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MACH Alliance Article

What's Ahead for MACH in 2024? Read These 3 Predictions

matt-garrepy

<hr /> Education beats at the heart of the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/new-logo-new-leaders-mach-alliance-announces-key-appointments-and-brand-refresh">MACH Alliance</a>. And rightly so. Even as the market embraces more composable technology solutions, there's still a lack of general awareness of what MACH truly represents – both from an architectural standpoint and from business and philosophical perspectives. This might sound a bit obtuse or even highfalutin, but there has always been a missing link when drawing distinctions between MACH and the rest of the composable landscape. It's more than just the Microservices, API-first, Cloud SaaS, and Headless posturing that maketh one “MACH Certified.” And much of that can get lost in translation. That's why the organization's charter has leaned heavily on education as a core tenet, and that commitment has been steadily evolving over the last few years. Now, the Alliance offers a more robust eLearning program called <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/ridemach">rideMACH</a>, a culmination of its educational vision and intentions (cool name, too).rideMACH has nearly tripled its enrollment in the last six months, a clear sign that the market is eager to learn – and hungry for resources. Now, the not-for-profit industry body has announced that it is further expanding the rideMACH program with additional courses and credentialing. To drive this investment, the MACH Alliance has appointed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-valade/">Dylan Valade</a>, senior director of digital marketing at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/abbott-/">Abbott</a>, as the new Head of the MACH Alliance Education Council. Valade will help shape the overall program and oversee the curriculum.“As the Alliance matures, the Education Council aims to be an essential source of knowledge, upskilling how organizations adopt composable technology and the MACH approach,” Valade said. “The council’s success will lead to the expansion of rideMACH as a foundational educational tool for the community.”<h3 id="riding-the-education-wave-to-mach">Riding the education wave to MACH</h3>According to <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/insights-hub/mach-global-research-2024">MACH Alliance research</a>, 91% of IT decision-makers expect composable technology to be instrumental to their success in the next five years. This underscores the rising interest in MACH, but also reinforces the need to broaden the knowledge base of MACH architectures – and more importantly, close the skills gap. To help individuals and organizations embrace the open, transformative nature of composable technologies, the Alliance launched its <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/ridemach">rideMACH</a> program in April of this year, which has grown explosively.“Since its inception, rideMACH has been an invaluable program to hundreds of individuals. These champions have joined the program to help their organizations gain insights from real-world scenarios,” said Casper Rasmussen, president of MACH Alliance. “Brands and companies love the program too – clearly evidenced by our satisfaction scores, frequent learner engagement and the obvious pride in sharing on social media when they achieve a digital credential. It’s a testament to the validity of the program.”rideMACH offers two foundational courses: “Modern Tech With MACH” and “MACH Mindset.” Each track sends participants down a learning path that combines audio, video, and interactivity. Users are presented with a range of activities and case studies that bring MACH principles and concepts to life in tangible ways. Each learning path culminates in the earning of a digital badge.<h3 id="a-new-expansion-course-on-tco">A new expansion course on TCO</h3>Today, the Alliance is also launching an expansion course on <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/ridemach">Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)</a>, which will explore best practices around interoperability and highlight the cost efficiency and scalability of the MACH approach. Unlike a monolithic system, MACH solutions enable businesses to perform incremental changes to manage TCO. Cloud-native technologies in MACH architectures, for example, optimize operational costs and ensure companies pay only for what they need.rideMACH's e-learners have already chimed in with solid approval of the program. 95% agreed that the rideMACH learning paths helped them better understand the fundamental principles of MACH, while 96% agreed that the “Modern Tech with MACH” learning path helped them grasp the best practices for achieving a more successful MACH transformation or adoption. 87% felt better equipped to apply the key skills and qualities needed to build a MACH team.You can learn more about rideMACH<a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/ridemach#Join%20rideMACH"> here</a>.<h3 id="tapping-industry-expertise-to-elevate-education">Tapping industry expertise to elevate education</h3>Last summer, the MACH Alliance rolled out its new Education Council, which clearly focused on how the Alliance educates the community – specifically, developing a pathway to MACH and shaping the rideMACH program. Now, this year's <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241014544034/en/MACH-Alliance-Strengthens-Position-as-a-Technology-Leader-Responding-to-Growing-Market-Needs-From-Business-Community">newly appointed Executive Council</a> has added Valade to head up education, bringing a MACH-user perspective that will help inform the council on how to best serve organizations and brands alike.Valade has been a long-time supporter of the Alliance, serving as an ambassador for over three years. He currently leads a digital services IT team at Abbott, a global healthcare leader that helps people live more fully at all stages of life. Abbott's portfolio of life-changing technologies spans the complete spectrum of healthcare, with top businesses and products in diagnostics, medical devices, nutritional and branded generic medicines. With 114,000 employees, Abbott serves people in more than 160 countries. Valade works in the global delivery and support of Abbott's brand and investor/public relations sites, B2C eCommerce for consumer brands, B2B eCommerce, digital experience (including content CMS), digital transformation, and more. <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>The MACH Alliance continues to assess and improve its value to members and the market at large. At the same time, it's working to shed its insulated perception. Gone are the days of persisting behind turgid velvet ropes and emitting a tone of exclusivity. Still, while the organization is communicating a more inclusive message around its advocacy of open ecosystems, it still struggles to overcome that perception gap – even with organizations that have failed to achieve membership (scour LinkedIn, and you'll find a plethora of grievances).And yet, that's the point: organizations seeking membership have to meet rigid requirements so evaluators and buyers have confidence when composing their stacks. There are certainly lessons to be gleaned from a lack of transparency, and I've heard from numerous vendors that the Alliance hasn't always provided clear steps for remediating an application after being rejected (it's worth noting that over 50% miss with their first submission).But this is where education is worth its weight in gold. The more practitioners and enterprises understand, the less uncertainty there will be around the systems, processes, and expectations. You know what they say about rising tides and lifting ships – and the same holds true here.Bringing on a marketing professional to manage and expand the education programs seems like a solid move. While gains have been made – particularly around penetrating the U.S. market – the Alliance needs to accelerate its investment in MACH's awareness. Having someone who understands how to market the right messages could be an additional asset around these initiatives. It's true what they say: Knowledge is power. But given its continued growth and persistent investment in education, the MACH Alliance is developing something more important: wisdom. <hr /> <h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2025"><a href=" https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25">CMS Kickoff 2025</a></h4>January 14-15, 2025 – Tampa Bay Area, FloridaMeet Dominik Pinter, CEO of Kentico, at our third annual CMS Kickoff – the industry's premier global CMS event. Similar to a traditional kickoff, we reflect on recent trends and share stories from the frontlines. Additionally, we will delve into the current happenings and shed light on the future. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move things forward. This is an exclusive event – space is limited, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">so secure your tickets 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" 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>

MACH Alliance Taps Dylan Valade of Abbott to Drive Expanding rideMACH Education Program

