Content Hub</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sitecore.com/products/customer-data-platform">CDP</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.sitecore.com/products/personalize">Personalize</a> – were now HIPAA compliant. This gives the company a strategic edge with large enterprises focused on regulatory challenges.While XM Cloud has certainly led Sitecore’s explosive growth over the last year, there are still headwinds relative to adoption. Customers and agencies felt a deep concern that legacy products would not be supported as the company looked ahead. But as I heard from many attendees at Symposium 2024, CEO Dave O’Flanagan’s presence at the company’s MVP and community sessions quelled some of the concern and provided a roadmap of confidence – particularly for marketers who rely on the stability of their tools. “We wanted to make sure that customers don't feel that they have to go to SaaS to deliver for their business,” O’Flanagan said. “That’s an important piece. The SaaS solution has great capabilities, and it will deliver in a more intuitive, innovative way. I think customers can do more with XM Cloud. However, with XM and XP, customers can achieve almost everything they need with that product if properly configured and understood.”There’s also the persistent challenge of navigating Sitecore’s complex ecosystem of products, which continues to grow with each acquisition. This often requires certified practitioners (vis-a-vis Sitecore partner agencies) to help implement and support the tools and customizations. But greater automation is entering the equation, and that’s where Sitecore’s continued investment in new innovations – and a keen focus on leveraging AI – is making an impact. “We've always thought about our DXP’s capabilities as being able to serve the full content life cycle, and that there's only a handful of vendors that truly deliver on that promise,” O’Flanagan shared. “That's everything from the ideation of a campaign right through to the creation of the assets and the content into the CMS to distribute and publish to the consumer.”One of Sitecore’s key strengths is its legacy of innovation, which is reinforced by its vast community of builders. While the company is at a point of transformation with XM Cloud, it seems to be telegraphing the right messages to its customers and the market – and bolstering its Visionary spirit. That said, this change is not without its bumps in the road, and continued engagement with users will be key to shaping the next wave of products. As evidenced by the Gartner MQ, enterprise DXPs face a challenging landscape. However, the pace of these new innovations is yet another demonstration of Sitecore’s resolve to win, underscored by its investment in AI and its grasp of the business considerations. Ultimately, it’s all about understanding what matters to customers. And if they can keep driving in that direction, they could be spiking the ball in the end zone next February. <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="looking-for-guidance-on-sitecore?-talk-to-an-expert.">Looking for guidance on Sitecore? <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contact">Talk to an expert.</a></h4><hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:30.46%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/11/cms-summit-25.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-summit-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">CMS Summit 25</a></h4>May 13-14, 2025 – Frankfurt, GermanyDon't miss the first European edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community! CMS Summit 25 will bring together top-notch speakers, our renowned learning format, and engaging social events. Hear from leading practitioners like Deutsche Bahn, Dr. Oetker, and more – and join customers, agencies, and CMS vendors as we discuss current trends and what's ahead for the content and digital experience fields. Connect and network at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference focused on CMS. Space is limited for this exclusive event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">so book your seats today.</a> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

Sitecore Scores with Hundreds of AI-Powered Innovations for its Intelligent DXP and CMS for Marketers

It’s an AI Agent world. Is ‘Agent Experience’ the secret weapon for controlling the chaos?

