CMS vs DXP: Which is the best option for your company?

This article explains the differences between CMS and DXP, using Acquia as an example, and can help you make a decision on which one your company needs.

In the world of digital management, companies are constantly looking for tools that allow them to offer efficient and personalized user experiences. In this context, two solutions stand out: Content Management Systems (CMS) and Digital Experience Platforms (DXP). While both share certain functionalities, there are key differences that can influence the implementation decision in an organization.

What is a CMS?

A CMS (Content Management System) is a platform designed to create, manage, and publish content on the web without the need for advanced programming knowledge. These tools allow users to manage text, images, videos, and other digital elements in a simple way.

Traditional CMSs, such as WordPress, Joomla, or Drupal, are widely used on corporate websites, blogs, and news portals due to their ease of use and extensive support community. Acquia, for example, is based on Drupal, a highly flexible and scalable open source CMS.

What is a DXP?

A Digital Experience Platform (DXP) goes beyond simple content management. It aims to deliver personalized, omnichannel experiences to users, integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and marketing automation.

Acquia DXP, for example, combines the power of Acquia Cloud Platform, Acquia Site Studio, and Acquia Customer Data Platform (CDP) to provide a comprehensive digital experience management and personalization solution.

Key Differences Between CMS and DXP

While a CMS and a DXP share the goal of making content creation and distribution easier, there are key differences:

1. Functional Scope

• A CMS focuses on content management, allowing the creation and editing of web pages.
• A DXP not only manages content, but also incorporates personalization, automation, and data analysis to improve the user experience.

2. User Experience

• Traditional CMSs allow the creation of static and dynamic websites, but lack advanced personalization tools.
• A DXP, such as Acquia DXP, allows the creation of personalized experiences in real time, segmenting users based on their behavior and preferences.

3. Integrations and Scalability

• A CMS often requires plugins or additional development to integrate with marketing and analytics tools.
• A DXP is designed to integrate with CRMs, marketing automation tools, and data analytics natively.

4. Omnichannel Management

• A CMS focuses on content management for websites.
• A DXP delivers a consistent experience across multiple channels, including web apps, mobile, social media, IoT, and more.

Which one should your business choose?

The choice between a CMS and a DXP depends on the specific needs of the organization:

• If your business requires a simple solution to manage web content without a lot of additional functionality, a CMS like Drupal may be sufficient.
• If your goal is to deliver personalized experiences, automate processes, and analyze data to improve conversion, a DXP like Acquia DXP is the best choice.

A Gartner study predicts that by 2026, 85% of businesses looking to optimize their digital presence will opt for DXPs due to their ability to adapt to market demand.

Both CMS and DXPs play a crucial role in a company's digital strategy. However, with the growing need for personalized and omnichannel experiences, DXPs have gained relevance.

Acquia, with its Drupal-based solution, offers a robust platform that allows companies to efficiently manage content with a CMS, but also evolve towards a DXP-based strategy according to their needs.

If your company is in the process of choosing between a CMS and a DXP, our team of Acquia and Drupal experts can advise you on the best solution to optimize your digital presence. Contact us and take your digital strategy to the next level.

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