<hr /> A logo can be an incredibly divisive thing. Think about it: A person or business endeavors to crystallize its brand tenets with a singular pictographic touchpoint, balancing legibility with artistic flare – and hopefully communicating something about its purpose.Accomplishing that is a tall order. Then you realize everyone has an opinion. It makes the whole prospect of creating a good identity feel challenging and risky. And yet, it's a vital and elemental fixture in every brand ecosystem.In an age where a logo's price has been vastly diminished (you can buy one for peanuts on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.fiverr.com/">Fiverr</a> or use free tools to make one yourself), their value is conversely increasing. Why? Because good logos, reinforced by a cohesive brand architecture, can help break through the digital noise and build a solid foundation for integrated marketing programs. OK, but striking gold with a subtle “arrow” in your FedEx typography? Hard to replicate. Even more precarious are logo makeovers of established marks, which are often met with mixed fanfare. But when done right, a refresh can reinvigorate a brand’s perception and energize a moment of change.That was clearly part of the calculus for the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-expands-certification-scope-to-include-offerings-within-larger-vendors">MACH Alliance</a> this week. The not-for-profit industry body – dedicated to advocating for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems – just unveiled its refreshed identity to the world. Along with the updated mark, which still manages to evoke some “quirkiness” while growing up (more on that in a bit), the Alliance revealed an updated mission statement that reflects its steadfast commitment as composable stewards for enterprises making the journey to MACH.In tandem, the Alliance announced several key initiatives to strengthen its position as a technology leader and reflect the maturity of MACH and composability across the broader market. As MACH technologies become a strategic mandate for more business leaders, the Alliance is staying in lockstep, dedicating its resources to supporting wider adoption around business considerations.To that end, the Alliance has elected a new board that includes its first business leader Chairperson: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobhowland/">Bob Howland</a>. As the former Chief Digital Officer at Dawn Foods, Howland will head up the Alliance’s Executive Board, providing the organization with external perspective to help bolster its strategy, align priorities, and reinforce its accountability and expectations as a neutral industry body.“The MACH Alliance is at a key inflection point,” Howland said. “These appointments and new mission and vision reflect the organization’s understanding that MACH principles are no longer radical but an established approach to enterprise business. Composability and MACH are the new norm, and the MACH Alliance must step up and support businesses to not only leverage but embrace the opportunity.”<h3 id="new-leaders-join-seasoned-board-members">New leaders join seasoned board members</h3>As part of this news package, the Alliance announced four appointments to its Executive Board, representing diverse backgrounds in both business and technology. Board members are staunch evangelists and ambassadors of MACH, vocalizing its benefits of open and transformative composable architectures. The Alliance board includes nine seats, with each appointee elected for two-year terms. Members went through a comprehensive nomination process that began in August, culminating with voting in September. The new board held its inaugural meeting in Chicago last week.In addition to Howland’s appointment as Chairperson, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-future-is-composable-a-conversation-with-new-mach-alliance-president-casper-rasmussen">Casper Rasmussen</a> – global SVP at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.valtech.com/en-us/">Valtech</a> – was re-elected to the board and will remain as president of the Alliance. Rasmussen drives the association’s global strategy and has been chartered with leading the Alliance’s continued growth and revamped mission. Board members <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jguthmann/">Jasmin Guthmann</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/krithikaganesamoorthi/">Krithika Ganesamoorthi</a> have also been appointed as co-vice presidents who will serve on the Executive Board’s leadership team. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dom-selvon-1488958/">Dom Selvon</a>, CTO at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.applydigital.com/">Apply Digital</a>, was also re-elected to the board and appointed as a co-vice president. Selvon has made great strides in supporting the Alliance’s Technology Councils and Interoperability Taskforce.In terms of new members, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlymatenchuk/">Kimberly Matenchuk</a>, managing director at <a target="_blank" href="https://cloudinary.com/">Cloudinary</a>, has joined the board. Matenchuk is based in the UK and will lead the Alliance’s DEIB strategy – including the fast-growing <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-empowers-gender-equality-with-new-women-in-mach-deib-scoring-tool">Women in MACH initiative</a>. Additionally, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/malteubl/">Malte Ubl</a>, CTO at <a target="_blank" href="https://vercel.com/">Vercel</a>, will bring a new voice to the board, providing high-level expertise on AI and MACH’s role in working with innovative technologies. <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/amertali/">Amer Ali</a>, VP of finance at <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/netlify">Netlify</a>, has also been appointed as the Alliance’s Treasurer.<h3 id="leveling-up-the-mach-mission">Leveling up the MACH mission</h3>As the Alliance rounds the corner to its fifth year in service, the organization has overhauled its mission, vision, and branding to reflect its maturity – and support the scaling demand for open, composable technology solutions. The MACH Alliance has seen consistent growth since 2020, partnering with industry leaders like <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">Paypal</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/newsroom/j-p-morgan-joins-mach-alliance-fueling-the-importance-of-composability-in-a-future-ready-digital-ecosystem">J.P. Morgan</a>. It has also expanded beyond its European roots to North America – which represents a much larger addressable market for MACH solutions. The Alliance has also <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/newsroom/mach-alliance-announces-mach-impact-award-winners">championed</a> high-impact global companies leveraging MACH like <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/clarks-kraft-heinz-take-top-honors-in-mach-impact-awards-at-mach-three">Kraft Heinz and Clarks</a>.To maintain pace and better serve its members and the market, the Alliance has been steadily expanding its educational programs, tools, and community resources – something we’ve covered over the last year. Its foundational learning platform, <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/ridemach">rideMACH</a>, has seen over 1,100 registrations since its launch, reflecting the growing interest among industry professionals to elevate their MACH skillset.Also worth noting: the Alliance launched an <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/interoperability">Interoperability Hub</a> for resources and best practices, which it plans to fortify into 2025. Looking ahead to next year, the Alliance has also chosen Chicago for its <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/events/composable-conference-25">MACH FOUR flagship event</a>. “The Composable Conference” is slotted for April 22-24, and we can expect more details over the coming months. If you’re curious about attending MACH FOUR, you can <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/events/composable-conference-25">register your interest</a> now.<h3 id="refreshing-a-logo-from-its-“rebellious”-roots-">Refreshing a logo from its “rebellious” roots </h3>It’s hard to imagine the MACH Alliance without its signature graffiti-style logo. Suffice it to say, the 1.0 version captured the zeitgeist of the composable movement as it roared on the scene. It was irreverent, disruptive, a little pedestrian, and reflected a rebellious spirit that crystallized its intent. There was also an organic fluidity and a humanizing quality that counterbalanced its representation of tech. All unique attributes of a memorable mark. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:48.51%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/10/mach-alliance-1.png" alt="" /></figure> At the same time, I recall some voices that “mocked” the MACH styling, suggesting it was too cavalier for a professional organization. That might have played into some of the decision-making as it introduced its new graphical solution.To be clear, it's not a wholesale transformation; the colors have been maintained, and other dimensions of the brand template are intact. Does the refreshed text make it a bit more predictable? To a degree. At its core, it feels more “tech conventional,” normalized from a radical state. On the plus side, this renders the logo more legible than its predecessor. The edges are sharper and stronger, and the whole mark evokes maturity. While it's a far cry from its previous skin, it still manages to be a little funky with its interconnected typography. But here’s where it shines: the configuration embodies composability. The letters represent an amalgam of diverse geometries orchestrated by uniform typography. That's not overly intuitive on its face, but this video helps outline the blueprint of shapes defining its structure: <figure class="media"><div data-oembed-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiw4QhOWMfQ"><div style="position:relative;padding-bottom:100%;height:0;padding-bottom:56.2493%"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aiw4QhOWMfQ" style="position:absolute;width:100%;height:100%;top:0;left:0" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe></div></div></figure> While this evolution sheds some of the rambunctiousness of its heritage, it still retains a quirky sensibility – like it’s dressing for the office but still wearing its Chuck Taylors. And that might be exactly the right blend of visual flare to reflect where the Alliance is in its lifecycle: a place where business and technology considerations are coexisting and even thriving.I didn't intend to get hyper-analytical about logo aesthetics. But again, there's more value and subtext here than we might realize. It's evident that a lot of careful thought and creativity went into this transformation, even if it meant departing from a well-established identity. It's also worth reminding ourselves that change is always uncomfortable. It should shift us, force us to reexamine things. With this brand refresh, it’s clear that the MACH Alliance is aiming to do just that – while maintaining aspects of a legacy that ignited growth.In a digital ecosystem where many software platforms and products are embracing composability, this grand experiment – born from a place of disruption – is looking for new ways to deliver guidance, expertise, and value. And of course, evoke trust while remaining relevant to its members and the market. There's more to it than a logo. Bringing business stakeholders into the mix further reinforces the Alliance's commitment to growing beyond its original charter. Another reason why change is good. For what it’s worth, this is a bold and successful move for an organization that has never been afraid to shake things up.  <hr /><h3 id="upcoming-events">Upcoming Events</h3> <h4 id="sitecore-symposium-2024"><a href=" https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25">Sitecore Symposium</a> 2024</h4>October 15-18, 2024 – Nashville, TennesseeStandout digital experiences start here! Sitecore Symposium is the leading industry conference for digital professionals to learn about digital experience management, digital customer experience, and related marketing topics. Featuring 100+ sessions, 40+ top customer brands, and Sitecore's largest gathering of marketing leaders, technologists, and our partner ecosystem. <a target="_blank" href="https://symposium.sitecore.com/">Get your tickets today!</a> <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2025"><a href=" https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25">CMS Kickoff 2025</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, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">so secure your tickets today.</a>

New Logo, New Leaders: MACH Alliance Announces Key Board Appointments and Brand Refresh

