Digital Experience Articles / Blogs / Perficient https://blogs.perficient.com/category/services/customer-experience-design/digital-experience/ Expert Digital Insights Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:01:23 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://blogs.perficient.com/files/favicon-194x194-1-150x150.png Digital Experience Articles / Blogs / Perficient https://blogs.perficient.com/category/services/customer-experience-design/digital-experience/ 32 32 30508587 Perficient Recognized for Digital Services Expertise Supporting Health Insurers https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/01/17/perficient-recognized-for-digital-services-expertise-supporting-health-insurers/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/01/17/perficient-recognized-for-digital-services-expertise-supporting-health-insurers/#respond Fri, 17 Jan 2025 20:01:23 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=375766

As private health insurers weather industry headwinds, strategic transformation priorities remain firmly centered on operations and patient-centric experiences that accelerate efficiencies. Outcomes-driven leaders recognize the value of aligning key business needs with people, technology, and processes. 

Leading Digital Transformation for U.S. Payers 

We are proud to announce the recent recognition of Perficient’s digital services for healthcare payers by an industry-leading advisory firm. This highlights the value that our expert, global teams bring to the largest U.S. health insurers as industry leaders work to improve operations, efficiency, and effectiveness.  

Now more than ever, insurers can accelerate a shift from traditional cost management to proactive health enablement. The most effective payers are integrating technologies to modernize operations, streamline experiences, and not only unlock reliable data, but elevate insights and experiences with AI and advanced, integrated analytics. AI can be harnessed to offer hyper-personalized benefit plans, predictive risk analytics, and real-time insights that not only manage costs but also enhance member experience and engagement. 

You May Enjoy: Current Digital Trends in Healthcare 

We believe our inclusion in a leading study of digital health services showcases our dedication to easing consumer journeys, ensuring integrated data is reliable and secure, and modernizing the enterprise so it can accelerate progress toward key business priorities. We are committed to helping healthcare leaders stay competitive with our award-winning, tailored solutions.  

“This acknowledgment underscores our commitment to helping healthcare leaders optimize workflows, uncover insights, innovate care experiences, and strengthen consumer trust.”– Brent Teiken, General Manager, Healthcare + Life Sciences

Our healthcare experts guide and drive a shared understanding with clients. This insight is especially vital as leaders seek solutions to highly complex business challenges that rely on protected data and span a complex healthcare ecosystem. Our technology experts further ensure that solutions are not only implemented correctly but can scale as consumer expectations and business needs evolve.  

Success In Action: Enabling Better Insight Into Key Patient Data Using GenAI 

Elevate Health and Business Outcomes With Our Expertise 

We help health insurers navigate intense technological and regulatory requirements while controlling costs and improving the user experience to support and delight members. 

  • Business Transformation: Transform strategy into action: reduce costs, increase quality, and improve member experiences. 
  • Modernization: Maximize technology to drive innovative, digital-first care solutions in automation, AI, and cloud. 
  • Data + Analytics: Provide governed, accessible, and trusted data to drive insight and engagement for members, providers, and groups. 
  • Consumer Experience: Create personalized, value added, and measurable experiences across multiple channels for all constituents. 

Explore our healthcare expertise and contact us to discover why we have been trusted by the 10 largest U.S. health insurers, including 25 BCBS-affiliated insurers, and are consistently recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the largest healthcare consulting firms. 

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Four B2B E-Commerce Trends for 2025 https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/01/14/four-b2b-e-commerce-trends-for-2025/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2025/01/14/four-b2b-e-commerce-trends-for-2025/#respond Tue, 14 Jan 2025 20:53:17 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=375585

It’s that time of year when everyone comes out with their trends to watch for 2025. While it may seem a bit of a cliche, 2025 has several innovations taking hold that should prove exciting for anyone willing to grab the opportunity.

