Learn from the most successful headless and decoupled content management system (CMS) use cases to incorporate into your business strategy.
What are the different types of headless platforms
Over the past 4 years there has been an explosion of new headless CMS platforms. These platforms can be divided into 2 categories. 1. Open source headless CMS platforms and 2. SaaS or Cloud headless CMS platforms.
Open-source headless CMS platforms
Software released under an open-source license allows developers to directly modify the source code. This control over the platform lets developers customize a CMS to meet their team’s needs.
Since developers from all over the world work collaboratively with the source code in an open environment, those that are new to the platform or have specific questions about how it works can reach out to experienced programmers within the community to get their answers. Let’s take a look at three leading open-source CMS vendors:
1. Strapi
(Strapi Homepage)
Strapi is an open-source CMS platform that’s built on Node.js and works with the database and self-hosting solutions of your choice.
The primary goal of Strapi is to build a solid API, while offering an intuitive admin panel. While Strapi has capabilities to ease the task of managing user sessions and applications, users have encountered occasional problems with the drag-and-drop interface and array data types.
Strapi is ideal for small companies that need a flexible API for their front-end.
Top Strapi features:
Built-in support RESTful and GraphQL APIs.
100% JavaScript for front-end and CMS.
Intuitive admin console for content editors.
Highly extensible with a built-in plugin system.
Simple for developers to use and review.
2. Cockpit
(Cockpit Homepage)
Cockpit is a free, open-source, lightweight CMS that’s built to work with NoSQL databases like MongoDB and SQLite. It’s headless and API-first, meaning the CMS focuses only on back-end APIs to manage meta-data and data entries.
There’s no presentation layer, so developers have total freedom to review and manage the front-end. Cockpit works well for clients who want a simple installation and require an adaptable content structure. Cockpit is also well-suited to support content on multiple devices.
Cockpit is ideal for small digitally-forward businesses.
Top Cockpit features:
Simple installation and self-hosted.
API-first CMS with JSON content.
Language and database agnostic.
Flexible content models and no predefined models.
Modern and clean UI.
3. Directus
(Directus Homepage)
Directus is an open-source software platform suitable for projects that use customized database structures, as it comes with a wrapper to serve content from SQL databases via an API.
Directus also allows non-IT users to manage content through the Admin App. The platform has a strong version control system, allowing for rollbacks and retrieval of previous versions. While it does allow for uploading files, Directus occasionally encounters problems with long-form videos.
Directus is ideal for small to mid-size businesses that use traditional SQL databases.
Top Directus features:
Every aspect of the CMS is extensible and customizable, with no limitations.
Multilingual content management, with 10+ languages supported out of the box.
Built-in authentication and support for other SSO services.
Intuitive and secure admin app for content creators.
Unopinionated, so there are no practices or specific languages required.
SaaS headless CMS platforms
With SaaS headless CMS platforms, developers are not allowed to modify the source code. Users need a specific license key to implement these systems, either on-site or through the cloud, and rely on the vendors for further customization or extensions of the software.
SaaS headless CMS platforms ease the burden for IT teams, as the vendor is responsible for updates, maintenance, and technical support.
1. Core dna
(Core dna Homepage)
Core dna is not just a CMS, but a digital experience platform (DXP) that supports eCommerce, intranets, extranets, customer portals, and digital workplace solutions.
The platform has features for customizable templates, WYSIWYG content creation, image editing, search engine optimization (SEO) management, and more. With its APIs, Core dna can be integrated with third-party tools that support eCommerce, social media promotion, digital marketing, customer relationship management, and more.
Core dna targets the mid-size and enterprise-level markets with high-traffic and complex requirements, boasting clients such as Tivoli Audio, Stanley-PMI and SEEK.
Top Core dna features:
All-in-one DXP for websites, eCommerce, intranets, and more.
Personalization features that make dynamic websites quick to launch.
Webhooks make integration with other systems straightforward.
Pre-built solutions for a variety of industries.
Over 1500 new features added every year.
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