<hr /> The MACH Alliance has always maintained a fiery passion for challenging the status quo and tearing down walls. Its zeal has been reflected in the championing of composability and a persistent quest for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems. Since its founding in 2020, the organization has also become an ambassador for change within the “human” architectures of technology organizations, specifically around the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives. This commitment is manifested in the Alliance's core values and expressed in the development of programs and resources to help guide technology companies to a more meaningful posture around social responsibility, sustainability, and DEI. Initiatives like the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/women-in-machs-2023-flagship-event-plans-to-go-beyond-boundaries-in-madrid">Women in MACH</a> program best exemplify its motivations, elevating the voices of women across their MACH membership community and serving as a template for the broader technology landscape.Last week, the not-for-profit advocacy group introduced a new resource to help tech companies gain clarity and divine actionable insight for improving their DEI efforts. <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/deib-maturity-assessment">The Women in MACH DEIB Scoring Tool</a> is a novel solution designed to accurately measure, track, and improve an organization’s diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging – specifically in the MACH space. That last piece about “belonging” is a differentiated aspect of the tool’s ethos. While not a new addition to the traditional DEI TLA (three-lettered acronym), belonging has gained traction in certain corners of organizational culture. <a target="_blank" href="https://deib-rise.ctb.ku.edu/deib-understanding-diversity-equity-inclusion-and-belonging/">A number of universities</a>, for example, have been spearheading the evolution of DEI and wrapping the concept of belonging into their toolboxes. In this vertical use case, belonging speaks to an individual student or faculty member’s perceived sense of connectedness and the feeling of being accepted, respected, and valued by their peers and community.The same holds true for employees at tech companies, where belonging has taken on a new imperative within the DEI rubric. Measuring how an organization supports and engages with team members is becoming a key component for reinforcing the well-being of its people, which ultimately translates into better performance and outcomes. HR departments are embracing more of an intersectional lens to support employee growth, and adding belonging to the classic DEI methodology is becoming an important part of an evolving strategy.  While many enterprises have invested in DEI – including the appointment of dedicated executive leadership – there is still significant work to be done. This is where the DEIB Scoring Tool comes in, providing a layer of insight for organizations to enhance the maturity of their programs.“Launching a simple yet powerful tool to advance efforts around DEIB has been our overall goal in developing the DEIB score,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-rabea-tamm-53218178/">Rabea Tamm</a>, Senior Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion &amp; Belonging at <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/commercetools">commercetools</a>. “I am convinced that the tool will provide clear guidance on the next step for any organization on their journey towards more equity. Offering it for free for MACH Alliance member companies is our contribution to pushing for progress broadly.” <h3 id="identifying-the-need-for-a-deib-solution">Identifying the need for a DEIB solution</h3>The primary goal of the new MACH DEIB Scoring Tool is to break down any barriers to success within a tech company’s DEI initiatives. It does this by providing an easy-to-use online survey that collects, aggregates, and scores your results in a neutral manner. It then prescribes actionable resources in the form of best practices and strategies.As Rabea Tamm noted, the DEIB Scoring Tool will be completely free for members of the MACH Alliance. This is a big benefit given that comparable products in the market can sometimes be quite expensive. For example, research tools <a target="_blank" href="https://www.qualtrics.com/support/employee-experience/creating-ee-project/common-use-cases-ee/diversity-equity-inclusion-solution/">like Qualtric's XM Platform</a> provide granular capabilities for tracking DEI metrics but require some pricey commitments.Downstream from more robust enterprise solutions, an organization could certainly launch its own DEI survey via marketing apps like <a target="_blank" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/">Survey Monkey</a> (they have an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/toolkit/dei-leader/">existing DEI template</a> for this specific use case). The problem? It would lack the industry focus and MACH-centric intimacy the Alliance brings to the table.  Leaders within the Women in MACH program were motivated to implement a DEIB scoring tool that served its MACH membership. Given the available options, it became abundantly clear that a homegrown solution was the way to go.“When looking at the existing DEIB tools, we were underwhelmed,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jguthmann/">Jasmin Guthmann</a>, Executive Board Member of the MACH Alliance and Sponsor of Women in MACH. “The expensive ones didn't deliver enough value, and the free tools were weak. We didn't want to wait for change – we rolled up our sleeves and built our own. Because of a world without accessible, actionable DEIB insights? That simply doesn't compute.”<h3 id="how-the-deib-scoring-tool-works">How the DEIB Scoring Tool works</h3><a target="_blank" href="https://mach-alliance-new-git-feature-map-165-intro-933f9d-machalliance.vercel.app/deib-maturity-assessment">The survey itself</a> takes about 15 minutes to complete. The flow is broken into clear categories around topics that include Awareness &amp; Communication, Policies &amp; Processes, Learning and Development, Belonging &amp; Engagement, Benefits &amp; Services, Inclusion, and Hiring. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:89.4%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/09/mach-alliance-deib-tool-setup.png" alt="" /></figure>The login interface for the DEIB Scoring Tool Most surveys leave little to be desired. And if we’re being honest, most of us would prefer to skirt participation (unless we’re over the moon or have an axe to grind). The fact that this is kind of enjoyable is a testament to its design and structure: the app’s UX is elegant, and the content is light-hearted and engaging. Everything is easy to navigate, and there’s a progress bar at the bottom that shows you exactly where you are in the flow – making it feel less cumbersome to complete. Specific attention is paid to an organization’s maturity around substantive and declarative foundations for their DEI platforms, including questions about disability and neurodiversity statements. This might feel like table stakes, but many organizations still don’t have these DEI mechanisms built into their code of conduct or accompanied by any real enforcement. It also touches on the presence of anonymous reporting for policy infringement, which might be an overlooked component in many strategies. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:67.6%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/09/mach-alliance-deib-tool-question.png" /></figure>Survey question example from the DEIB Scoring Tool There’s also a section on assessing your <a target="_blank" href="https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/audit/articles/esg-materiality-assessment.html">Environmental, Social, and Governance</a> program, which consulting firms like Deloitte charge big bucks to develop. ESG is something of a hot potato in our current business and political climate, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ucem.ac.uk/whats-happening/articles/criticism-of-esg/">drawing criticism</a> from certain corners of the private and public sectors. To be fair, some of the feedback is relevant, particularly around its lack of standardized measurement or value-based results.Despite its naysayers, forward-thinking companies are taking a clear stand to be better citizens of the world by engaging in more sustainable practices. In fact, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/umbraco-publishes-annual-impact-report-reinforcing-commitments-to-sustainability-and-community">CMS vendors like Umbraco</a> are publishing reports on this topic, providing transparency and reinforcing their commitments.One highly relevant area of the survey deals with paid family and special leave care. This is a major topic across geographies, but also one coming under scrutiny in the U.S. presidential race, particularly around working families and affordable child care. More proactively, the survey also asks if there are mental health resources on staff, which might be reserved for large enterprises but could also manifest in third-party services.<h3 id="tallying-up-the-score">Tallying up the score</h3>Before submitting your survey, you have a chance to review and edit your full scope of replies. Once submitted, the data is tabulated and analyzed in a few seconds. <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:88.61%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/09/mach-alliance-deib-tool-review.png" alt="" /></figure>Reviewing results from the DEIB Scoring Tool The report itself includes a simple histogram accompanied by a clear DEIB maturity scale that scores your performance. It also includes the individual results within each of the aforementioned categories.  <figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:76.89%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/09/mach-alliance-deib-tool-histogram.png" alt="" /></figure>A visual model mapping your DEIB maturity There’s a dynamite stinger: participants who achieve a “Mature” ranking are provided with a Women in MACH badge reflecting their status. The graphic can be downloaded and shared publicly to promote your organization’s MACH DEIB achievement.<figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:36.36%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/09/deib-badge-large.png" alt="" /></figure>For participants who still have work to do (and let’s face it, we can all do better), the tool provides guidance in the form of a DEIB Playbook. The idea is to develop pathways for improvement that lead to rescoring and ultimately earning a “Mature” status. Like any survey, there are a few things that could be augmented or streamlined. While this tool might appeal to multiple roles within an organization, it’s clear that DEI, HR, and cultural agents might be the most keen on its potential. For anyone outside those walls, it would be helpful to feature informational prompts within the survey itself – like what formalized Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) might encompass. Stuff that's easily Googled, BTW. Aside from that, it’s a very lightweight experience, focusing on the most pertinent challenges relevant to DEIB success through a MACH lens – and delivering relevant, enlightening, and actionable results. <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>In 2023, I attended a conference where <a href="casper%20aagaard%20rasmussen">Casper Rasmussen</a>, Global SVP at Valtech and (at the time) President of the MACH Alliance, guided an interactive discussion on social responsibility.Throughout his talk, Rasmussen hammered home a simple mantra: “It's not just what's best for me, but best for we.” This seemed to wrap neatly around his call for modern businesses to make strong commitments to being open, sustainable, and “future fit” around goals that aren’t just commercially motivated.What stayed with me was a comment from an attendee that surfaced during the open forum. I’m paraphrasing, but this individual reflected a level of anxiety around progressive programs – particularly those within ESG – suggesting that they sounded good, but only if the current economics permitted such an investment. Said more plainly: if a recession were impacting tech and the broader market, these kinds of programs would be out the window.Is that the reality?Perhaps it has been – but it shouldn’t be. That mindset represents the easy path, not the right one. The fact is, we have far more to gain by embedding sustainability, diversity, and equality into our business practices at a fundamental level.Over the years, I’ve taken a keen interest in the Women in MACH program because it’s doing great work. But more importantly, it needs allies – particularly from those of us who are white, cisgender males in an industry where we have dominated leadership roles. Likewise, technology businesses need allies to guide the shape and direction of these investments. Having tools to codify progress and achievement is one way to reinforce the bedrock, especially if those systems are purpose-built for the industry and available in an open source vein.To be clear, women have fought to achieve so much. But as we saw at the MACH Two conference last year, the vast majority of attending companies were still represented by men. This resulted in a public challenge to include more diversity across the ecosystem. As the new DEIB Scoring Tool queries in the survey: Do you have an underrepresented group as part of your executive team? If not, what are you willing to do about it?While the MACH Alliance’s new tool is a terrific resource for auditing your posture, it’s far from being a panacea. It reminds me of how companies might use Siteimprove or Monsido to scan their websites for accessibility – it's a great first step, but real accessibility requires more humans in the loop, and a philosophical and cultural approach to design, implementation, and continued maintenance of their digital experiences. In other words, a tool is just the beginning. It’s what you do with it that matters.I previously mentioned the urgent need for “allies.” Perhaps it’s fitting that these programs are coming from an industry “alliance” within the MACH community, where diverse technologies – and people – find harmony. From DEIB tools to education, it says a lot that the MACH Alliance is continuing to invest heavily in this part of the equation. It is, after all, the reason why we’re building and innovating: to improve the lives of humans. <hr /> <img style="width:29.58%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/cms-kickoff-2025-logo.png" /><h4 id="cms-kickoff-2025"><a href=" https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25">CMS Kickoff 2025</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, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff25/tickets">so secure your tickets today.</a>

MACH Alliance Empowers Gender Equality with New Women in MACH DEIB Scoring Tool

Publish and pray? No way. Uniform's Visual CMS + Experience Manager is heaven-sent for marketers

<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 /> <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.

J.P. Morgan Joins MACH Alliance, Reinforcing Growth of Composability in Digital Financial Services

