Websites using Ektron

Okay, let s break down Ektron, a content management system (CMS), covering its overview, revenue (or lack thereof in recent years), alternatives, historical pricing structures, and customer care aspects. Keep in mind that Ektron was acquired by Episerver (now Optimizely) a while back.

Overview of Ektron (Now Primarily Optimizely CMS)

• Core Functionality: Ektron, at its heart, was a web content management system (WCMS) focused on helping organizations create, manage, and deliver content across various digital channels. It aimed to provide tools for marketers and content creators to easily update websites, manage digital assets, and personalize user experiences.
• Key Features (Historically):
  • Content Management: A user-friendly interface for creating, editing, and publishing content.
  • Digital Asset Management (DAM): Storing, organizing, and managing digital assets like images, videos, and documents.
  • Personalization: Targeting content to specific user segments based on factors like location, behavior, or demographics.
  • E-commerce: Integration capabilities for building online stores.
  • Search: Built-in search functionality to help users find content on the website.
  • SEO Tools: Features to optimize content for search engines.
  • Social Media Integration: Connecting content with social media platforms.
• Target Audience: Ektron primarily targeted mid-sized to large organizations across various industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and government.

Revenue and Current Status

• Acquisition by Episerver (Now Optimizely): Ektron was acquired by Episerver in 2015. Episerver has since rebranded to Optimizely.
• Ektron s Independent Existence Ended: Ektron as a standalone product is no longer actively marketed or sold.
• Optimizely s Focus: Optimizely focuses on its Digital Experience Platform (DXP), which includes CMS, commerce, and optimization capabilities. Some of Ektron s features and functionality have been integrated into the Optimizely platform, but it s not a direct 1:1 replacement.
• Revenue Information: Because Ektron is now part of Optimizely, it s impossible to find specific revenue figures for Ektron as a separate entity post-acquisition. Optimizely s overall revenue information may be available through financial news sources and reports, but it won t be broken down by the legacy Ektron product.

Alternatives to Ektron (Now Optimizely CMS)

If you were considering Ektron, you ll now likely be looking at Optimizely or other CMS platforms that offer similar features. Here are some key alternatives, depending on your needs:

• Optimizely (DXP): The most direct successor to Ektron, offering a comprehensive digital experience platform. It s a good option if you want a platform with similar capabilities and a continued evolution of some of Ektron s features.
• Sitecore: Another enterprise-level DXP with robust content management, personalization, and marketing automation features. It s a strong competitor to Optimizely.
• Adobe Experience Manager (AEM): A comprehensive DXP from Adobe, offering content management, digital asset management, and personalization capabilities. It s often a good fit for organizations already heavily invested in the Adobe ecosystem.
• Drupal: An open-source CMS known for its flexibility and scalability. It s a good option if you need a highly customizable platform and have development resources.
• WordPress (with Plugins): The most popular CMS in the world, WordPress can be a viable option, especially for smaller to mid-sized organizations. With the right plugins, it can be extended to provide features similar to Ektron, like e-commerce and personalization. However, it typically requires more technical expertise to achieve the same level of enterprise functionality as a dedicated DXP.
• Kentico Xperience: A digital experience platform (DXP) that integrates content management, digital marketing, and e-commerce capabilities. It provides tools for creating and managing content, personalizing user experiences, and automating marketing campaigns.
• Contentful: A headless CMS which provides the backend infrastructure for content creation and management, allowing developers to deliver content across various channels using APIs.

Pricing (Historically and Optimizely s Current Approach)

• Ektron s Historical Pricing: Ektron s pricing was typically based on a per-server license model, plus ongoing maintenance and support fees. The exact cost varied depending on the edition of the software, the number of servers required, and the level of support needed. It was generally considered an enterprise-level CMS with a corresponding price tag.
• Optimizely s Pricing: Optimizely uses a more complex, subscription-based pricing model. It s typically based on factors like:
  • Modules/Features: The specific modules and features you need (e.g., CMS, Commerce, Personalization).
  • Usage: The volume of traffic, data storage, and API calls you anticipate.
  • Number of Users: The number of users who will be accessing the platform.
  • Support Level: The level of support you require.
• Important Note: Optimizely s pricing is generally not publicly available. You need to contact their sales team for a custom quote based on your specific requirements. Be prepared for an enterprise-level investment.

Customer Care (Historically and Optimizely s Current Approach)

• Ektron s Historical Customer Care: Ektron offered customer support through various channels, including:
  • Phone Support: Direct phone access to support representatives.
  • Email Support: Submitting support requests via email.
  • Online Knowledge Base: A library of articles, documentation, and FAQs.
  • Community Forums: A platform for users to connect, ask questions, and share knowledge.
  • Professional Services: Consulting and implementation services.
• Optimizely s Customer Care: Optimizely continues to provide customer support, but the specifics may have evolved. Expect:
  • Dedicated Support Teams: Support teams focused on different aspects of the platform.
  • Service Level Agreements (SLAs): Agreements outlining the response times and resolution targets for support requests.
  • Online Documentation: Comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and guides.
  • Training Programs: Training courses to help users learn how to use the platform effectively.
  • Partner Network: A network of certified partners who can provide implementation, support, and consulting services.

Key Takeaways:

• Ektron is no longer sold as a separate product; it s part of Optimizely.
• If you were considering Ektron, evaluate Optimizely s Digital Experience Platform and other alternatives based on your specific needs and budget.
• Optimizely s pricing is typically custom-quoted and enterprise-focused.
• Customer support is available through Optimizely, with various options for assistance.
• Consider your organization s size, technical capabilities, and budget when choosing a CMS or DXP. I hope this comprehensive overview helps!