The common misconception is that custom CMSs are inherently more customizable than their open-source counterparts. However, the water runs deeper than this superficial notion. Let's dive into the true depth of the customizability and adaptability of these platforms.
Open-source CMS: Beyond the basics
Popular open-source CMS platforms, such as WordPress, have evolved tremendously over the years and have transcended their original offerings. Their strength lies not only in their out-of-the-box features, but also in their extensive customization capabilities.
Here are a few benefits:
- Extensive codebase: Open-source means that the source code is freely available. If you want to change or modify something, there is no one to stop you...
- Flexibility with extensions: While plugins provide additional functionality, they are not the only way to improve an open-source CMS. You can customize the core, develop custom themes or even develop (or have developed) specific custom plugins.
- Extensive community: With a global community of developers and enthusiasts, solutions, changes and modifications are constantly being developed, pushing the boundaries of what the platform can achieve.
Besides advantages, there are also some disadvantages:
- In some cases, open-source systems will need to be extended or converted to such an extent that a custom solution could be cheaper or more efficient.
- More susceptible to hackers: because platforms like WordPress are very popular among users, they are also popular among hackers.
- Potential bloatware: it is very easy to add plugins to WordPress. Often we see too many (more than necessary) plugins being installed.
Custom CMS: Customization from the ground up
Although a custom CMS is built specifically for customized needs, this does not automatically mean that it can be modified without limit.
- Focused development: Custom CMSs are developed with a specific set of functionalities in mind. While they fit the initial purpose perfectly, adding new features later can be more cumbersome than an open-source platform built for a broad spectrum of functionality.
- Dependence on original developers (vendor lock-in): Changes or further modifications may require help from the original developers, as they are most familiar with the intricacies of the system. In addition, you cannot simply transfer your website to another agency/developer.
- Limited community: Unlike open-source platforms, custom CMS solutions lack an extensive community. This can sometimes limit the pace or scope of extensions and customizations.
Disadvantages of custom CMS:
- High initial cost: Building a CMS from scratch can be very expensive. The development time is significant and the associated costs reflect that.
- Higher maintenance costs: keeping a custom CMS up-to-date for one project can take more time than if we can roll out an update in bulk for an open-source solution that applies to a lot of projects.
- Longer development time: Unlike using an off-the-shelf product, a custom CMS requires more time to develop, test and launch.
Adjustment: it's not about the label
It is important to understand that "custom" in "custom CMS" means that it is specially customized, but that does not necessarily mean that it is easily customizable. On the other hand, although "open-source" stands for openness and community-driven improvements, WordPress has shown that it can be just as flexible, if not even more flexible, than a custom solution.
Finding the right balance
During our journey, we recognized the strengths of both platforms. We leverage the vast capabilities of WordPress, but adapt it to a level where it closely matches a company-specific feel. This hybrid approach allows us to leverage the best of both worlds - the vast potential of open source and the tailored feel of custom solutions.
Conclusion: adaptability knows no bounds
The world of CMSs is vast and varied. Whether you choose open-source platforms or custom solutions (or SaaS?), remember that customization is not tied to the label. It's more about understanding the depth of what a platform offers and aligning it with your vision. We work with the client to find a CMS that not only meets current needs, but also has the potential to grow with your (online) ambitions.
Webworx builds websites based on the open-source systems WordPres, Craft and Statamic, as well as custom websites and platforms based on Laravel or Symphony, for example. We have also recently started working with SaaS solutions such as Shopify and Contentful. Together with the customer we look at what the appropriate solution is based on wishes and budget.