Are you considering Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) for your organization’s digital experience management needs but unsure whether to go with the on-premises or cloud-based version? Understanding the key differences between AEM and AEM as a Cloud Service is crucial in making an informed decision that aligns with your business requirements and IT infrastructure.
Introduction
Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a comprehensive content management system that empowers organizations to create, manage, and deliver personalized digital experiences across various channels. AEM is available in two deployment models: the traditional on-premises version and the cloud-based AEM as a Cloud Service. While both offerings share the same core functionality, they differ in terms of deployment, management, and certain capabilities.
Key Takeaways
- AEM is an on-premises solution that requires organizations to manage the infrastructure, while AEM as a Cloud Service is a cloud-native offering hosted and managed by Adobe.
- AEM as a Cloud Service provides automatic updates, scaling, and security patching, reducing the operational overhead for organizations.
- AEM on-premises offers more customization options and control over the underlying infrastructure, while AEM as a Cloud Service has some limitations in terms of customization.
- AEM as a Cloud Service includes additional features like Content Transfer Tool, Cloud Manager, and Cloud Editor, which streamline content management and deployment processes.
- Pricing models differ, with AEM on-premises requiring upfront licensing costs and AEM as a Cloud Service following a subscription-based pricing model.
Deployment and Infrastructure
The primary difference between AEM and AEM as a Cloud Service lies in their deployment models. AEM is an on-premises solution that requires organizations to install and manage the software on their own infrastructure or a third-party hosting environment. This approach gives organizations complete control over the underlying infrastructure, allowing them to customize and configure the system according to their specific needs.
On the other hand, AEM as a Cloud Service is a cloud-native offering hosted and managed by Adobe on the company’s cloud infrastructure. Organizations do not need to worry about provisioning or maintaining the underlying infrastructure, as Adobe takes care of all the infrastructure-related tasks, including scaling, updates, and security patching.
Upgrades and Maintenance
With AEM on-premises, organizations are responsible for managing upgrades and applying security patches and bug fixes. This process can be time-consuming and resource-intensive, as it requires careful planning, testing, and coordination to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting ongoing operations.
In contrast, AEM as a Cloud Service follows a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) model, where Adobe handles all upgrades, security patches, and bug fixes automatically. This approach ensures that organizations are always running the latest version of AEM, benefiting from the latest features and security enhancements without the need for manual intervention.
Customization and Extensibility
AEM on-premises offers greater flexibility and control over customization and extensibility. Organizations can modify the core AEM codebase, develop custom components, and integrate with third-party systems to meet their specific business requirements. However, this level of customization can increase complexity and potentially introduce compatibility issues during upgrades.
AEM as a Cloud Service, on the other hand, has some limitations in terms of customization to maintain a consistent and secure cloud environment. While organizations can still develop custom components and integrate with other systems, they cannot modify the core AEM codebase. Adobe provides a set of guidelines and best practices for customization to ensure compatibility and seamless upgrades.
Additional Features and Tools
AEM as a Cloud Service includes several additional features and tools that are not available in the on-premises version. These include:
- Content Transfer Tool: A tool that simplifies the process of migrating content from an existing AEM instance to AEM as a Cloud Service.
- Cloud Manager: A self-service portal that enables organizations to manage their AEM as a Cloud Service environments, including deployment pipelines, code repositories, and environments.
- Cloud Editor: A web-based IDE that allows developers to edit and preview code changes directly in the cloud environment.
Pricing and Licensing
The pricing models for AEM and AEM as a Cloud Service differ significantly. AEM on-premises follows a traditional licensing model, where organizations purchase perpetual licenses upfront and pay additional fees for support and maintenance. This approach can involve significant upfront costs but may be more cost-effective in the long run for organizations with stable and predictable usage patterns.
In contrast, AEM as a Cloud Service follows a subscription-based pricing model, where organizations pay a recurring fee based on their usage and the number of entitled users. This approach offers a more predictable and scalable cost structure, as organizations only pay for what they use, and the costs are spread over time.
Conclusion
The choice between AEM and AEM as a Cloud Service ultimately depends on an organization’s specific requirements, IT infrastructure, and operational preferences. AEM on-premises offers greater control and customization capabilities but requires organizations to manage the underlying infrastructure and upgrades. AEM as a Cloud Service, on the other hand, provides a more streamlined and managed experience, with automatic updates, scaling, and security patching, but with some limitations in terms of customization.
If your organization values control, customization, and the ability to manage the underlying infrastructure, AEM on-premises might be the better choice. However, if you prioritize ease of management, automatic updates, and a more predictable cost structure, AEM as a Cloud Service could be the ideal solution. Regardless of your choice, Adobe Experience Manager remains a powerful and feature-rich platform for delivering exceptional digital experiences across various channels.
To further explore the capabilities of AEM and AEM as a Cloud Service, consider scheduling a consultation with Adobe or one of their certified partners. They can provide tailored guidance and recommendations based on your organization’s specific needs and requirements.