The way businesses buy and sell is changing faster than ever, and B2B companies are at a tipping point. It’s a segment of business that is often slow to change and adopt new practices. However, more organizations are moving away from traditional processes, embracing online platforms to streamline operations, expand their reach, and deliver better customer experiences. This shift isn’t just a trend—it’s a revolution. Recent research shows that the global B2B e-commerce market is expected to surge from $28.86 trillion in 2025 to $60.49 trillion by 2030, growing at an impressive annual rate of 15.95% (Mordor Intelligence).

These numbers make it clear that businesses that fail to adapt risk being left behind. To stay competitive, it’s critical to understand the key trends shaping the future of B2B e-commerce. In this article, we’ll discuss four trends for B2B in 2025 and how businesses should use them to drive growth.

Trend 1: Hyper-Personalization in B2B Purchasing

Let’s face it—personalization isn’t just a buzzword anymore; it’s a game-changer quickly becoming a requirement, especially in the B2B world. Buyers today don’t just expect personalized experiences—they demand them. Long gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all catalog could satisfy your clients. Modern B2B customers want solutions that feel tailor-made for their business and deliver them seamlessly.

Hyper-personalization takes this concept to the next level. Businesses can offer customized product recommendations, dynamic pricing, and personalized purchasing portals by leveraging AI and data analytics. Imagine being able to present each client with a tailored experience based on their buying history, preferences, and unique business needs. It’s not just about making sales but building trust and long-term relationships.

If you’re not sure where to start, the key is data. Drive deep into your customer data to uncover patterns and preferences. Then, use that information to craft experiences that feel truly individualized. AI-powered platforms make this easier than ever, helping you predict client needs and meet them proactively.

Want to explore this topic in more detail? Check out my previous blog on Micro-Moments in E-Commerce, where I break down the strategies and tools you can use to make personalization a cornerstone of your business.

Trend 2: Omnichannel Excellence for B2B Buyers

Buyers expect more than just a seamless shopping experience—they expect consistency, no matter how or where they engage with your business. Think about your purchasing habits. Whether browsing on your phone, checking inventory on your laptop, or following up with a sales rep in person, you expect everything to align. Your clients are no different. They want to start a transaction on one channel and finish it on another without skipping a beat.

For example, a buyer researching your product catalog online adds items to their cart but pauses to confirm specs with a colleague in the warehouse via a mobile device. Later, they call their account manager to finalize the purchase. If your system isn’t fully integrated, they’ll need to repeat information or deal with errors, which is a frustration no one wants.

Omnichannel excellence means ensuring that every touchpoint—your e-commerce platform, mobile experience, customer portal, or sales team—works flawlessly. This requires more than technology; it’s about aligning your processes and teams to deliver a unified experience.

Here’s the good news: Omnichannel strategies drive serious results when done right. Research shows that companies with strong omnichannel engagement retain 89% of their customers, compared to just 33% for those with weaker strategies. This retention can translate into significant revenue growth in B2B, where relationships are king.

To get started, focus on unifying your systems. Ensure your CRM, e-commerce platform, and inventory management tools speak the same language. And don’t forget your team—sales, support, and marketing must be aligned to provide consistent messaging and service across channels.

Trend 3: Embracing Headless Commerce for B2B Agility

Businesses are turning away from a single implementation platform to headless commerce to keep up with growing demands and shifting buyer expectations. If you’re unfamiliar with the concept, headless commerce is about separating the front end—the part your customers interact with—from the back-end systems that manage inventory, orders, and data. You’ll often hear this referred to as a “best in category” concept. This separation allows for customization and speed that traditional, monolithic platforms can’t match.

Why does this matter for B2B? Your buyers expect tailored experiences that adapt to their needs; headless commerce makes delivering that possible. For example, imagine offering each of your major clients a custom storefront where they can see products, pricing, and order histories unique to their account—all without overhauling your entire back-end system.

The numbers back up the importance of this trend. The global headless commerce market is projected to grow at an impressive CAGR of 22.5%, reaching $13.2 billion by 2035 (Modern Diplomacy). By 2025, 35% of businesses are expected to adopt headless platforms to meet the demand for more personalized, scalable solutions.

