Cloud
What is the Cloud?
Cloud, in the context of a Content Management System (CMS) or Digital Experience Platform (DXP), refers to how the software is hosted and delivered. Instead of deploying the CMS on local servers or infrastructure, it runs in a cloud computing environment; most commonly via platforms like Microsoft Azure or Amazon Web Services (AWS).
In CMS deployments, “cloud” can mean several things:
- SaaS (Software as a Service): The vendor (like Kentico) manages everything for you:hosting, infrastructure, updates, backups.
- Private Cloud: The client or partner deploys andoperatesthe CMS in their own cloud environment (Azure, AWS, Google Cloud), or on-premises infrastructure.
- PaaS (Platform as a Service): Some solutions offer a middle ground, giving clients control over applications while using managed cloud infrastructure.
Xperience by Kentico is designed with cloud delivery in mind. It offers SaaS, Private Cloud, and on-premises deployment options, allowing organizations to align their CMS deployment with business, regulatory, and technical requirements.
Why is Cloud important in a CMS or DXP?
Cloud hosting is foundational for modern CMS and DXP platforms because it directly impacts scalability, performance, security, and operational efficiency. A cloud-based approach enables organizations to:
- Launch and deploy digital experiences faster
- Maintain 24/7 availability and high uptime
- Automatically scale during traffic spikes or campaigns
- Reduce total cost of ownership by minimizing infrastructure management
For CMS like Xperience by Kentico, cloud-native architecture also supports evergreen updates, disaster recovery, and improved global performance through regional deployments.
Industry Insight
Organizations moving from on-premises CMS deployments to SaaS DXPs report faster release cycles and lower operational overhead, according to Kentico customer data.
How does Cloud deployment work, and why does it matter?
Cloud deployment works by provisioning CMS environments such as production, staging, and testing within a cloud provider’s infrastructure. Core services like databases, media storage, backups, monitoring, and security are managed through cloud-native services.
Think of cloud deployment like renting a fully serviced office building instead of owning and maintaining your own. You gain flexibility, reliability, and scalability without worrying about the underlying infrastructure.
This matters because organizations can focus on content, marketing, and innovation rather than hardware, patching, or server maintenance. In a DXP context, cloud deployment is critical for speed, agility, and consistent global content delivery.
Fun Fact
The term “cloud” comes from early network diagrams, where complex infrastructure was drawn as a simple cloud to hide the messy details underneath. Cloud adoption succeeds for the same reason. When teams no longer have to think about servers, patches, or restarts, they can finally focus on the work that matters.
How does Xperience by Kentico support cloud deployment?
Xperience by Kentico is designed for cloud deployment from the ground up and supports multiple models:
- SaaS deployment: Fully managed by Kentico on Microsoft Azure, including hosting, monitoring, backups, and automated updates.
- Private Cloud deployment: Managed by clients or partners, ideal for regulated industries or highly customized solutions.
- Multiregional availability: Kentico SaaS supports Azure data centers across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and other regions.
- 24/7 monitoring and managed backups: Included with SaaS deployments.
- Automated updates and restore points: Enable zero-downtime refreshes in SaaS.
- Flexible customization: Available across both SaaS and Private Cloud models.
This approach empowers marketers to move faster while giving IT teams confidence in governance, security, and performance.
How do companies benefit from CMS in the cloud?
Organizations across industries use cloud-based Xperience by Kentico to modernize infrastructure, reduce operational complexity, and scale digital experiences reliably.
World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC)
- Industry: Global Association
- WTTC migrated from fragmented legacy systems to cloud-based Xperienceby Kentico, enabling global scalability, multilingual delivery, and centralized governance.
- Cloud impact: Reduced infrastructure complexity and improved agility through a SaaS architecture supporting a global organization.
UniCredit Bank, implemented by ACTUM Digital
- Industry: Financial Services
- UniCredit consolidated multiple digital properties into a single cloud-based platform while meeting strict security and compliance requirements.
- Cloud impact: Improved performance, resilience, and operational efficiency in a regulated enterprise environment.
LivaNova, implemented by BlueModus
- Industry: Healthcare / Medical Technology
- LivaNova built an enterprise digital platform on a cloud-first architecture supporting multiple brands and regions.
- Cloud impact: Scalable delivery, API-based integration, and centralized governance in a complex healthcare environment.
Pro Football Hall of Fame, implemented by Americaneagle.com
- Industry: Sports & Entertainment
- The organization migrated to a modern, cloud-ready platform to support traffic spikes and long-term content growth.
- Cloud impact: Reduced technical debt and improved performance without cloud being the primary headline.
“If you as a marketer take your business seriously and are actively working on improving business results from a data-driven futureproof point of view, cloud is the way to go.”
What are Cloud Levels in Xperience by Kentico SaaS?
Cloud Levels in Xperience by Kentico SaaS represent predefined, as well as custom, infrastructure packages that determine how many environments you get (e.g., production, testing), along with limits for storage, bandwidth, and email sending. These levels make it easier to scale and plan your deployment based on project complexity and expected traffic. To explore Cloud Levels, and licensing tiers visit the How to Buy page.
How does cloud hosting improve performance, uptime, and security?
- Performance: Cloud services like Azure App Service and Azure SQL auto-scale based on traffic
- Uptime: Redundant and geo-replicated environments support continuous availability
- Security: Includes encryption-at-rest and in-transit, MFA, role-based access control, and Azure-based firewalls
- Compliance: SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certified infrastructure
What is the difference between SaaS and Private Cloud in Kentico?
Private cloud includes:
- Hosting & Infrastructure: Managed by client or partner
- Updates: Manual, managed by partner/client
- Customization Flexibility: High flexibility
- Deployment options: Azure, AWS, on-premises, etc.
- Support and Monitoring: Provided by partner/client
SaaS includes:
- Hosting & Infrastructure: Managed by Kentico
- Updates: Automated (monthly refreshes)
- Customization Flexibility: Limited (but configurable)
- Deployment options: Azure only, single-tenant
- Support and Monitoring: Included 24/7
Frequently Asked Questions.
You can choose SaaS managed by Kentico or Private Cloud managed by your team or partner.
