Why You Should Integrate Netlify with Sitecore XM Cloud

When One Stacks It All Up

The fastest Sitecore sites are built and deployed using a modern Jamstack approach, on Netlify’s all-in-one platform for web development. Netlify brings a modern web architecture without losing the best-in-class Sitecore experience we all know and love. Jamstack is all about separating the web experience layer from the data and business logic, which results in faster performance, lower cost, and increases personalization capabilities. In order to understand why you should integrate Netlify with Sitecore XM Cloud, you should first understand the different stack options.

Web Application Stacks to Consider

Jamstack, STATIC Stack, Modern Web Stack, Headless CMS, Front End Host– Is your brain fried yet trying to figure out what all of this means? Please allow me to provide you some clarification and specify how Netlify exists to fulfill these experiences.

Jamstack

By popularity, Jamstack is the most common term we hear today. Jam stands for JavaScript (JS), API’s, and Markup. This acronym is meant to cover the core concept of an architecture without mentioning any specific technologies. Many website implementation companies will generally say they can build you a headless website using Jamstack but, when presented this way, just know that the tools are not identified yet. In general, all you need to understand is that Java, API’s, and a certain level of markup will be used in the site’s development.  

Static Stack

Static stack is often less heard of but still relevant. This simply means that there is a use of static generators and associated technologies with a fixed size, which uses last-in-first-out (LIFO) logic. This is also a key element of the Jamstack architecture.

Modern Web Stack

A modern web stack, or web application stack, includes at least an operating system, programming language, database software, and a web server. Generally speaking, this is just a term used to describe ANY stack that incorporates modern web development practices, which includes Jamstack principles. 

Headless CMS

While a headless CMS is a key component of the Jamstack, this is in referral to a content management platform where the presentation layer, otherwise known as the Front-End (FE), is decoupled. 

What are the Benefits when you Integrate Netlify with Sitecore XM Cloud?

So, how does Netlify fit into the stack, specifically Jamstack? To put it simply, Netlify provides a comprehensive platform that simplifies the implementation of Jamstack principles. The Netlify platform offers seamless features that align with Sitecore XM Cloud architecture to keep all of the maintenance of your website at top performance and maintains the highest level of security, scalability, and developer productivity at it's core!

When you integrate Netlify with Sitecore XM Cloud, you get incredible benefits that allow you to streamline your website development process and improve your overall digital content management experience:

1. Static Site Hosting. Deploy and render your HTML, CSS, and JS directly from XM Cloud to Netlify. The platform then distributes these files globally through their CDN. 

2. Build and Deployment. Automation is key these days- who would develop without it? When a developer pushes changes out, the Netlify platform can detect this action, triggers the build, and generates the necessary files for deployment.  

3. Continuous Deployment. Otherwise known as CD, every time a developer updates the codebase, Netlify will detect and automatically rebuild and deploy the changes. If you want to work in a fast-paced environment with rapid iterations, this feature ensures that your site is always deployed with the latest code changes and remains up to date. 

4. Serverless. At the core of Serverless are API’s. API’s are serverless functions that can be used to process dynamic functions, interact with databases, and perform backend operations. This allows your site to enable dynamic behavior easily and provides that interactivity in your “static website." 

5. Content Distribution. Speed and performance are by far the most important factors to users viewing your content. Netlify’s CDN will ensure that your site’s content is distributed and available globally. 

6. Workflow & Collaboration. If you are using Sitecore’s XM Cloud Headless CMS, how do you see what you are editing before publishing? Look no further, here’s your answer! Netlify has deploy previews, which allow you to preview your changes in a real-world environment before you commit them to the codebase. This allows multiple users of the CMS to collaborate on the content and be as iterative (not irritative) as possible. 

Connect with an RDA Integration Expert

When you integrate Netlify with Sitecore XM Cloud, you reap immense benefits that streamline your website development process and increase productivity while improving the overall experience of website users. Using Netlify, Sitecore XM Cloud customers can launch their website more quickly, with better scalability and reliability, all while focusing on providing excellent content and a marketing experience that resonates with target audiences. With this combination, users will be able to fully realize the potential of Sitecore's experience management (XM) capabilities, while providing visitors with an exceptional online experience.

Maximize the value you get our of your experience platform by connecting it with a modern web architecture that keeps all of the maintenance of your website at top performance and maintains the highest level of security, scalability, and developer productivity. If you are ready to take the next step, contact us today for a free technical consultation.