Note: The article below was created solely using AI using the transcript generated from the video, we used the following tools to make this happen Microsoft Clipchamp, TurboScribe and BitMovin.
While often overlooked, WebOps and Hosting are crucial for the successful operation of digital experience platforms (DXP). Their importance grows even more in the evolving landscape of headless, composable, and SaaS-based content management systems (CMS).
Traditional monolithic CMS solutions operate in a tightly controlled environment. Businesses using legacy systems like Sitecore, Adobe, or older versions of platforms like Episerver, usually host all of their content, delivery, and business systems together in one package—whether it’s on Azure, AWS, or a private data centre. This all-in-one approach gives organisations control over security, configuration, and the deployment of updates. However, that level of control comes with responsibility, as managing a monolithic system typically requires five to seven different skill sets.
This complexity can lead to challenges. If mismanaged, monolithic hosting can become cumbersome, causing issues with agility, security, and cost. Organisations may have inherited poorly designed systems, or lack the specialised skills needed for effective management. In such cases, outsourcing WebOps—the task of maintaining the web infrastructure—may be a wise option.
In contrast, modern headless and composable systems break up the traditional monolithic model into modular parts. Instead of handling everything in one box, companies now purchase different components, such as CMS, Customer Data Platforms (CDP), and analytics from various SaaS vendors. While this offers more flexibility, it also introduces complexity.
In a composable world, managing multiple vendors with different service level agreements (SLAs) becomes crucial. Organisations must ensure that their headless front-end (often built using frameworks like React or Next.js) integrates seamlessly with backend systems, each of which has its own hosting requirements.
A common misconception is that moving to SaaS removes the need for hosting altogether. This is far from true. While SaaS solutions may manage certain aspects, like the CMS backend, the headless front-end and APIs still require hosting. Platforms such as Vercel, Netlify, and Microsoft Azure Static Web Apps provide solutions, but businesses must still handle security, uptime, and the overall management of their web properties.
Another factor to consider is security. In a headless and composable world, the attack surface expands as more vendors and systems are involved. While SaaS vendors may offer some security features, the responsibility for securing custom code, APIs, and other components remains with the organisation.
The uptime and performance of your website depend largely on how well your hosting solutions are designed. For example, a static marketing website may not need high levels of support, whereas a complex portal or e-commerce site will demand stringent SLAs. It’s important to assess your unique requirements before committing to a hosting strategy, balancing cost with the level of performance needed.
One of the final considerations is whether to manage WebOps internally or outsource to a specialised vendor. While some organisations may have the skills to handle the complexities of headless front-end hosting, most will find it more efficient to work with an external partner. This allows internal IT teams to focus on core business tasks rather than managing intricate web hosting requirements.
WebOps and hosting are essential for a successful transition to modern digital platforms. Whether your business continues with a monolithic system or shifts to a composable approach, it's vital to understand the hosting requirements, manage vendor SLAs effectively, and ensure robust security across your entire infrastructure.
If you’d like more detailed insights, download our *Australian DXP Transition Guide* for an in-depth look at how to modernise your CMS and avoid common pitfalls along the way.