<hr /> Whenever I hear Aerosmith’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7i_qRmWUdpQ">Livin’ on the Edge</a>, I’m obliged to provide a little headbanging. This iconic, heart-pounding anthem from the early ’90s requires me to push the decibel limit in my HOA's compact. It might not be good for the ears (or neighborhood tranquility), but it's great for the soul. Maybe you can relate.These days, it feels like <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/contentstack">Contentstack</a> might be doing a little of its own headbanging. After completing the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentstack-just-acquired-lytics-a-real-time-customer-data-platform-heres-why-it-matters">acquisition of Lytics in January</a> (an industry-leading CDP), the headless-CMS-turned-composable-DXP scored a Visionary position on Gartner’s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.contentstack.com/resources/report/gartner-magic-quadrant-dxp?utm_campaign=fy26q1_glb_pmm_cs-edge-announcement&amp;utm_medium=press-link&amp;utm_source=globenewswire">2025 Magic Quadrant for Digital Experience Platforms</a>.The hits keep coming. So what’s next on the playlist? How about a stadium rocker that takes us right to the edge – and beyond?Dream on.With its newly-pressed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2025/02/26/3033112/0/en/Introducing-Contentstack-EDGE-the-World-s-First-Adaptive-Digital-Experience-Platform.html">Contentstack EDGE</a>, the company might have another gold record on its hands. Billed as the world’s first adaptive digital experience platform built for the AI era, EDGE is being positioned as a next-generation DXP that effectively unifies Contentstack’s advanced ecosystem of features.The whole band has assembled for this show, and it’s a promising lineup featuring Contentstack’s pioneering headless CMS, newly acquired CDP capabilities, personalization, automation, AI, and frontend hosting capabilities. What does EDGE deliver? A fresh interpretation of a tune called adaptive experiences. The name is intuitive enough, but if you’re not familiar, it’s a topic we’ve been discussing over the last few years – specifically as AI has evolved in its ability to automate with greater agency. The concept also has its roots in <a target="_blank" href="https://medium.com/@goodrebels/adaptive-design-creating-personalised-digital-experiences-46eecf9e406d">adaptive design</a> and supporting personalized digital experiences, which goes back over a decade.Adaptive experiences adapt. With Contentstack EDGE, this manifests in the platform’s ability to react in real time to every customer interaction while staying authentically on-brand through AI and data-driven decision-making. These are essential attributes for modern marketers and brands that rely on their DXP tools to be fast, elegant, and designed for AI.“We’re in a new era of marketing when simply having a digital presence isn’t enough to drive consumers to opt-in to the brand experience,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurdeepd/">Gurdeep Dhillon</a>, Chief Marketing Officer of Contentstack. “Brands need adaptive experiences that create a dynamic, always-relevant, always-personal connection with their audiences. Contentstack EDGE is the platform to give brands the experience edge they need.” <h3 id="evolving-the-dxp-playlist">Evolving the DXP playlist</h3>Contentstack EDGE isn’t just a shiny new product name – it’s a statement. For years, the DXP space has been dominated by a predictable “rank and file” that is only now beginning to shift to a more composable posture. While there are benefits and efficiencies within some of these legacy tools, brands that have implemented all-in-one solutions often find themselves locked into rigid ecosystems that lack the flexibility needed for modern marketing.This year’s Gartner MQ for DXPs brought quite a few surprises to the grid, especially at the top end of the ladder. But Contentstack’s continued innovation and investment in its composable, future-ready technology has given it a disruptive edge in the crowd. With its shoring up of customer data through the acquisition of a real-time CDP, Contentstack expanded its vision and cemented its position as a game changer in the traditional grid – further signaling a shift from traditional platforms. <figure class="image image_resized" style="width:58.56%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/02/image-1740603215935.jpeg" alt="A diagram of a company's company's company

