How can we launch websites up to 5 times faster and cheaper with a SaaS CMS?

SaaS CMS platforms like DatoCMS offer advantages over self-hosted CMS solutions like Drupal, but also have disadvantages that often arise (too) late in the development process. We discuss why we are increasingly opting for a SaaS solution and which aspects you should consider to avoid surprises.

The risks of a self-hosted CMS like Drupal

At Wieni, we bring 15 years of hands-on Drupal expertise to the table. This modular and open-source CMS has been our go-to solution for countless web development challenges. By dedicating ourselves to mastering Drupal, we've created around 35 custom modules for our projects. Some examples include an automatic broken links checker for Bruzz.be and a video hosting platform for Goplay.be.

While the all-in-one CMS approach sounds tempting, it does come with certain risks.

First of all, the initial development cost tends to be higher due to the custom and tailored work required within the Drupal ecosystem. Additionally, customers are seeking digital partners who can support their broader brand strategy, extending beyond just the website. Think of integrations with CRM platforms, automated newsletters via Mailchimp, or integrated webshops that also need to fit into the Drupal framework.

Traditional CMSs like Drupal often incur recurring maintenance costs. These ongoing expenses can be difficult to justify to customers once their product is already live and operational.

SaaS as an alternative

A few years ago, Wieni expanded its focus to include more SaaS technologies, embracing platforms like DatoCMS for content management and Vercel for cloud hosting. Using these tools, we've built websites such as Pia Group, MO* Magazine, and Floorify.

Headless SaaS CMS? A mouthful. But what does it mean?

A headless CMS, like DatoCMS, decouples the content management backend from the frontend display. This separation allows changes to the backend to occur independently from the frontend, enhancing scalability and flexibility. This is particularly helpful when incorporating external integrations, as modifications to the headless CMS won’t impact the frontend application, and vice versa.

DatoCMS offers a lower learning curve and is more budget-friendly to maintain. As a cloud-based, versionless CMS, DatoCMS automatically handles updates and security patches without affecting your content or frontend, unlike some CMSs that require annual updates and manual maintenance. This reduces the total operating costs and eliminates unpleasant surprises, such as end-of-life announcements for older versions. The total cost of operation (TCO) is predictable and directly tied to your usage, making it easy to align with your business model or value proposition, much like a leased car.

Rough estimates for some of our customers suggest that the annual cost of a self-hosted CMS can be 4 to 5 times higher than that of a SaaS solution.

Additionally, a SaaS solution excels in reducing the initial development cost of the product. With numerous out-of-the-box features, you can accelerate development and quickly deliver basic functionalities.

All good news, but what’s the catch?

SaaS license models are typically based on extra features, usage, and bandwidth, which can lead to recurring costs that add up quickly. While these costs are predictable, it's crucial to map them out carefully to avoid surprises.

Another consideration with SaaS is the reliance on third-party services for integrations. Although development costs are lower, you have less control over uptime and potential functional changes. With a self-hosted solution, you have better control and can more effectively anticipate and mitigate such issues.

Conclusion: Look before you leap

At Wieni, we don’t default to one solution for every project. We evaluate each customer's needs and leverage our expertise to determine the most suitable solution. To give you an idea, here are some factors that influence the decision for or against a SaaS solution.

Control and Uptime: If you need complete control over downtime or must guarantee uptime for business-critical or legal reasons, you might need to consider alternatives to SaaS.

Feature Roadmap: How unpredictable is your feature and functionality roadmap? If it’s highly variable, SaaS might be more beneficial due to its flexibility and lower development costs.

Content Migration: Are you transitioning to a new website from a Drupal-based one? Opting for Drupal again can significantly reduce content migration costs.

Making a well-informed decision is crucial. "Look before you leap."

Do you have a similar issue and want to discuss it? Let us know!