For B2B businesses, headless commerce isn’t just about keeping up; it’s about getting ahead. The ability to quickly update your user experience, scale as your business grows, and seamlessly integrate with third-party tools puts you in a position to outpace competitors while delivering exceptional service to your buyers.

Going headless is not without risk and should not be undertaken lightly. The key to a good headless strategy is to accept that with greater flexibility comes an elevated cost of ownership. I’m not just referring to a monetary cost of ownership—though that is part of it—but also to the investment of your team members’ time in managing multiple systems.

Trend 4: The Rise of Social Commerce in B2B

When you think of social commerce, it’s easy to picture consumer brands selling trendy products on Instagram or Facebook. But here’s the thing: B2B companies are catching on and social commerce is quickly becoming a powerful tool for engaging clients, building relationships, and even driving sales. In fact, 75% of B2B buyers now use social media to inform their purchasing decisions. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even Facebook aren’t just for networking anymore—they’re where decision-makers research solutions and connect with potential partners. (Demand Sage)

The rise of social commerce in B2B makes perfect sense. Today’s buyers, just like consumers, value authenticity and accessibility. They want to see real-world applications of your products or services, hear success stories from peers, and interact with your brand personally and immediately. Imagine hosting a LinkedIn Live demo of your latest software, where potential clients can ask questions in real time or share customer testimonials on Twitter that spark new inquiries. These interactions don’t just showcase your offerings—they build trust and credibility.

And the momentum behind social commerce is undeniable. Nearly half of all brands, including those in the B2B space, plan to increase their social commerce investments in the coming year. Meanwhile, the global social commerce market is projected to grow from $1.52 trillion in 2025 to an incredible $5.32 trillion by 2030, at a CAGR of 28.53%. (Mordor Intelligence)

If your B2B strategy doesn’t include social commerce, now is the time to rethink your approach. Engaging with clients where they already spend their time online is no longer optional—it’s essential for staying relevant and competitive. As 2025 approaches, leveraging social platforms can help you build meaningful connections, showcase your expertise, and drive growth in a fresh and forward-thinking way. Out of the four trends we’ve discussed so far, I see this one as requiring the lowest lift to get started and the highest amount of pushback in an industry known to be slow to adopt new marketing methods. However, the data supports this as a solid growth opportunity.

Conclusion

2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for B2B e-commerce. With market share growing and new technologies reshaping how businesses connect with their customers, it’s an exciting time to be part of this space. Trends like hyper-personalization, omnichannel experiences, and headless commerce are more than just buzzwords—they’re the key to staying competitive and thriving in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

But with so much change on the horizon, the question isn’t just about recognizing these trends—it’s about acting on them. How will your business leverage the opportunities that 2025 brings? Whether creating seamless buying experiences, building trust through social platforms, or reimagining your digital infrastructure, the growth potential is enormous.

At Perficient, we specialize in helping businesses like yours capitalize on the latest B2B e-commerce trends. Our experts can guide you through the complexities of digital transformation and equip you with the tools and strategies to succeed in this dynamic market. Let’s work together to position your business for success in 2025 and beyond.

Ready to take the next step? Reach out to us today and discover how we can help you lead the way in B2B e-commerce.

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The Importance of Clean Data in the Age of AI for B2B Ecommerce https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/31/the-importance-of-clean-data-in-the-age-of-ai-for-b2b-ecommerce/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/31/the-importance-of-clean-data-in-the-age-of-ai-for-b2b-ecommerce/#respond Tue, 31 Dec 2024 16:45:16 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=374857

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing B2B ecommerce, enabling capabilities such as personalized product recommendations, dynamic pricing, and predictive analytics. However, the effectiveness of these AI-driven solutions depends heavily on the quality of the underlying data. Despite AI’s potential, poor data governance remains a significant challenge in the industry. A recent Statista survey revealed that 25% of B2B ecommerce companies in the United States have fully implemented AI technologies, while 56% are experimenting with them.

As AI adoption grows, B2B companies must address data quality issues to leverage AI’s benefits fully. Anyone who has spent time in the B2B industry will acknowledge that quality data is often a struggle. This article explores the critical importance of clean data in AI applications and offers strategies for improving data governance in the B2B ecommerce sector.

