AEM vs Strapi: What are the differences?

Introduction

In the world of web development, there are various Content Management Systems (CMS) that offer different features and functionalities. Two popular CMS options are Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) and Strapi. While both AEM and Strapi have their merits, they also have key differences that set them apart. In this article, we will explore six major differences between AEM and Strapi.

1. Cloud-based vs Self-hosted: AEM is a cloud-based CMS, which means that it is hosted on Adobe's servers and users access it through their web browser. On the other hand, Strapi is a self-hosted CMS, which means users have to set it up on their own server and maintain it themselves. This difference in hosting has implications for cost, scalability, and ease of use.

2. Licensing: AEM is a commercial CMS that requires users to purchase a license in order to use it. This can be expensive, especially for small businesses or individual developers. On the contrary, Strapi is an open-source CMS that is offered under the MIT license, meaning it is free to use and modify. This makes Strapi a more cost-effective option for those on a tight budget.

3. Learning Curve: AEM is known for its complex and extensive learning curve. It requires users to have a deep understanding of Java development and Adobe's ecosystem. On the other hand, Strapi has a relatively low learning curve, as it is built with familiar web technologies like JavaScript and Node.js. This makes it easier for developers to get started and create websites or apps quickly.

4. Customization and Flexibility: AEM offers a wide range of customization options and is often used by large enterprises that require complex workflows and integration with other Adobe tools. Strapi, while not as feature-rich as AEM, provides a more flexible and lightweight CMS that can be customized and tailored to individual needs. This makes Strapi a suitable choice for smaller projects or startups with specific requirements.

5. Community and Support: AEM has a large and established community of users, developers, and Adobe partners. This means there are plenty of resources, forums, and documentation available for assistance. Strapi, being relatively newer, has a smaller but growing community. While support options may be limited compared to AEM, the Strapi community is active and helpful in providing solutions and answering questions.

6. Integration with External Systems: AEM is known for its robust integration capabilities, allowing seamless integration with other Adobe products and third-party systems. Strapi, on the other hand, may require additional plugins or custom development to achieve similar integration. This is an important consideration for projects that heavily rely on integrating with external systems or require advanced functionality.

In summary, AEM and Strapi differ in terms of hosting, licensing, learning curve, customization, community support, and integration capabilities - making them suitable for different use cases and project requirements.