An introduction to Optimizely SaaS Core

What is SaaS Core

Optimizely SaaS (Software as a Service) Core is a cloud-based version of the Optimizely Content Management System (CMS) and Commerce platform. Designed to be user-friendly, it offers a complete package that includes both the operating environment and the application itself. This means you don’t need extensive technical skills or coding knowledge to use it.

The Challenge: Complexity in Composability

Building custom technology stacks can be complex, especially for marketers. Optimizely SaaS Core simplifies this by providing a user-friendly system that doesn’t require navigating through developer-centric tools.

Key Features of SaaS Core 

• Low-Code/No-Code Development: One of the most attractive features of SaaS Core is its no-code approach to template building. Users can define content types (these would be pages and blocks), specify properties, and configure data types all through a user-friendly web interface, cutting the reliance on developers for “basic” site customisation.
• Always Updated: Optimizely takes care of infrastructure, monitoring, security, and upgrades to SaaS core components. This ensures that users benefit from the latest features and improvements without the hassle of planning or executing upgrades.
• Headless Architecture: SaaS Core adopts a headless approach, storing content in a presentation-agnostic format accessible via APIs. This allows for greater flexibility in creating custom front-end experiences across various digital channels.
• Low-Code Integrations: Pre-built integrations ("connectors") simplify data exchange between CMS/Commerce and other systems. Customers can set up integrations with just a few clicks, reducing as much dependency on custom development.

How does Optimizely SaaS Core differ from PaaS Core

While both products are built on the same CMS foundation, they cater to different needs. SaaS Core is like a fully furnished house—ready to use, always updated, and easy to manage. PaaS Core is more like leasing land and a house frame—highly customizable but requiring more hands-on management.

Related Technologies

Optimizely Graph

Optimizely Graph is a SaaS service built on GraphQL, designed to transform how users query, and deliver content. Here is a summary of its key features and benefits:

• GraphQL: Optimizely Graph leverages GraphQL, an open-source data query language, to generate unique schemas for each site, enabling efficient content querying.
• Semantic Search: Utilises AI (Artificial Intelligence) for semantic search, understanding contextual meaning behind keywords to deliver more exact results, such as recognising "The Windy City" as Chicago.
• External Data Integration: Allows querying of both CMS and external data sources, enabling data linkage across multiple sources via a single endpoint.

How It Works:

• Content Sync: As content is published in the CMS, the GraphQL API dynamically generates schemas based on synchronised content, ensuring performance through Cloudflare CDN edge nodes.
• External Data Integration: Define content types via API, sync data in JSONL format, and push it to Graph via API for seamless integration and querying.
• Querying and Search: Access an interactive GraphQL page to build custom queries within the CMS, perform standard or semantic searches on properties defined as "searchable."

Visual Builder

Optimizely's new feature, Visual Builder, is described by Optimizely as a standalone "visual experience builder" designed to empower content creators with an intuitive editing interface. Here's a summary of its key points:

• Purpose: Visual Builder enhances content composition by providing a streamlined interface focused on assembling content blocks and enabling easy previewing before publishing.
• Key Features:
  • Improved visual aesthetics emphasising content composition without CMS scaffolding.
  • Template creation without coding.
  • Integration with Optimizely Graph for content manipulation.
• User Base: Visual Builder is ideal for Optimizely SaaS users who prefer a decoupled approach to content creation, allowing flexibility in editing interfaces and adaptation to various digital channels.
• Positioning: Positioned as the primary visual content composer within Optimizely SaaS, Visual Builder offers flexibility for content management independent of presentation layers.
• Integration: Works in tandem with Optimizely Graph's APIs, transforming Optimizely SaaS into a headless CMS for composing, changing, and distributing content.
• Availability: Expected to launch in H1 2024, Visual Builder will likely be a cloud-based add-on service integrated with both CMS and CMP (Content Marketing Platform) content composition.

Visual Builder provides a user-friendly, standalone tool for content creation within Optimizely's evolving SaaS and headless initiative, offering enhanced flexibility and control over content management and distribution.

Who Should Consider SaaS Core

Optimizely SaaS Core is ideal for:

• Composable Flexibility: Organisations seeking a flexible CMS/Commerce platform that allows for component-based customisation.
• Time-to-Market: Businesses requiring rapid deployment of simple campaign sites, pop-up stores, or event websites.
• Structured Data Management: Those looking to store content in a clean, structured format for seamless synchronisation across digital channels.
• Frontend Freedom: Developers wanting to create custom frontends using preferred frameworks, independent of traditional WYSIWYG editors.

How will I know which to choose?

Choosing between SaaS Core and PaaS Core depends on your specific business needs. A detailed CMS selection process is essential. SaaS Core is great for straightforward, segregated services, while PaaS Core offers more customisation for complex needs. 

As an Optimizely partner, we can help guide you through this decision to ensure you choose the best option for your requirements.

Do I Still Need an Optimizely Partner?

While SaaS Core simplifies many technical aspects, partnering with Optimizely experts like 26 DX can enhance your setup. We provide optimization, streamline integrations, and strategic guidance to maximize your return on investment.

Conclusion

Optimizely SaaS Core is a significant step towards simplifying web development. It empowers businesses to create, manage, and optimize digital experiences easily and flexibly.