Common Symptoms of Bad Data Governance

Bad data governance is a pervasive issue in the B2B ecommerce landscape, particularly in industries like manufacturing, where complex supply chains and product catalogs create unique challenges. Here are some of the most common symptoms:

  1. Duplicate Records: Customer and product data often contain duplicate entries due to inconsistent data entry processes or a lack of validation protocols. For example, a single customer might appear in the database multiple times with slight variations in name or contact information, leading to inefficiencies in communication and order processing.
  2. Inconsistent Formatting: Manufacturing and distribution often involve extensive product catalogs, and inconsistencies in SKU formats, product descriptions, or units of measurement can disrupt operations. For instance, some entries might use “kg” while others use “kilograms,” confusing systems and causing inventory management and procurement errors.
  3. Outdated or Missing Data: Stale data, such as outdated pricing, obsolete product details, or inactive customer accounts, can lead to misinformed decisions. Missing data, like incomplete shipping addresses or contact details, can result in delayed deliveries or lost opportunities.
  4. Siloed Data Systems: Many B2B companies, especially in manufacturing, rely on disparate systems that don’t communicate effectively. A lack of integration between ERP systems, CRMs, and ecommerce platforms leads to fragmented data and manual reconciliation efforts, increasing the risk of errors.
  5. Unreliable Vendor and Supplier Information: Manufacturing businesses often deal with a large network of suppliers, each with varying formats for invoices, contracts, and delivery schedules. Poorly managed supplier data can result in delayed production, stockouts, or overordering.

Why is Bad Data Governance So Prevalent in B2B Manufacturing?

Unlike B2C industries, where streamlined data processes are often a core focus, manufacturing businesses face unique challenges due to their operations’ complexity, reliance on legacy systems, and decentralized structures. Understanding why these problems are so prevalent is key to addressing the underlying causes and fostering long-term improvements.

  1. Complexity of Operations: Manufacturing involves numerous moving parts—raw materials, suppliers, distributors, and customers—making data governance inherently more challenging. The sheer volume of data generated across the supply chain increases the likelihood of inconsistencies.
  2. Legacy Systems: Many B2B manufacturing companies rely on outdated legacy systems not designed for modern ecommerce integration. These systems often lack robust data validation and cleaning mechanisms, perpetuating bad data practices.
  3. Decentralized Operations: Manufacturing companies frequently operate in multiple locations, each with its own systems, processes, and data entry standards. This decentralization contributes to a lack of standardization across the organization.
  4. Focus on Production Over Data: In traditional manufacturing mindsets, operational efficiency and production output take precedence over data accuracy. Thus, data governance investments may be considered a lower priority than equipment upgrades or workforce training.
  5. Limited Awareness of the Impact: Many B2B organizations underestimate the long-term impact of bad data on their operations, customer satisfaction, and AI-driven initiatives. The focus often shifts to immediate problem-solving rather than addressing root causes through improved governance.

By recognizing these symptoms and understanding the reasons behind poor data governance, B2B manufacturing companies can take the first steps toward addressing these issues. This foundation is critical for leveraging AI and other technologies to their fullest potential in ecommerce.

Why Clean Data Governance is Non-Negotiable in the AI Era

AI thrives on data—structured, accurate, and relevant data. For B2B ecommerce, where AI powers everything from dynamic pricing to predictive inventory, clean data isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s the foundation for success. Without clean data governance, AI systems struggle to provide reliable insights, leading to poor decisions and diminished trust in the technology.

As the B2B commerce world embraces AI, those who recognize and prioritize addressing a systemic industry problem of bad data will quickly move to the front of the pack. Garbage in, garbage out. Implementing AI tools with bad data will be doomed to failure as the tools will be ineffective. Meanwhile, those who take the time to ensure they have a good foundation for AI support will overtake the competition. It’s a watershed moment for the B2B industry where those who recognize how to get the most value out of AI while those who refuse to alter their own internal workflows because “that’s the way it’s always been done” will see their market share diminish.