cms-critic-staff

<hr /> As we turn the corner towards summer in the Northern Hemisphere, things are heating up in the composable world.Fresh off the publication of chiefmartec's <a target="_blank" href="https://martechmap.typeform.com/MartechDay2024">2024 State of Martech Report</a> – where composability was a key topic across the 14,106 products in the marketing technology landscape – we're also a month away from the industry's premier composable conference: <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/events/mach-three">MACH THREE</a>.This is the third edition of the annual event hosted by the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.machalliance.org/">MACH Alliance</a>, a group of independent tech companies dedicated to advocating for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems. Buoyed by an array of sessions that aim to educate and elevate the understanding of MACH (Microservices, APIs, Cloud-first SaaS, Headless), the MACH THREE event promises to inspire attendees to “supercharge their composable journey."Today, the organization announced some juicy details regarding the roster for MACH THREE, which will be held in New York City from June 17 - 18. This is the first time the conference is slated for North America, signaling an important shift in focus toward the U.S. – which has been slower to adopt MACH but is now showing accelerated growth. In fact, an analysis provided in the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-publishes-first-annual-report-showcases-industry-impact-and-plans-for-2024">MACH Alliance's first annual report</a> – published in January of this year – underscores the opportunities ahead for the addressable U.S. market, and where the Alliance sees future potential to expand the MACH footprint. <a target="_blank" href="https://register.machalliance.org/hubfs/Agenda%20MACH%20THREE.pdf">The MACH THREE agenda</a> will feature heavy hitters like IKEA, MARS, and Ulta Beauty. But it will also include presentations from influential global brands like H&amp;M, Kraft Heinz, Mattel, Rally House, Clarks, Saks Fifth Avenue, and OBI. During the two-day conference, these industry leaders will discuss the innovative digital experiences they have created using MACH architectures, as well as the many benefits and challenges of embracing digital transformation with a composable strategy. “MACH THREE is not about technology providers sharing sales pitches or demos, it’s about brands showcasing their digital strategies, what worked and what didn’t,” said <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/holly-hall-4b14a945/">Holly Hall</a>, managing director at the MACH Alliance. “MACH THREE is an essential part of the MACH Alliance’s commitment to being a facilitator of education and advocacy around MACH principles, especially in the U.S. as this market becomes a strong advocate and adopter of MACH technologies.”The conference is free, and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">registration is open</a> to business and technology leaders by application. They even offer a rebate program to cover travel expenses, which is a limited offer but nonetheless an attractive give (better act quickly on this one).CMS Critic attended last year's MACH TWO conference in Amsterdam and covered it in detail. For a glimpse at what to expect in New York, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">read what this world-class event offered in 2023.</a><h3 id="a-packed-agenda-focused-on-mach">A packed agenda focused on MACH</h3>As retailers and brands strive to create a flexible, future-proofed digital ecosystem that promotes the best customer experience possible, MACH architecture has emerged as a leading differentiator. According to the 2023 MACH Alliance Annual Report, 85% of respondents have increased MACH investment in the past 12 months – and the U.S. has now surpassed Europe in the rate of MACH adoption. This trend was already being felt at last year's MACH TWO Conference. During the media session, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygoetsch/">Kelly Goetsch</a> – former MACH Alliance Chair and CSO of <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/commercetools">commercetool</a> – observed that MACH “now feels like the default,” and that “we’re no longer advocating from the sidelines.” The MACH Alliance's annual conference series provides the connective tissue for the MACH movement, bringing together a community of members and customers to highlight successful use cases and real-world applications. This year's MACH THREE promises to explore and educate about the continued evolution of MACH through the voices of industry-leading brands. This includes mainstage keynotes from Kraft Heinz, H&amp;M, and more that will showcase MACH successes from initial deployment to long-term results.Along with the keynotes, MACH THREE will feature leadership sessions and peer-to-peer discussions that will provide insights into how brands can succeed in their composable journeys with unparalleled agility. As with previous events, there will be focused “MACH in Practice” workshops to help educate attendees on real-world MACH implementations that foster competitive advantages.Attendees will also have access to “MACH Creates” sessions, which will highlight how a MACH foundation can give brands the flexibility to experiment with the next generation of AI-driven SaaS.“From listening to the head of digital experience at The Kraft Heinz Company talk about the CPG revolution to hearing the senior director of digital engineering at Ulta Beauty explain how to innovate under pressure, MACH THREE will be an educational and inspirational experience for attendees,” 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. “By being open and transparent about all facets of MACH technology, attendees will leave feeling confident they have the 360-degree picture needed to approach their own digital transformations.”<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>Despite its meteoric rise, MACH continues to be an exotic topic in the annals of techdom. While it has appreciated significant growth, it still represents a small piece of the overall pie. The trend of composability is certainly more ubiquitous, but it, too, struggles to be clearly understood due to a myriad of mixed marketing messages. As we've reported, this is visible in the competitive morass betwixt legacy monolithic DXPs and headless CMSes, many of whom claim to be composable, though not all MACH. In an open letter to the market, the Alliance <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-openly-invites-companies-claiming-mach-to-apply-for-certification">openly invited companies</a> that are claiming to the MACH (affectionately referred to as “MACH Washing”) to apply for certification in an effort to reduce confusion for buyers. That's why education is so important – and why it continues to be a key pillar of the MACH Alliance. Expressing this through digital content is table stakes, but live events provide a tangible backdrop for focusing on solutions, sharing ideas, and experiencing the real people behind the successes and failures (it's true, not all MACH stories have a happy ending). As Holly Hall also pointed out, this isn't a typical tradeshow where the primary motion is sales – and that's a refreshing distinction. Networking and the precipitous “elbow-rubbing” are par for the course; as such, connections and deals may emerge effervescently. But the agenda is laser-focused on learning, and that makes the experience more enriching. With over <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-surges-past-100-members-caps-2023-as-a-milestone-year">100 members in its composable cabal</a>, the MACH Alliance keeps demonstrating its relevance to the market. That said, it isn't without its detractors, and that feedback has resulted in a heightened commitment to transparency and a resolve to open its membership to products within larger brands. It's evolving, and the vision for its roadmap is best experienced by inspirational leaders like Casper Rasmussen during an interactive keynote with Q&amp;As.  The bench of brands on display will provide robust examples of MACH at scale. More importantly, these industry leaders lend greater credibility to the adoption of MACH, and having so many assembled in one place is a great opportunity to learn and reflect, regardless of where you might be on your MACH journey. It will be difficult to one-up the MACH TWO event from an experiential perspective. Last year's conference was world-class in every dimension, from substance to location to accouterments. Even the food reinforced the organization's commitment to DEI with catering from a European B-corp focused on sustainable practices. Hosting the event in a cosmopolitan city like New York aligns with the tenets of the MACH Alliance, announcing its focus on U.S. soil with an elevated level of sophistication. The Big Apple is at the epicenter of technology and retail, and multiple industry brands are headquartered here. It's also a city of experiences, and we can be assured that many of its best features will be on display when the event kicks off next month.<h3 id="mach-takes-manhattan">MACH takes Manhattan</h3>Will we see you at MACH THREE in NYC? If so, we'd love to hear about your experiences with MACH and composable.CMS Critic's <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/matt-garrepy">Matt Garrepy</a> is judging the MACH Impact Awards for the second year in a row. These awards celebrate the best of the best in composable use cases, with some incredibly innovative examples of MACH in action. <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">Check out an overview</a> of last year's awards and the winners. To learn more about MACH THREE and register to attend, visit <a target="_blank" href="http://www.machalliance.org/events/mach-three">www.machalliance.org/events/mach-three</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.

IKEA, MARS, Ulta Beauty and Influential Brands to be Featured at MACH THREE Conference

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<hr /> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-panella-b616911/">John Panella</a> knows a thing or two about customer experience. As Group Vice President at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.publicisgroupe.com/en/services/services-publicis-sapient-en">Publicis Sapient</a>, a top digital business transformation and consulting firm, he leads technology strategy for CX platforms – providing thought leadership, analyst relations, and all the intrepid skull work required to deliver successful projects for big brands around the globe.In his downtime (if there is such a thing), John has been lending his deep experience and insight to the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-publishes-first-annual-report-showcases-industry-impact-and-plans-for-2024">MACH Alliance</a>, serving as an Executive Board Member since 2022. His skills around customer experience have been key to decrypting the market's needs as they relate to tech – particularly as the shift towards MACH and composable accelerates. Perhaps it’s apropos that John is helping to lead and message <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/content-hub/expanding-mach-certification-scope-for-clear-buyer-guidance-in-a-complex-market">the big news today</a> from the MACH Alliance. The group, which has long advocated for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems, just announced that it will expand its well-established charter for certification to include independent offerings from within larger companies.In other words, big technology players – often comprising numerous products and services – will now be able to certify offerings within their ecosystem. Up until now, certification has only been available to standalone business entities, where the entire company must meet all tenets of MACH (Microservices, APIs, Cloud SaaS, Headless) criteria. It’s a bold shift in strategy, and one that is certain to draw strong opinions from both members and market watchers alike. That said, it’s also a logical move when we consider the fluid nature of the technology market and how sole-product companies are often acquired by larger entities. Those products might still meet MACH mandates, but until now, they had no way to maintain certification or retain the value of their investment in becoming certified. As stated in John’s opening salvo (via an article shared on LinkedIn), the MACH Alliance has always been guided by its mission to help buyers navigate a complex and noisy technology landscape – and find modern, best-in-class solutions to reach their business goals. To keep pace with an evolving landscape, the MACH certifications are also changing. If there’s one thing the MACH Alliance is flush with, it’s smart people. Consequently, no decision is made without credible data and thorough analysis. As John points out in his article, the organization spent the first three months of 2024 researching enterprise buyer requirements as part of a <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/content-hub/mach-alliance-s-commitment-to-clear-guidance-amidst-big-tech-acquisitions-and-developments">certification review</a> that was announced in December. At the heart of the endeavor was a comprehensive survey of over 100 enterprise technology buyers in the UK, US, and Germany. This may not seem like a compelling sample, but it is the enterprise layer of the market, and hence a smaller and more concentrated piece of the pie. The stated goal was to gauge the value placed on existing MACH certifications, identify limitations, and chart opportunities for evolving or expanding the programs.  “Respondents confirmed the need for clearer guidance in an increasingly intricate market, characterized by market consolidation, changing marketing trends, and modernization efforts by legacy and larger vendors” John explained in the article. “As MACH solidifies its position as the industry standard, we are committed to meeting that demand effectively.”Prospective members seeking assessment against these new criteria will be able to apply starting May 1st. That's just around the corner, so let's unpack more of the details – and why it matters. <h3 id="what-does-it-mean-to-recognize-independent-offerings-from-larger-companies?">What does it mean to recognize independent offerings from larger companies?</h3>The key words are independent offerings and larger companies. To further clarify: the central focus is redefining the criteria for company certification. Rather than solely focusing on standalone legal business entities, the MACH Alliance is changing its criteria to qualify substantial independent offerings within larger vendors.There’s an important distinction here. Beneath the vendor umbrella, the MACH solutions must be actively branded, offered, and sold separately. They also have to be accessible and participate in an ecosystem of software from other MACH Certified vendors, and function in a composable manner. According to the article, this shift will help the MACH Alliance provide even greater clarity across the MACH application and services landscape, giving buyers more choice. At the same time. MACH certification will provide a backbone of assurance that these independent offerings from larger solutions will ensure the longevity and adaptability of their technology stack.“By changing our criteria to accommodate for this, we stand by the importance of MACH principles while creating a clear path for Software Vendors, Enablers, and Systems Integrators with a committed, distinguishable MACH offering,” John stated.<h3 id="what’s-driving-this-change?">What’s driving this change?</h3>Of course, that’s the operative question. As you might expect, it’s a confluence of things.The survey results make it relatively clear that the evolving complexities buyers face are the key drivers. While the majority of respondents codified the importance of MACH certification, they expressed a growing need for guidance when navigating a mixed landscape of legacy systems, MACH-certified technologies, and emerging product innovations. According to the data, buyers emphasized the importance of MACH architectural principles and vendor interoperability, which are hallmarks of the Alliance’s MACH certification – and the sole industry standard for this assurance. As John’s article reveals, enterprise technology buyers would like the MACH Alliance to play a more active role in guiding the journey by providing greater know-how and awareness. One area where that’s been a pervasive challenge is distinguishing “MACH-washing” (when brands project MACH messaging but have not been certified) from MACH-compatible solutions. Buyers are also expressing a greater need for assistance when assessing new and innovative product technologies as they emerge. It’s not always clear that these solutions meet the MACH baseline, or if they will ultimately be compatible. Along with this, buyers are seeking a more comprehensive and realistic view of the total landscape from the Alliance, helping them proactively plan for the future.<h3 id="what-will-the-requirements-be-for-independent-offerings?">What will the requirements be for independent offerings?</h3>This is an important question, as the MACH Alliance has the rest of its member community to consider – all of whom have met the original standards as sole business entities. Now, they’ll be making room for other offerings that are the domain of larger industry players. Fairness and upholding the core tenets of MACH’s guiding principles are clearly top of mind. As John outlined in the article, the Alliance has thoughtfully structured its strategy around clarity and transparency, crystallizing a set of specific requirements for larger brands seeking certification for their offerings.First, an independent offering must possess its own distinct identity, one that’s clearly separate from other offerings within the parent company. Additionally, the larger vendor won’t be permitted to use the sub-brand’s relationship with the MACH Alliance in any of its marketing or other content. The independent offering will also need to be defined as a distinct product or service, clearly delineated from the parent company and able to demonstrate a unique value proposition and its MACH credentials. Another requirement is that an independent offering has its own dedicated leadership team. As John pointed out, this will help ensure a broader commitment to autonomy, from product development to P&amp;L to operations. From a sales perspective, independent offerings will also need to be marketed and sold outside the purvey of its parent company. This would be codified by the product or service maintaining its own external-facing presence and website.Finally – and this is the big one – an independent offering will still need to strictly adhere to MACH Principles to achieve certification. That means fully embracing the open, best-of-breed posture advocated by the MACH Alliance, and expressing compliance through credible customer use cases. It also includes demonstrating interoperability with other products, engaging in thought leadership, and forging strategic partnerships.So how is this all being weighted when assessing these new offerings? Here’s an example showing how the criteria will be applied leveraging past members, previously rejected applicants, and new applicants (note: this would be in addition to a 90% pass of existing MACH standards and criteria).<figure class="image image-style-align-center image_resized" style="width:90.8%"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/04/image.png" alt="" /></figure><h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>At CMS Critic, we’ve tracked the growth of the MACH Alliance since its early days. We’ve taken a keen interest because many of its members are headless CMS platforms, integrative tools, and SIs focused on building and architecting composable solutions. The Alliance's impact on this entire ecosystem cannot be overstated. Full transparency: I have been a member of the <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/board">MACH Alliance Executive Advisory Board</a> for almost two years, focusing on industry concerns in 2024. I believe in many of the tenets of composable and its general motion in the market, but I always strive to share unbiased feedback with the organization and with our readers. As I’ve already mentioned, this is a logical move. Many modern products and services owned by parent companies (probably) fit the bill, and enabling a path to certification would help clarify these choices for buyers. It’s also a strategy that reflects the market's sentiment, which continues to be one of confusion. As the pace of M&amp;A picks up this year (as predicted), we’re also likely to see more products and services fall into this category. Maintaining certification incentivizes parent companies to meet the obligations for certification to help maintain continuity and leverage the value of MACH for its customers – as well as new prospects.  Given the scope of requirements for these independent offerings, it might thin out the field considerably. Parent entities will need to be serious about restructuring established products to meet the criteria. The biggest appeal might be for newly acquired companies that can more easily retain their brand distinction and operational footprint without a significant pivot.Obviously, there are granular details to divine. What constitutes a leadership team? How will the brand dimensions be assessed? How isolated must the website and marketing materials be to meet the criteria? With its renewed focus on transparency – a commitment that Alliance president <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/the-future-is-composable-a-conversation-with-new-mach-alliance-president-casper-rasmussen">Casper Rasmussen</a> has frequently conjured – we can expect greater definition around the requirements and application process to follow. Finally, a note about fairness: when the MACH Alliance first emerged on the scene, it cultivated a reputation of exclusivity (you know, the whole “velvet rope” mantle). Composable was also seen by many as a hedge against the traditional market monoliths, leveling the competitive playing field for smaller platforms that fit the composable niche. When its application process became shrouded in criticism, the organization shifted toward inclusivity, and that meant reassessing how it could become even more open with its practices. Adding large vendors to the mix – by way of products beneath their umbrella – might seem antithetical on some level, but it’s further embracing its core philosophy and advancing the mission to support the buyer.  The MACH Alliance is openly welcoming feedback on these changes. You can get in touch via info@machalliance.org to ask questions and share your thoughts. <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.