AI-generated content may be incorrect." /></figure>Source: Gartner  Along with its fully integrated, fully automated MACH-compliant frontend hosting capabilities – as well as its breadth of personalization features – the company is effectively redefining the composition of the DXP category. Along those MACH lines, Contentstack EDGE is built on the same composable architecture that has powered its solutions, combining its headless CMS and real-time CDP into an easy-to-use solution backed by the company's prolific <a target="_blank" href="https://www.contentstack.com/customer-care">“Care Without Compromise”</a> support program and what it calls a “no-fail AI guarantee.”I’ve spoken previously to <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentstack-raises-57-5-million-in-series-b-round-qa-with-ceo-neha-sampat">Neha Sampat</a>, Contentstack’s founder and CEO, about the growing “brand relevancy crisis” impacting the market. This was a hot-button topic <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentstack-fires-up-brand-relevant-ai-powered-personalization-at-contentcon-2024">at last year’s ContentCon</a>, and it continues to be a central mandate for companies as they look to grow in a noisy, fragmented ecosystem of messages and choices. She believes Contentstack is a catalyst for activating interest and conversions through scalable hyper-personalization – the kind only attainable through modern platforms like EDGE."To remain relevant in today's competitive markets, brands need customers to opt into the experiences they create. But it's a two-way street,” she said. “Brands must create experiences worth ‘opting in’ to, which means they must adapt to a data-first, AI-driven, hyper-personalized world. Retrofitting old technology won’t get them there. Contentstack EDGE will.”<h3 id="what-makes-edge-rock?">What makes EDGE rock?</h3>We’ve seen a lot of demos from vendors showcasing the breadth of their AI tooling, and some embracing <a target="_blank" href="https://aws.amazon.com/what-is/ai-agents/">the AI agent frontier</a>. There are impressive applications, but few have fully harnessed the potential. Contentstack consistently stood out as a pioneer during the generative AI “Gold Rush,” <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/a-closer-look-at-contentstacks-ai-features-with-christine-masters-senior-product-manager">focusing early on high-utility applications</a> that had a meaningful impact on productivity and governance. Now, with EDGE, they’re evolving what it means to be “AI-powered” by baking adaptability into the platform’s core.It's still early from an assessment perspective, but according to the company’s press release, the foundation sounds rock solid. At its core is Contentstack’s brand-aware generative AI and automated workflows – which create, manage, and distribute intelligent content at scale with breathtaking precision.The power of this intelligent content is reinforced by real-time, first-party customer data that’s unified across sources. This helps ensure the delivery of the right message to the right audience across channels – all with incredible accuracy.Advanced analytics also brings the promise of personalization to the next level, allowing brands to deliver content that feels customized for every user without the persistent latency of traditional systems. This includes content and journey analytics and predictive modeling, so brands can deliver highly dynamic and responsive experiences.<h3 id="what’s-next?">What’s next?</h3>Again, it’s early days, but the roadmap sounds promising. Given Contentstack’s past performance, we can anticipate that trusted customers are already in beta and providing feedback. The company plans to showcase EGDE's full capabilities at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.contentstack.com/contentcon">ContentCon 2025</a>, its annual cabal for digital teams and industry leaders, which will take place June 3-5 in Chicago. Expect to hear more from brands already leveraging the platform and deeper dives into how EDGE is being used to drive real results.<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>When it comes to the DXP marketscape, it feels like we’ve been hearing Walk This Way on repeat. This year’s Gartner MQ codified that change is upon us, and we continue to see that telegraphed across the market. Some of this was precipitated by headless CMSes and legacy DXPs settling on their own view of “composability” to best serve their customers. We initially called this a race to the middle, but it really turned out to be a race to relevance.  We don’t really need an analyst report to tell us that the digital experience topology is shifting. Customers expect more from brands, and we need tools that help us understand their preferences and react in real time – delivering content that’s always on target, always personalized, and always engaging. As I said before, Contentstack EDGE feels more like a statement. Is it indeed a new breed of DXP? Or is it assembling the core components that define our modern definition of a DXP? The acquisition of Lytics certainly satisfied a DXP-level need for customer data, but what makes this different from the other players on the board?The distinction lies in its promise to deliver adaptive experiences, buoyed by its core composability and AI-powered, data-driven decisioning. It’s an ambitious vision, and we need more validation through use cases. But if executed correctly, it could be exactly what brands need to break free from the old model and move toward truly real-time, intelligent engagement.For marketers, developers, and digital leaders who are constantly Livin' on the Edge, the implications could be huge. If EDGE delivers on its promise, it could usher in a future where digital experiences are as dynamic as the audiences they serve. And that’s a Sweet Emotion everyone can headbang to. <hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="looking-for-guidance-on-contentstack?-talk-to-an-expert.">Looking for guidance on Contentstack? <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contact">Talk to an expert.</a></h4><hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:30.46%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/11/cms-summit-25.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-summit-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">CMS Summit 25</a></h4>May 13-14, 2025 – Frankfurt, GermanyDon't miss the first European edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community! CMS Summit 25 will bring together top-notch speakers, our renowned learning format, and engaging social events. Hear from leading practitioners like Deutsche Bahn, Dr. Oetker, and more – and join customers, agencies, and CMS vendors as we discuss current trends and what's ahead for the content and digital experience fields. Connect and network at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference focused on CMS. Space is limited for this exclusive event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">so book your seats today.</a> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