  1. Accuracy and Relevance: AI models rely on historical and real-time data to make predictions and recommendations. If the data is inaccurate or inconsistent, the AI outputs become unreliable, directly impacting decision-making and customer experiences.
  2. Scalability and Growth: In an era where B2B companies are scaling rapidly to meet global demands, clean data ensures that AI systems can grow alongside the business. Bad data governance introduces bottlenecks, stifling the scalability of AI-driven solutions.
  3. Customer Experience: AI-powered personalized recommendations, accurate delivery timelines, and responsive customer service are critical to building customer trust and loyalty. These benefits rely on clean, well-governed data. A single misstep, like recommending the wrong product or misquoting delivery times, can damage a company’s reputation.
  4. AI Amplifies Data Issues: Unlike traditional systems, AI doesn’t just process data—it learns from it. Bad data doesn’t just result in poor outputs; it trains AI systems to make flawed assumptions over time, compounding errors and reducing the ROI of AI investments.
  5. Competitive Advantage: Clean data governance can be a differentiator in a competitive B2B market. Companies with well-maintained data are better positioned to leverage AI for faster decision-making, improved customer service, and operational efficiencies, giving them a significant edge.

Ignoring data governance in the AI era isn’t just a missed opportunity—it’s a liability. Poor data practices lead to inefficient AI models, frustrated customers, and, ultimately, lost revenue. Moreover, as competitors invest in clean data and AI, companies with bad data governance risk falling irreparably behind.

Clean data governance is no longer optional; it’s a strategic imperative in the AI-driven B2B ecommerce landscape. By prioritizing data accuracy and consistency, companies can unlock AI’s full potential and position themselves for long-term success.

How B2B Companies Can Address Bad Data Governance

Tackling bad data governance is no small feat, but it’s a journey worth undertaking for B2B companies striving to unlock AI’s full potential. The solution involves strategic planning, technological investment, and cultural change. Here are actionable steps businesses can take to clean up their data and ensure it stays that way:

  1. Conduct a Comprehensive Data Audit
  2. Standardize the Data Entry Process
  3. Implement Master Data Management (MDM)
  4. Leverage Technology for Data Cleaning and Enrichment
  5. Break Down Silos with Integration
  6. Foster a Culture of Data Ownership
  7. Commit to Continuous Improvement

The first step is conducting a thorough data audit—think of it as a spring cleaning for your databases. By identifying gaps, redundancies, and inaccuracies, businesses can reveal the full extent of their data issues. This process isn’t just about finding errors; it’s about creating a baseline understanding of the company’s data health. Regular audits prevent these issues from snowballing into more significant, costly problems.

Once the audit is complete, it’s time to set some ground rules. Standardizing data entry processes is critical for ensuring consistency. Clear guidelines for formatting SKUs, recording customer details, and storing supplier information can prevent the chaos of mismatched or incomplete records. Employees should be trained on these standards, and tools like automated forms or validation rules can make compliance seamless.

Of course, even the best data entry standards won’t help if different systems across the organization aren’t communicating. That’s where Master Data Management (MDM) comes in. By centralizing data into a single source of truth, companies ensure that updates in one system are automatically reflected across all others. With MDM in place, teams can work confidently, knowing that their data is accurate and consistent.

But standardizing and centralizing aren’t enough if you’re already sitting on a mountain of messy data. Performing this step by hand is significantly time-intensive. Enter data cleaning and enrichment tools. AI-powered solutions can quickly identify and correct errors, deduplicate records and fill in missing fields. These tools don’t just clean up the past; they automate routine processes to keep data clean moving forward.

For many B2B companies, fragmentation is one of the biggest hurdles to clean data. Silos between ERP systems, CRM platforms, and ecommerce tools create inconsistencies that ripple across the business. Breaking down these silos through system integration ensures a unified flow of data, improving collaboration and decision-making across departments. This requires a thoughtful integration strategy, often with the help of IT experts, but the payoff is well worth the effort.