MACH Alliance Expands Certification Scope to Include Offerings within Larger Vendors

<hr /> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/gurdeepd?miniProfileUrn=urn%3Ali%3Afs_miniProfile%3AACoAAAATCdgBB_nMyWFHB28gQn7wit5H1YN8aiw">Gurdeep Dhillon</a> has some thoughts on “professional references.”Just after announcing his new gig as Chief Marketing Officer at <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/contentstack">Contentstack</a> – a composable digital experience platform – he penned a brief but heartfelt post on LinkedIn, thanking friends and colleagues who vouched for his street creds in pursuit of this position.“What a wonderful thing it is to have people in your professional life that have become more than just colleagues,” he said, marveling at how a bench of business associates had evolved into friendships and advocates. People who have your back (and vice-versa). As Gurdeep noted, it’s important for future employers to have access to these sources to make informed decisions. Testaments to quality of work are table stakes, but hearing about the character of a candidate is gold. This is where the value of deeper connections and the oft-neglected practice of developing good relationships can’t be overstated.Even at a cursory glance, it’s safe to say that Gurdeep is a people person. That should serve him well in a role that’s all about scaling software users (people, n'est-ce pas?) by strengthening brand awareness, preference, and loyalty. With two decades of enterprise software experience under his belt, Gurdeep is reaching for the stars at Contentstack, buoyed by previous roles at some of the world’s most recognized technology companies like <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentful-composable-content-platform-for-sap-commerce-cloud-now-an-sap-endorsed-app">SAP</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/adobe-to-acquire-marketo">Marketo</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/cut-paste-delete-why-adobes-canceled-merger-with-figma-is-good-for-innovation">Adobe</a>. Heavy hitters to be sure.Gurdeep will report to Contentstack’s founder and CEO, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentstack-raises-57-5-million-in-series-b-round-qa-with-ceo-neha-sampat">Neha Sampat</a>, who has shepherded the headless-CMS-turned-DXP to incredible heights – raising a total of $169 million (thus far). From an evolutionary perspective, the company has recently been added to the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/thoughts-on-the-forrester-dxp-wave-2023-dont-judge-an-analyst-report-by-its-infographic">Forrester Wave for DXPs</a>, further cementing its expansion as a composable platform with a multitude of offerings. "Gurdeep is a great fit for our Contentstack tribe, both in expertise and values alignment," she said. “He understands the industry, and what it takes to capitalize on opportunity, and lead category creation. He knows digital experiences are the new competitive frontline for brands. Best yet, he is well regarded for his leadership style and ability to bring teams together to do the best work of their lives.”I had an opportunity to relay a few questions to the new Marketer-in-Chief as he takes the reins. Contentstack has certainly blazed trails over the last few years, but market conditions have shifted, along with the topology of the DX landscape. The game is evolving, and we're all strapping in – waiting for the next drop of the coaster. Gurdeep had some great insight on what’s ahead, the still-emerging value of composable, and how the role of the CMO is transforming. I also have some reflections on what this move means for Contentstack and the market at large. <h3 id="a-proven-legacy-of-leadership">A proven legacy of leadership</h3>Gurdeep’s work history reads like a “who’s who” of tech mammoths (the aforementioned Adobe, among others). But he’s also made his impact felt with brands that are key players in their respective industries but necessarily household names. Case in point: during his most recent CMO tenure at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.zuora.com/">Zuora</a> – a monetization software suite spanning pricing and packaging, billing, payments, and more – Gurdeep helped usher the company into the next phase of "The Subscription Economy" (more on that in a bit). He’s also lending an advisory shoulder to platforms like AudiencePlus and Goldcast, which gives him a more well-rounded view of the tech and business landscape. Like most of us, Gurdeep hasn’t gotten to the top of his game alone, and has consistently built and nurtured high-performing teams to deliver success. In his three-year tenure in <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/adobe-experience-manager">Adobe's Digital Experience</a> business as a leader of both the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/adobe-commerce">Marketo and Magento</a> marketing organizations, he gained expertise – and empathy – for marketing and commerce leaders who are responsible for driving efficient growth. With a resume of this magnitude, Gurdeep could have the pick of the litter in a landscape of opportunities. I asked what attracted him to Contentstack, and how those attributes might play into his strategy for positioning the brand in a market of one.“For me, it was seeing the breadth and depth of iconic brands that are achieving the art of the possible through their adoption of Contentstack’s Composable DXP,” he explained. “It’s clear to me that Contentstack stands alone in terms of our position as the only Composable Platform player in this space. The spectrums that matter are monolithic versus composable and product versus platform. Contentstack wins on both.”<h3 id="cutting-through-the-composable-clutter">Cutting through the composable clutter</h3>As Gurdeep takes the marketing helm at a leading “composable DXP,” I wanted his perspective on the hotly-debated term. Over the last six months, I’ve tracked growing confusion across the landscape from buyers evaluating the field, but particularly from those who are trying to decipher the coded messaging. Where’s the differentiation when everyone claims to be composable?As platforms “race to the middle” – something I’ve spoken about frequently and discussed with <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/critics/deane">Deane Barker at the CMS Kickoff</a> – vendors on both sides (composable headless and "traditional" composed DXPs) are evolving to meet the needs of customers. For Contentstack, how can marketing help lead the charge? “I’ve been thinking a lot lately about a Brand Relevancy Crisis that both B2B and B2C companies are facing,” Gurdeep said. “There’s a big onus on marketing teams to ensure they are delivering exceptional content and experiences to their audiences. You need a composable DXP to do that right.”<hr /><h4 style="text-align:center" id="“our-customers-have-the-flexibility-and-freedom-to-build-their-stack-their-way.-that’s-the-power-of-composable.”">“Our customers have the flexibility and freedom to build their stack their way. That’s the power of composable.”</h4><hr />There’s no question that companies are under pressure to perform, especially in a digital economy where it’s crowded and noisy – and loyalty can prove elusive. Likewise, marketing teams are feeling equitable pressure to deliver results, and Gurdeep believes a composable DXP like Contentstack is the answer. “I think there’s still a ton of education that needs to be done, showing people what the future could look like and highlighting the changemakers that are leading the way. I see an opportunity to do this better.”<h3 id="following-the-mach-momentum">Following the MACH momentum</h3>Full disclosure: as a member of the <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/board">MACH Alliance Executive Advisory Board</a>, I'm keeping a constant pulse on the composable movement. I believe in the tenets of open systems and love the idea of swappable standards. So while we're all helping to better define composability from an industry perspective, I endeavor to provide a balanced and unbiased of how these trends are impacting the market. Given Contentstack’s undeniable role in shaping the trajectory of the best-of-breed member ecosystem and its advocacy of open technology standards, I was curious how Gurdeep viewed the Alliance’s role as an objective outsider with monolithic roots. “As a founding member of the MACH alliance, Contentstack set out to educate the market on a better way to build digital experiences alongside other pioneers in this space,” he said. “With the growth of this Alliance over the past four years, we’ve gone from early adopters to early majority successfully, and now it’s all about how to make it easier to do business with composable vendors and partners.”And it’s true: Contentstack has been on the evolutionary horizon with MACH, taking a more active role to address key challenges. When I spoke to Neha Sempat in Amsterdam last June at the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">MACH Two event</a>, she talked about the importance of its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.contentstack.com/go-composable/charter">Composable Charter</a>, a manifesto of guiding principles for enterprises on the composable journey – which was signed by a gaggle of platforms. We also discussed the creation of a first-ever accountability platform to help ensure composable stacks are properly maintained when multiple technologies can present multiple points of failure. I've heard many horror stories about out-of-control hosting bills and other issues that have emerged from composable stacks. Who's in charge when the “stuff” hits the fan?Like many of the members of the MACH Alliance, Contentstack is also reliant on enterprise and agency partners to build composable solutions. I asked Gurdeep how he values the channel from a scalability perspective.“I see tremendous opportunities with SIs and Digital Agencies that specialize in composable,” he surmised. “Many are building accelerators that allow brands to adopt composable in a way that addresses change management and a lightning-fast time to value. These are game changers, especially for larger enterprises that need to start somewhere and expand from there.”<h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>Composable is still the soup du jour on the DX tech menu. As noted in the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/on-your-mach-get-set-grow-new-research-reveals-expanding-support-roi-for-mach">recently published research from the MACH Alliance</a>, the drift towards both the architectural and philosophical tenets of this burgeoning movement is clear, with big growth being forecast in the US. At the same time, it continues to be confusing morass as platforms try to reposition around the lexicon without alienating the market gods.Contentstack has been carrying the mantle of “composable DXP” for quite some time, and doing it adeptly. Last year <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/contentstack-launch-aims-to-simplify-front-end-hosting-interview-with-dean-haddock-senior-product-manager">when I spoke to Dean Haddock</a>, a senior product manager for the company’s Launch offering, it was already deep into the messaging. By December, Contentstack was a fixture on the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/thoughts-on-the-forrester-dxp-wave-2023-dont-judge-an-analyst-report-by-its-infographic">Forrester Wave for DXPs</a> – a testament to its brand-rattling at the analyst level. Of course, being rolled in with traditional DXPs raised a lot of questions (and maybe a modicum of ire) about the definition of a “digital experience platform” in the composable era. At the same time, some downstream platforms experimented with shedding their headless skin, while monoliths embraced nomenclatures like “composable hybrid headless DXP” as a mantra. It’s all adding to that morass, and precisely why top-down marketing is so critical to reinforcing the right messages and cutting through the confusion for the buyer.The hiring of a new C-Level is also a throat-clearing moment, and Contentstack is sending a sharp signal to the market about its ambitions. By selecting someone with high-octane Adobe DNA, it’s leveling up to compete on the DXP grid with greater gusto. Simultaneously, things are in flux across the landscape: <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/big-shift-at-sitecore-dave-oflanagan-takes-the-helm-as-interim-ceo">Sitecore just made a change at the CEO level</a> at a time when the company’s chief investment backer is contemplating a sale. M&amp;A activities look poised to rebound (although it’s still a wait-and-see situation). Seismic shifts in leadership are sometimes a sign that bigger moves are already in the pipeline, so we'll see how the Contentstack story evolves in 2024.