Livin’ on the EDGE? Contentstack’s new ‘Adaptive DXP’ might just rock your world

Call Tracking + AI 

Call Tracking + AI that Turns Calls into Leads

<a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/tom-cranstoun">Tom Cranstoun</a>, “The AEM Guy,” is the principal consultant at Digital Domain Technologies Limited and a CMS Critic contributor. <hr /> I have a confession to make: Recently, <a target="_blank" href="https://medium.com/data-science-in-your-pocket/dont-use-deepseek-v3-895be7b853b0">I read an article</a> about <a target="_blank" href="https://www.deepseek.com/">DeepSeek's</a> "scary" terms of service and immediately shared it with my colleagues. I was enjoying my coffee and browsing Medium when I came across this alarming headline, warning against using <a target="_blank" href="https://www.deepseek.com/">DeepSeek-v3</a>. The assertions were based on the "fine print" in the terms and conditions.“Have you seen this?” I implored. “DeepSeek's terms are TERRIFYING!”Everyone knows DeepSeek, the latest darling in the AI war. The Chinese startup has created quite a stir, offering open source models that are competitive with OpenAI. DeepSeek is also cheaper to use, raising questions about the billions being invested in data centers by leading tech companies. It wasn't until someone said, "Have you actually read their terms of service?" that I felt a twinge of embarrassment. No, I hadn't. I had only read a convincing headline and a well-written Medium article, then helped amplify it without checking the source material. Oops. I trusted, but didn't verify – and became part of the problem, spreading misinformation through the viral grapevine of tech gossip. Having fumbled in my homework, I was determined to thoroughly review DeepSeek's terms and see for myself what made them so scary.As an AI practitioner and avid researcher, I have a personal stake in this. I use DeepSeek because it's significantly more affordable than <a target="_blank" href="https://www.anthropic.com/">Anthropic</a>, a competing model that's been around for some time and is considered one of the best. Anthropic has also received quite a bit of investment <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/company-news/amazon-anthropic-ai-investment">from AWS</a> ($4 billion to be exact).How much less expensive is DeepSeek? Here's an example: I spent $500 on Anthropic in December but only $20 on Deepseek in January. You can see why this is so disruptive.Several hours and four lengthy legal documents later, I had an enlightening realization: Things aren't always what they seem on the internet (shocking, I know!)Let's break down what I found with a handy comparison:  <figure class="image image-style-align-center"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/02/tom-diagram.jpg" alt="" /></figure><h2 id="the-reality-check">The Reality Check</h2>The Medium article painted DeepSeek's terms as uniquely threatening, but here's the thing – when you actually read all these terms side by side, they're remarkably similar. It's like they're all following the same cookbook but adding their own special sauce.<h2 id="the-plot-twist">The Plot Twist</h2>What's really interesting is that DeepSeek, the supposed “villain” in our story, actually has some of the most permissive terms. They explicitly allow you to use their outputs for training other models (through distillation) – something others either prohibit or stay quiet about.<h2 id="the-lessons-learned">The Lessons Learned</h2><ol><li>Headlines can be deceiving: That scary-sounding article? Sure, it got engagement. But it missed the bigger picture, and I helped spread it without checking.</li><li>Context is everything: What sounds alarming in isolation ("You're responsible for outputs!") turns out to be standard practice across the industry. If I'd known this context earlier, I wouldn't have said what I said.</li><li>Read the “boring stuff” too: Yes, terms of service are about as exciting as watching paint dry, but they tell the real story. So don't skip anything.