Clean data isn’t just a technical problem—it’s a cultural one. Companies must foster a culture of data ownership, where employees understand the importance of the data they handle and feel accountable for its accuracy. Assigning clear responsibilities, such as appointing a Chief Data Officer (CDO) or similar role, can ensure that data governance remains a priority.

Finally, data governance isn’t a one-and-done project. Continuous improvement is essential. Regular review of data policies and feedback from team members help refine processes over time. Establishing KPIs for data quality can also provide measurable insights into the success of these efforts.

By taking these steps, B2B companies can move from reactive problem-solving to proactive data management. Clean, well-governed data isn’t just the backbone of AI success—it’s a strategic asset that drives better decisions, smoother operations, and stronger customer relationships. In an increasingly data-driven world, those who master their data will lead the way.

Conclusion: Turn Your Data into a Competitive Advantage in the AI Era

In the rapidly evolving landscape of B2B ecommerce, integrating AI technologies offers unprecedented opportunities for growth and efficiency. However, as we’ve explored, the effectiveness of AI is intrinsically linked to the quality of the underlying data. Companies risk undermining their AI initiatives without robust data governance, leading to inaccurate insights and missed opportunities.

Perficient stands at the forefront of addressing these challenges. With extensive experience in implementing comprehensive data governance frameworks, we empower B2B organizations to harness the full potential of their data. Our expertise encompasses:

  • Product Information Management (PIM): We assist in managing all aspects of your product data—from SKUs and descriptions to stock levels and pricing—ensuring consistency and accuracy across all platforms.
  • Digital Asset Management (DAM): Our solutions help organize and distribute digital assets related to your products, such as photos and videos, enhancing the efficiency of your operations.
  • Data Integration and Standardization: We streamline your data processes, breaking down silos and ensuring seamless communication between systems, which is crucial for effective AI implementation.

Investing in clean data governance is not just a technical necessity but a strategic imperative. With Perficient’s expertise, you can transform your data into a powerful asset, driving informed decision-making and sustainable growth in the AI era.

 

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Acquia Cloud Site Review – A Crucial Step for Success https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/30/acquia-cloud-site-review-a-crucial-step-for-success/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/30/acquia-cloud-site-review-a-crucial-step-for-success/#respond Mon, 30 Dec 2024 09:02:59 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=374743

In the dynamic world of digital experiences, maintaining a high-performing and secure website is paramount. For organizations leveraging the power of Acquia Cloud, proactive site reviews are essential for optimizing performance, identifying potential risks, and ensuring a smooth and successful digital journey. This blog post will delve into the significance of Acquia Cloud Site Reviews, outlining their purpose, key components, and the invaluable insights they provide.

 

Why Conduct Acquia Cloud Site Reviews? 

Acquia Cloud Site Reviews offer a comprehensive evaluation of your website’s health and performance within the Acquia ecosystem. These reviews provide valuable insights that can: 

  • Enhance Performance: Identify and address performance bottlenecks, such as slow page load times, high resource consumption, and inefficient caching mechanisms. This leads to improved user experience, higher conversion rates, and enhanced search engine rankings. 
  • Strengthen Security: Proactively uncover and mitigate security vulnerabilities, including outdated software, misconfigurations, and potential attack vectors. Regular reviews help ensure your website remains protected from malicious threats. 
  • Optimize Costs: Identify areas for cost optimization within your Acquia Cloud environment. This may include right-sizing your infrastructure, optimizing resource utilization, and identifying unused services. 
  • Improve Stability: Pinpoint potential instability issues, such as code errors, database inconsistencies, and environmental factors that could lead to unexpected downtime. 
  • Ensure Compliance: Verify compliance with industry standards and best practices, such as security regulations and accessibility guidelines. 