<h3 id="finally,-let's-talk-about-cmos…">Finally, let's talk about CMOs…</h3>Yup. They’re in the hot seat – perhaps more so than any other manager in the C-suite. They’re experiencing tighter tenures than ever before, although some <a target="_blank" href="https://www.marketingdive.com/news/cmo-tenure-length-spencer-stuart/649279/">move on to bigger and better things</a>. But in a world where long games are getting shorter and shorter, CMOs live and die by the revenue sword. I’m not trying to be macabre or conjure Game of Thrones, but there are certain analogies about battlefields and dragons that certainly fit this job description.I asked Gurdeep what he thought about the role of the CMO given the recent decision by <a target="_blank" href="https://digiday.com/marketing/why-starbucks-elimination-of-its-global-cmo-indicates-an-evolution-of-the-role-not-a-canary-in-the-coal-mine/">Starbucks to eliminate the position</a> from its hierarchy, choosing instead to rely on decentralized leaders in different geographical regions. I don’t think it’s a harbinger of the CMO’s demise, but how is the job changing at a time when marketing is so essential to powering growth?“I think the role of the CMO is evolving in a few key ways,” he replied. “Now more than ever, the CMO is being held accountable to defining efficient growth strategies. This includes leaning into new technologies that help drive scale, especially generative AI. In B2B especially, CMOs are focusing more and more on customer-centricity – helping drive advocacy, retention, and ultimately expansion of the existing customer base. This is absolutely critical in an economic downturn when winning new logos is difficult for most vendors. Last but not least, CMOs are fighting the Brand Relevancy Crisis - trying to overcome the fact that there’s saturation across channels and it’s never been harder to rise above the noise, compounded by a cookie-less world and the explosion of AI-generated content.”It’s telling that Contentstack would invest in someone with ingrained knowledge and reverence for “The Subscription Economy,” as Gurdeep referenced. It speaks to the company’s view of where things are headed: more SaaS, less friction. Elegant tools that are powered by AI and free of code. And stuff that’s truly composable and, er… integrates seamlessly (I hate even writing that phrase, but you get the dream). At the end of the day, a Chief Marketing Officer is more than the sum of their parts. It’s not enough to know how to wield the technology and read between the analytics. This job requires empathy, and the most successful CMOs can tune into the customer’s frequency with passion and intention and guide the right resources to convert that interest into action. They also need to love what they do. Seriously. You can't go into a creative leadership role like this without a corpus callosum that modulates the right modicum of creativity with an appetite for data. Given how much today's CMOs have to know, I asked Gurdeep what keeps him excited and engaged about marketing – so he can tune in accordingly. “I love changing people’s minds,” he said. “When you show somebody what their world could look like if they step through the door to the other side, it’s an incredible feeling. And in my opinion, the best way to do that authentically is with helpful, relevant content and experiences, built with empathy for your audience. I call it Audience Marketing and it’s absolutely shaped by my roots in content. You can’t lose if you’ve created a genuine connection with your audience over time, because when they are ready to address their challenges with a technology decision, they will almost assuredly come to you.”Well said. And precisely why he has amazing professional references.  <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.

Contentstack just hired an ex-Adobe exec as CMO. Here’s why it matters

<hr /> When you deconstruct the word “research,” it literally connotes that one is searching – again. For the past three years, that’s precisely what the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-publishes-first-annual-report-showcases-industry-impact-and-plans-for-2024">MACH Alliance</a> has been doing: “re” searching its communities of influence to establish the patterns and trends that define the direction of MACH.Each year, the group of independent tech companies advocating for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems has published the results of a global survey it conducts, focusing on IT decision-makers and the role of MACH and composable. Over time, the trend lines have become clearer. This week, the Alliance presented its fourth edition of the annual study, and the findings underscore two key realities: MACH is growing – and it’s delivering a tangible ROI for companies that are adopting it. According to the MACH Alliance, the new survey reveals a heightened level of leadership support for MACH (Microservices, API-first, Cloud native SaaS, Headless). The report states that 91% of IT decision-makers say MACH and composable technology will be instrumental to their success in the next five years – and 85% see “clear evidence” that they are achieving ROI in their MACH investments.In the heated race to modernize and expand, brands have poured the gas on their digital investments over the last few years, due in part to the elevated force of a pandemic. Now, as the report notes, economic volatility and uncertainty have become factors – but MACH adoption continues to see stable growth despite the drag of market conditions. "MACH technologies are critical to ensuring resilience and agility for businesses navigating swift market changes now and in the future," 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. "Sustained adoption is remarkable in an economic climate that at large has put substantial IT projects on hold. The outcomes of this year's survey confirm a steady pivot towards scalable, composable systems that cater to evolving end-user requirements, and those companies are seeing tangible payoffs from their investments in MACH.”’It's worth noting the methodology of the survey, which was completed by 551 IT decision-makers of director level and above. 37% we C-Suite executives. The sample included respondents from the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France, and represented enterprises with at least 5,000 employees.<h3 id="u.s.-pulls-ahead-of-europe-in-pace-of-adoption">U.S. pulls ahead of Europe in pace of adoption</h3>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 Conference in Amsterdam</a>, I spoke at length with members of the MACH Alliance leadership team. At the time, it was well-established that Europe was still ahead of North America in terms of MACH adoption. But even then, many saw the U.S. and its total addressable market as a sleeping giant.Fast forward to now, and Goliath is stirring. While the pace of MACH adoption is broadly demonstrating stable adoption, the pace in the United States has slightly surpassed that of Europe. From 2023 to 2024, respondents stated that they had increased the percentage of MACH across their IT infrastructure from 85% to 88% in the U.S., compared to 85% to 86% in Europe. From an industry perspective, it’s clear that retail is the big winner, showing the highest investment in MACH. Retail and commerce have long been the stronghold for MACH applications, with large brands illustrating the benefits through several use cases at last year’s MACH Two Conference. It’s worth noting that both professional and financial services categories were right behind retail in the adoption rankings, evidence that the benefits of MACH are being experienced beyond the core of retail and commerce. <h3 id="leadership-leads-the-way-to-growth">Leadership leads the way to growth</h3>As with all new technologies, consensus is key to adoption. The shift to composable has been met with varying degrees of friction given the cost and complexity for many enterprises – particularly those reliant on legacy systems with siloed data.   But that might be starting to change. According to the MACH Alliance survey, there’s been a notable reduction of internal resistance to adopting MACH architectures. Based on feedback from respondents, there’s been a sizable decline from 33% in 2023 to 26% in 2024. Meanwhile, leadership resistance is eroding. Today, only 18% of respondents cite the lack of board or leadership support as a barrier, as compared to 28% in 2023. What’s driving this shift? As the MACH Alliance report surmises, it could be attributed in part to the realization of sizeable ROI from MACH investments. Additionally, more IT leaders view MACH as a key differentiator and a competitive advantage for improving customer experience and innovating faster. A growing proportion also see MACH as a way to improve their competitive posture, with almost half of all respondents making this observation versus just 39% in 2023.The survey also revealed a number of additional benefits of MACH adoption, with respondents claiming their processes have become more streamlined while increasing revenue. They also pinpointed soft benefits such as increased “volume of achievement,” customer satisfaction, and employee productivity.<h3 id="navigating-the-obstacles-">Navigating the obstacles </h3>The MACH Alliance has taken its fair share of lumps over the last few years. Market watchers have often been critical of its austere criteria for membership, and a persistent lack of transparency has drawn ire. That said, the organization has been fervently committed to responding to feedback – and has deftly managed these challenges as it continues to advocate for composable architectures and practices. One of the biggest obstacles to MACH adoption continues to be education. This is not limited to the core fundamentals of MACH architectures but to the trade-offs between upfront costs and realizing the future benefits of a MACH investment. According to the survey, respondents also voiced concerns about end user and customer resistance to change, as well as reliance on vendors to ensure continuous business operations. These represent key barriers to adoption. To address these issues, the MACH Alliance is rolling out an education program in Q2 of 2024 to help companies face these challenges head-on and mitigate the risk. <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>The MACH Alliance is more than a cabal of like-minded technologies. From the beginning, it has been committed to building awareness and driving visibility for the MACH movement – and doing so by investing in education and market research.  The data in this survey helps validate the continued motion toward composable and MACH solutions. With four years of data – albeit across relatively modest samples – the trend lines are solidifying. This further reinforces what <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygoetsch/">Kelly Goetsch</a>, former president of the MACH Alliance, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">observed at the MACH Two Conference</a>: “MACH now feels like the default.”Why is this important? Because it serves as a barometer for broad change. Clearly, more businesses are paying attention, studying the potential benefits, and weighing the risks and rewards that come with the composable journey. For those already on the path, the results are paying off. This is where the numbers help tell the story. In my year-end wrap with Casper Rasmussen, we discussed his predictions for 2024, which included the concepts of “continuous everything” and composable M&amp;A (<a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/whats-ahead-for-mach-in-2024-read-these-3-predictions">you can read about them here</a>). Both are gaining visibility, but the one I’ve reflected on most as it relates to this research is the notion of MACH expanding to new industries. In this year’s research, retail continues to have the strongest magnetic pull toward MACH. But the emergence of professional and financial services as close contenders underscores demonstrable growth in novel areas. Casper sees MACH evolving beyond retail and CPG in a big way, particularly in sectors that are not driven by commerce or transactional activities – including automotive.Research is vital to every organization, and we can’t always do it alone. We rely on proven authorities to help augment our understanding of the patterns and trends, and we put our trust in established bodies with a clear commitment to advancing the industry as a whole. Composable may not be the right choice for every business, but education can help leaders better understand what’s at stake and make the best decisions. Instead of resisting, we should be researching. And this is where the MACH Alliance continues to deliver value to its members – and the market.

