Drupal as a DXP: an engine for your customers’ digital experience

Drupal started as a powerful content management system (CMS), with an open-source philosophy, that was the focus of the development of numerous integrations. The introduction of the CMS gave companies better control over their content, for example text, images and data. Drupal offered a new way to control the quality of your online presence. However, one of the shortcomings in traditional CMSs was the interdependence between the CMS and the distribution channel. This created so-called content silos: closed areas that held important content that was restricted because of a lack of integrations.

Dries Buytaert, the inventor of the open-source digital experience platform Drupal, signalled this 10 years ago. That is what motivated him to start the transformation from content management system to an open DXP.

From Drupal 8 to an API first architecture

Until 2015, Drupal was frequently used as a framework where, along with content management, many functionalities came together in a monolithic architecture with the web as the distribution channel.

Since mid-2015 and the launch of Drupal 8 there’s been a strong focus on decoupling and working towards an API first architecture. This structure meant that you could continue to use the strong visual content modelling functionalities of Drupal, but now they are published instantly as an API and is made available for other channels.

Today, Drupal retains traditional CMS functionality - in the same way as Umbraco or Wordpress. The coupled front-end is still available, buy you can also set up Drupal API-first and use front-end techniques to display your content.

Compared to headless first CMSs like Storyblok, Contentful and Contentstack, Drupal was created from a coupled CMS. For example, it includes a web back-end so that editors can get started with content immediately (mobile friendly of course). Drupal enables content editing through the web interface. Headless systems offer better options when the creation of content is on other channels, or if it is necessary to use an entirely customised editorial environment.

In the quest for the perfect Digital Experience Platform (DXP), Drupal might not immediately come to mind, especially when considering features like personalization, analytics, and customer journey mapping, areas where platforms like Sitecore or Optimizely may excel. However, from a strategic IT perspective, Drupal offers unique advantages that make it well worth considering.

Drupal DXP within a 'Best of Breed' Strategy

Flexibility Without Overlap
If you opt for a 'best of breed' approach for each IT component, the last thing you want is overlap. Drupal shines here with its open-source nature and use of open standards, making it easy to switch systems without significant impact.

• Extensive Integration Capabilities: Whether you're moving from OpenID Connect to SAML authentication, or using top marketing automation packages like Eloqua or Salesforce, Drupal provides seamless integrations.

• Ready for Orchestration: Considering a shift to customer journey orchestration tools like Relay42 or Tealium? Drupal is well-equipped to support this transition.

• Community Strength: With a vast community of developers, almost any application you can think of has a Drupal integration or extension available.

Drupal DXP in a 'Best of Suite' Strategy

All-in-One Solution with Drupal
For organizations that prefer an integrated suite from a single provider, Drupal, through Acquia, offers a cloud-hosted solution complete with a Marketing Suite and Digital Asset Management (DAM) software.

• Cloud-Hosted by Experts: Acquia, founded by Drupal's own Dries Buytaert, delivers a customized Drupal experience that perfectly matches your digital needs.

• Comprehensive Functionalities: With Acquia's solutions, you get not just a robust CMS but also advanced tools for marketing automation and DAM, all integrated within your Drupal environment.

Conclusion

While Drupal might not be the most obvious choice for every scenario, it offers significant advantages for both 'best of breed' and 'best of suite' strategies. The platform's flexibility, extensive integration capabilities, and strong community make it a formidable candidate for your DXP needs.

Embracing Drupal symbolizes freedom in integration and adaptability, backed by a global community and the solid foundation of Acquia's cloud solutions. Choosing Drupal as your DXP means opting for a platform that grows with your digital ambitions.

Drupal is, partly thanks to the fact that it is open source, a particularly versatile platform. There are no license fees to worry about when you start with Drupal. The biggest advantage of open-source software is that you are using software that has been built by and for others. With an active community of more than 100,000 people, there are more than 47,000 functionalities and modules available. When you work with a good Drupal partner, your platform is delivered via established and tested common standards with no vendor lock-in.

1. Secure

Drupal has an established reputation when it comes to security. Drupal can count NASA, Tesla and the Australian government, among others as their patrons. Thanks to the permanent Drupal team that works continuously, maintaining the security and the expansion of the platform. Drupal offers a secure application framework where you can let your business applications run with peace of mind.

2. Enterprise & SMB Content Management

Since the release of version 8, Drupal moved their focus from blog and campaign websites. With a strong footprint in the enterprise market, it supports content on a global and local level. With extensive content staging, editing and translation capabilities, Drupal helps editors worldwide.

3. Roadmap

Drupal is open source and tracks what is available in the market, so that you can replace linked systems more easily. This is in sharp contrast to the technical roadmap of proprietary systems that are out of your control. Proprietary systems often follow a strategy where functionalities are added through acquisitions, and the products are connected to each other.

Drupal DXP in practice: Thuisarts.nl

The Dutch health platform Thuisarts.nl makes extensive use of the possibilities of Drupal DXP. The website is the central point for all content, different channels link from there. This covers screens in general practitioners waiting rooms, mobile apps and other health websites such as Apotheek.nl and Zorgkaart Nederland. Thanks to the Drupal DXP, the content is displayed perfectly on all the different channels. These links and integrations make Thuisarts.nl more useful and more usable to more parties.

With our 15 years of Drupal experience, we have helped many organisations to achieve their goals. Are you curious about what Drupal can do for your organisation? Then allow us to introduce you to the DXP and we will show you what it can do for you.