</li></ol><h2 id="the-happy-ending">The Happy Ending</h2>Here's the warming part: These AI companies are actually pretty straightforward about what they're doing. They're not trying to trick you; they're just trying to run their businesses while protecting themselves legally. Standard stuff, really.Sure, the terms are complex (hello, lawyer-speak!), but they're generally upfront about:<ul><li>What rights you have to the outputs</li><li>How they can use your data</li><li>What you can and can't do with their services</li></ul><h2 id="the-trust-but-verify-takeaway">The Trust-But-Verify Takeaway</h2>In this warp-speed era of AI, we're all moving faster than we should. For CMS vendors, that's been evident in the widespread adoption of generative AI across their content management features and workflows. In the wake of my dramatic “mishap,” this feels like an opportune moment to pause and reflect on the topic of trust, and how vital it is to our customers – and ourselves. Can you trust these AI services? Generally speaking, yes. Should you verify claims about them? Absolutely! When you do, you'll often find that reality is less dramatic and more reasonable than social media would have you believe.Remember folks, trust is great, but verification is better. And sometimes, when you verify, you find out things are actually better than the scary headlines suggest. Now isn't that a nice plot twist?P.S. Always read the terms of service. Or at least find someone who has read them and isn't trying to scare you with clickbait. And please, don't be like me, spreading tech gossip before verifying it. Just saying… 😉Want to use AI services confidently? Do your homework, understand the terms, and don't let scary headlines (or well-meaning but uninformed colleagues like me) drive your decisions. These platforms are generally trustworthy – but always, always verify.After all, in the words of a wise person (probably): "Trust is good, verification is better, and actually reading the terms of service makes you a rare superhero in the age of clickbait." <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:30.46%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/11/cms-summit-25.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-summit-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">CMS Summit 25</a></h4>May 13-14, 2025 – Frankfurt, GermanyDon't miss the first European edition of our prestigious international conference dedicated to the global content management community! CMS Summit 25 will bring together top-notch speakers, our renowned learning format, and engaging social events. Hear from leading practitioners like Deutsche Bahn, Dr. Oetker, and more – and join customers, agencies, and CMS vendors as we discuss current trends and what's ahead for the content and digital experience fields. Connect and network at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference focused on CMS. Space is limited for this exclusive event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmssummit25">so book your seats today.</a> <img style="width:31.83%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2025/01/cms-connect-2025-logo.png" alt="" /><h4 id="cms-connect-25"><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">CMS Connect 25</a></h4>August 5-6, 2025 – Montreal, CanadaWe are delighted to present the second annual summer edition of our signature global conference dedicated to the content management community! CMS Connect will be held again in beautiful Montreal, Canada, and feature a unique blend of masterclasses, insightful talks, interactive discussions, impactful learning sessions, and authentic networking opportunities. Join vendors, agencies, and customers from across our industry as we engage and collaborate around the future of content management – and hear from the top thought leaders at the only vendor-neutral, in-person conference exclusively focused on CMS. Space is limited for this event, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmsconnect25">so book your seats today.</a>

Trust and Verify: When Internet Drama Meets AI Reality

tom-cranstoun

Shopify - The global commerce platform

Build your business with Shopify to sell online, offline, and everywhere in between.

The global commerce platform

Explore a wide range of informative articles on artificial intelligence, insights, and industry updates. Stay informed and ahead of the curve with our diverse collection of news and posts covering the latest trends and developments in the industry

News

Spot what confuses your users with Hotjar & AI

Call Tracking + AI that Turns Calls into Leads

The global commerce platform