On Your MACH, Get Set, Grow: New Research Reveals Expanding Support, ROI for MACH

<hr /> For many large-scale organizations, an annual report is a moment of clarity. It encapsulates the past year’s performance with a keen focus on financials, and often provides a throat-clearing platform for the year ahead.Sometimes, annual reports can be sobering. Historically, brands like Nike have used them as megaphones for change, staking the proper amount of accountability while shifting the narrative around less-than-stellar performance. In this sense, annual reports provide a reality check for investors while giving businesses a focused channel for communicating a vision for the future. For the <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/">MACH Alliance</a> – an advocacy group focused on future-proof, open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems – the publishing of its first-ever annual report is a bellwether moment. It signals an organizational and market maturity that further elevates its relevance while underscoring its responsibility to its members and the community at large. Perhaps most importantly, this annual report is a testament to transparency. Since 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 Conference</a>, I’ve spoken frequently with <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 Alliance – including a <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/whats-ahead-for-mach-in-2024-read-these-3-predictions">year-end interview</a> that detailed some key predictions for 2024. In almost every conversation, he has emphasized the importance of transparency and detailed how the Alliance is committed to embracing a more open posture. Why is this important? Because the organization has been challenged by vendors and industry watchers alike, protesting a lack of clarity around its certification processes. While not completely shrouded in secrecy, the Alliance has also struggled with an egalitarian mantle, being thrust to a level of market demagoguery by some analysts (we all know about that velvet rope). There have also been challenges relative to the MACH moniker and defending the organization's IP (this was the subject of <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-openly-invites-companies-claiming-mach-to-apply-for-certification">an open letter </a>published last year). Still, the unshakeable truth is that the Alliance has managed to unite a good share of the market around a common vision while educating and evangelizing the value of composability.Since its inception, the MACH Alliance has come a long way – and this annual report reflects that evolution. After reading it cover to cover, I’ve tried to encapsulate a few thoughts below on what stood out. That said, I recommend perusing it for yourself; it’s available and ungated at <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/annual-reports">https://machalliance.org/annual-reports</a><h3 id="growth-was-a-core-theme-in-2023">Growth was a core theme in 2023</h3>First and foremost, the growth of the MACH Alliance is undeniable. As Rasmussen states in his opening salvo, the adoption of MACH technologies has become a “linchpin for success” as businesses grapple with an ever-evolving digital ecosystem. <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-surges-past-100-members-caps-2023-as-a-milestone-year">Now boasting 100 members</a>, its reach has clearly broadened – and as stated in a prominent statistic from its 2023 survey, 92% of tech leaders felt the work of the MACH Alliance has been valuable. The Year-End Highlights section reinforces the Alliance’s achievements over the last 12 months, codified in customer use cases and celebrated at the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">MACH Two Impact Awards</a> last June. It’s worth noting that 98% of delegates attending the MACH Two Conference rated it as “excellent” or “very good,” a stunning reflection of the quality and perceived value of the event.  There’s a quote from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sahukar/">Gireesh Sahukar</a>, VP Digital at Dawn Foods, in the report. To me, it reflects how deeply embedded the role of the Alliance has become: “It’s the first question we ask as part of our RFP. Are you a member of the MACH Alliance? Explain.” To be sure, not all enterprises have woven this question into their assessment practices. However, it does illustrate a growing movement towards MACH as part of the buying journey, and how the Alliance is providing a layer of confidence around the decision-making. The Governance section illustrates how the MACH Alliance has evolved its organizational practices around key teams and processes. While discrete councils for tech and marketing have been a part of the tapestry, the further evolution of “Taskforces” is designed to support key initiatives and defined outputs for objectives such as content, tools, or even MVPs. It’s no surprise that one of the big concentrations is certification. As previously stated, the certification process has been a focus of criticism, but the increased communication with applicants around the challenges has certainly improved – with many rejections going through the submission process again with better outcomes. In fact, according to Rasmussen, 15% of members accepted in 2023 undertook a strategic transformation to achieve MACH certification. 2023 saw an expansion not only in the total number of members, but the available categories for admission. This includes the new Supporters segment, which offers a path for companies that are not ISV, SI, or Enablers but want to engage with the community (<a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/newsroom/mach-alliance-announces-paypal-is-the-first-company-to-join-new-supporter-membership-category">PayPal</a> became the first member last year). This edging towards a more inclusive model is helping to reshape the membership footprint and expand the community at multiple levels. <h3 id="focus-areas-provide-context-for-the-past-and-the-future">Focus Areas provide context for the past and the future</h3>The Focus Areas section of the report tightens the aperture around industry collaboration, open standards, and interoperability as cornerstones for 2024. The continued investment in real tools – including the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/new-mach-alliance-maturity-assessment-tool-helps-organizations-evaluate-their-mach-readiness">MACH Maturity Assessment</a>, the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/new-mach-alliance-admissions-playbook-brings-greater-clarity-to-certification-process">Admissions Playbook</a>, and forthcoming business and technical courses launching this year – fortify the Alliance’s commitment to education and leveling up market knowledge. While vocal demand has increased throughout 2023, the certification programs have been somewhat slow to materialize. This is likely a product of being mindful of the quality and extensibility of the course substance. The two Foundation Level programs are just the beginning, and the organization plans to scale its offerings over the coming year. There are some compelling metrics around the rising demand for MACH in North America and how the Alliance is reinforcing this expansion with a combination of roadshows and symposiums. As I discussed with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygoetsch/">Kelley Goetsch</a> at MACH Two last year, the addressable US market for composable is still largely untapped when compared to Europe, so it remains a primary target for growth. Finally, the MACH Alliance continues to differentiate itself by fiercely committing to diversity and inclusion initiatives. This speaks to the culture and community it has endeavored to cultivate, earmarked by a number of milestones in 2023 – including a <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/insights/women-in-mach-manifesto-for-gender-equality">Manifesto for Gender Equality</a> (signed by 40 companies) and its <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/women-in-machs-2023-flagship-event-plans-to-go-beyond-boundaries-in-madrid">Women in MACH</a> <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-launches-women-in-mach-mentorship-program">mentorship program</a>. <h3 id="financials-and-2024-outlook">Financials and 2024 outlook</h3>As a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/other-non-profits/business-leagues#:~:text=Section%20501(c)(6,of%20any%20private%20shareholder%20or">501 (c)(6) nonprofit organization</a>, the MACH Alliance is already beholden to disclose its income and expenditures to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This provides a modicum of transparency around operational considerations, but the annual report provides a simple snapshot of where the Alliance is deriving revenue and spending it.<img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2024/01/mach-expenditures.png" />Of its $3.9 million income in 2023, 66% came from membership fees. It’s worth noting that the <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-two-conference-wrap-six-takeaways-from-the-composable-event-of-the-year">MACH Two Conference</a> accounted for 25% of the total, signaling its vital importance as both an educational platform and a revenue generator. On the operations side of the ledger, the largest share of expenditures reflected conference investments, along with building a dedicated in-house team to manage certifications and other functions. Looking ahead, the report zeroes in on the continued growth and adoption of MACH, the role of artificial intelligence as a game changer for automation, and sustained trends towards modularity. As crystallized by a Gartner quote that bookends the document, 70% of organizations will be mandated to acquire composable DXP technology by 2026 – a 20% increase from last year. This underscores the opportunities ahead. <h3 id="why-it-matters">Why it matters</h3>Like any good annual report, the MACH Alliance’s efforts are meant to capture a year’s worth of activity in just a few pages and make the top-level insights meaningful. For many, skipping ahead to the financials might be par for the course, but there’s a lot in this report to gestate from a forward-thinking perspective. As the US economy continues to boom (at least the stock market), there looks to be ample opportunity to grow that market – something that’s clearly stated as a Focus Area. What’s not reflected in the report’s outlook is the very real potential for softening conditions. 2023 was replete with “mood swings” that would have been surefire indicators of a recession, with quite a few jobs shed in the tech sector. With global uncertainty and a decisive US presidential election ahead, there may be headwinds facing many layers of the tech market, and across geographies. MACH may very well deliver an attractive hedge in these times, particularly if expensive, large-scale enterprise licenses become a harder sell. What continues to impress is the fervent commitment to D&amp;I. It's core to the organization, and as an influential body, the MACH Alliance is uniquely positioned to “walk the talk” and drive greater awareness around the importance of these tenants. As we look ahead to developing new talent pipelines across industries and market sectors – something Rasmussen talked about in our last interview of 2023 – attracting the next generation of workers will rely on these investments in human causes. All in all, this annual report is a sign of the Alliance’s growth and maturity. It reflects the ongoing commitment to transparency and trust – and draws a clear roadmap for what’s ahead.   <hr />Footnote: In full transparency, I am quoted in the report as an industry analyst. It’s important for you to know that while I agree with the general tenants of composable and the overall mission of MACH, I strive to maintain an unbiased point of view in a market where multiple solutions can coexist, particularly as enterprises try to find footing in a rapidly changing digital world.

MACH Alliance Publishes First Annual Report, Showcases Industry Impact and Plans for 2024

<hr /> The <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-bolsters-commitment-to-buyers-providing-clarity-amidst-shifting-market-dynamics">MACH Alliance</a> is breaking out the balloons and stringing the streamers. Reaching 100 is quite an accomplishment by almost any measure – and today, the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.machalliance.org/">organization</a> celebrates its own centennial benchmark as it surpasses 100 members.The group of independent tech companies advocating for open, best-of-breed technology ecosystems just announced the news as it welcomed eight newcomers to its community, spanning its various <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/application-member">membership categories</a>: Boutique System Integrators<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.cabiri.io/">Cabiri</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.kernpunkt.de/">Kernpunkt Digital</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://iona.fi/">Iona</a> </li></ul>System Integrator<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://xebia.com/am/">Xebia</a> </li></ul>Independent Software Vendors<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.mirakl.com/">Mirakl</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.inriver.com/">inriver</a></li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.salsify.com/">Salsify</a> </li></ul>Startup Independent Software Vendor<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://ninetailed.io/">Ninetailed</a> </li></ul>The continued growth of the Alliance’s membership reflects an industry trend toward adopting modern, composable technologies. It also coincides with a surge in interest from established vendors who are actively building their MACH credentials through strategic acquisitions and innovative re-architecting of solutions. Newcomers Inriver, Mirakl, and Salsify are examples of such vendors that have fully aligned their entire product offering around MACH principles. "The MACH Alliance's growth to over 100 members is a testament to the industry's recognition of the transformative power of composable technologies,” 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 at the MACH Alliance. “The increase in membership applications from SIs alone shows how the industry is maturing and changing. As we reflect on our achievements in 2023, we’re proud of the momentum and collaboration across our community. We are particularly encouraged by seeing established vendors shifting gears to embrace MACH principles," <h3>MACH captures more of the market</h3>Since its launch in 2020, the MACH Alliance has focused on defining and establishing the rapidly maturing MACH (Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native SaaS, Headless) industry standard. In that time, 225 companies have applied for certification, with around 45% meeting the membership requirements. Many have re-applied several times, re-architecting their portfolios to achieve MACH status. The MACH Alliance creates clear guidance for enterprises, differentiating MACH technologies that foster future-proofing and vendor independence from those that don’t. That guidance is especially important for buyers given the rapidly shifting dynamics of the technology landscape.This past year, the MACH Alliance observed a significant paradigm shift, with established vendors recognizing the transformative potential of MACH principles. MACH is a coveted seal for companies building future-proof tech stacks, and adoption continues to grow. With MACH now perceived by many as “the standard” – along with evolving industry and vendor behavior towards that goal – the MACH Alliance <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/insights/mach-alliance-s-commitment-to-clear-guidance-amidst-big-tech-acquisitions-and-developments">announced in December</a> it is assessing how it can provide market guidance as more established vendors seek validation for their MACH strategies. <h3>Building on solid research</h3>As a body, research has long been a central function of the MACH Alliance. This includes both broad-market and member-focused analysis across all of the Alliance's categories. The 2023 MACH Alliance Global Research initiative – which polled 500 tech leaders – confirmed that 85% of organizations have increased the percentage of their MACH infrastructure in the past 12 months. Those companies cited several motivations, including the ability to respond to changes in the market faster, to build and implement new functionality more quickly, and the propensity to reduce costs. The respondents were also more likely to say that their investment in MACH has enabled their infrastructure to keep up with customer demands – and helped them stay ahead of competitors with lower MACH adoption rates. The fourth edition of this research will be published in March 2024.<h3>Last year’s highlights and what to expect in 2024</h3>Here are a few of the MACH Alliance's achievements in 2023 and some of the roadmap for the year ahead: <h4>Diverse Membership Growth</h4>With the continued rise in new members and increased applications from System Integrators (SIs), the Alliance is diversifying the representation of organizations eager to adopt and champion MACH technology. Early 2024 will also focus on how the Alliance can ensure holistic guidance to the market.<h4>Community Building Initiatives</h4>Networking events, forums, and an awards program organized by the MACH Alliance have facilitated extensive collaboration across the group’s vast community, allowing for the exchange of ideas and experiences that have accelerated MACH adoption. The Alliance will kick off 2024 at <a target="_blank" href="https://machalliance.org/events/nrf-nyc--mach-haus">NRF</a> in January, followed by a series of local market events throughout the year. MACH THREE, the Alliance’s signature annual event, will be held in June 2024 in New York City.<h4>Educational Initiatives</h4>The Alliance is fiercely committed to empowering established and emerging businesses with the knowledge, skills, and insights needed to navigate the MACH landscape successfully. To this aim, a dedicated education program will be launched in early 2024. The Alliance is also working on deep-dive projects around critical topics, including MACH interoperability and how companies can make the best use of AI in MACH implementations.<h3>Why it matters</h3>Over the last few years, the MACH Alliance has been a bellwether in the composable storm. As enterprises sought the benefits of building their own stacks, they faced significant challenges and confusion. The Alliance provided a collective compact of trust for best-of-breed solutions, giving organizations greater confidence in the technologies they choose – and breaking free from the stranglehold of monoliths and vendor lock-in. Evolving from its early posture as an exclusive cabal, the Alliance has garnered respect, trust, and even reverence by investing deeply in education across the market. That open narrative and engagement has reinforced its commitment to provide greater transparency around its membership practices, which many vendors and industry watchers have demanded of the organization. Still, the composable storm has been stirred by controversy, particularly as key terminology caught fire with single-vendor DXPs and became part of the marketing lexicon. <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/mach-alliance-openly-invites-companies-claiming-mach-to-apply-for-certification">In a recent open letter</a>, the Alliance invited companies that are claiming to be “MACH” to undergo certification to help avoid market confusion for buyers as they evaluate software. Despite these headwinds and growing pains, the milestone of surpassing 100 members is a clear validation of the MACH Alliance's value to the market. It signals the continued desire for platforms to be associated with the organization's mission and to benefit from its governance and practices. This is amplified by its goals to introduce MACH certifications and other educational initiatives in 2024, which gives members a stronger position to compete with. As it continues to invest in worthy causes (which include stated commitments around diversity, inclusion, and sustainability), the MACH Alliance represents qualities that go beyond pure technology considerations. These attributes might help future-proof the training, employment, and nurturing of tomorrow's digital workforce – and ultimately scale the Alliance towards another big milestone.We'll keep the balloons handy.  <hr /><figure class="image"><img src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/11/cms-kickoff-2024-banner.jpg" /></figure><h3>Join us at CMS Kickoff 2024 - January 16-17</h3>CMS Critic is a proud conference partner at this second annual edition of the prestigious international Boye &amp; Co conference, dedicated to the global CMS community. This event will bring together top-notch speakers, Boye &amp; Company's renowned learning format, and engaging social events.MACH Alliance members joining us at the CMS Kickoff 2024 include <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/agility">Agility</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/contentful">Contentful</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/consciaai">Conscia.ai</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kinandcarta.com/en-us/">Kin &amp; Carta</a>, <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/kontentai">Kontent.ai</a>, and <a target="_blank" href="https://cmscritic.com/products/uniform">Uniform</a>. 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. Prepare for an unparalleled in-person CMS conference experience that will equip you to move forward in 2024. Hear from leading voices across the industry on a wide range of topics, including:<ul><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/speakers/andrew-kumar">Andrew Kumar</a>, GVP at Uniform</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/speakers/becky-brown">Becky Brown</a>, Content Strategy Lead at Johnson &amp; Johnson</li><li><a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/speakers/marli-mesibov">Marli Mesibov</a>, Content Strategy at Verily</li></ul><h4> </h4><img style="width:39.13%" src="https://cmscritic.com/ms-content/uploads/2023/11/don-cesar-hotel.jpg" /><h4>The Don CeSar: a world-class venue</h4>Is there a better location for a winter kickoff than Florida's beautiful, sugary sand beaches? CMS Kickoff 2024 will be held at the iconic Don CeSar, just steps from the Gulf of Mexico. Dubbed the “Pink Palace,” this majestic hotel and resort provides a stunning backdrop to the conference, along with access to the local food and culture of St. Petersburg Beach.  <h4>Get your tickets today</h4>CMS Kickoff offers an intimate, highly focused experience. Space is limited, and only a few seats remain. Don't miss this exclusive opportunity!<a target="_blank" href="https://www.boye-co.com/conferences/cmskickoff24/tickets">Purchase tickets now &gt;</a>

MACH Alliance Surges Past 100 Members, Caps 2023 as a Milestone Year

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