 

When to Conduct Acquia Cloud Site Reviews 

Regular Acquia Cloud Site Reviews are recommended at various stages of your website’s lifecycle: 

  • Post-Launch: Conduct a thorough review shortly after launching a new website or significant updates to identify any unforeseen issues and ensure smooth operation. 
  • Before Major Releases: Prior to major website releases or marketing campaigns, perform a comprehensive review to anticipate potential performance bottlenecks and ensure a seamless user experience. 
  • Annually or Biannually: Schedule regular reviews at least annually or biannually to proactively identify and address emerging issues, optimize performance, and ensure ongoing stability. 
  • After Significant Changes: Conduct reviews after significant changes to your website’s infrastructure, codebase, or content to assess the impact and ensure continued optimal performance. 
  • When Facing Performance Issues: If you experience performance degradation, unexpected downtime, or security incidents, a thorough review can help pinpoint the root cause and implement corrective measures. 

 Acquia Cloud Site Review Graph

 

 

Key Components of an Acquia Cloud Site Review 

A comprehensive Acquia Cloud Site Review typically includes the following key components: 

SLA Impact Assessment: 

  • Evaluate potential impacts on Service Level Agreements (SLAs) based on identified issues. 
  • Analyze historical performance data to identify potential future risks. 
  • Recommend proactive measures to ensure continued SLA adherence. 

 

Application Information: 

  • Gather detailed information about your website’s architecture, including:  
    • Name (Application Name) 
    • Hosting environment (e.g., Acquia Cloud Platform, Acquia Cloud Edge) 
    • Subscription 
    • Organization 
    • Drupal Version 
    • Drush Version 
    • Deployed Code 

Issue Summary: 

  • Provide a concise overview of the most critical issues identified during the review. 
  • Prioritize issues based on severity and potential impact. 
  • Clearly communicate the urgency and importance of addressing each issue. 

Issue Summary

 

 Issues: 

  • Detailed descriptions of all identified issues, categorized by severity (e.g., critical, major, minor). 
  • Include specific recommendations for remediation and potential workarounds. 
  • Provide supporting evidence, such as performance data, code snippets, and security scans. 

Issues

 

Warnings: 

  • Identify potential future problems or areas of concern. 
  • Provide proactive recommendations to mitigate risks and prevent future issues. 
  • Highlight potential areas for improvement in website performance, security, and scalability. 

Warnings

 

Audit Synopsis: 

  • Summarize the key findings and recommendations of the review. 
  • Provide an overall assessment of your website’s health and performance within the Acquia ecosystem. 
  • Outline a roadmap for addressing identified issues and improving website performance. 

Audit Synopsis

 

Benefits of Acquia Cloud Site Reviews 

  • Improved Website Performance: Enhance website speed, reduce page load times, and improve user experience. 
  • Enhanced Security: Identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities, protecting your website from attacks. 
  • Reduced Downtime: Minimize unexpected downtime and ensure business continuity. 
  • Optimized Costs: Identify opportunities to optimize resource utilization and reduce hosting costs. 
  • Increased Agility: Proactively address issues and adapt to changing business needs. 
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Gain valuable insights into website performance and make informed decisions.

 

Conclusion 

Acquia Cloud Site Reviews are an invaluable tool for organizations seeking to maximize the value of their Acquia Cloud investment. By proactively identifying and addressing potential issues, you can ensure optimal website performance, enhance security, and deliver exceptional user experiences. I hope this comprehensive blog post provides a valuable overview of Acquia Cloud Site Reviews.

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Perficient Named as a Major Player for Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/10/perficient-named-as-a-major-player-for-worldwide-adobe-experience-cloud-professional-services/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/10/perficient-named-as-a-major-player-for-worldwide-adobe-experience-cloud-professional-services/#respond Tue, 10 Dec 2024 16:13:44 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=373304

We’re pleased to announce that Perficient has been named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment (Doc #US51741024, December 2024). We believe this recognition is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering top-notch Adobe services to our clients.

Continue reading to learn more about what the IDC MarketScape is, why Perficient is named a Major Player, and what this designation means to our clients.

Understanding This IDC MarketScape

This IDC MarketScape evaluated Adobe Experience Cloud professional service providers, creating a framework to compare vendors’ capabilities and strategies. Many organizations need help planning and deploying technology, and finding the right vendor is critical.

According to Douglas Hayward, senior research director for CX services and strategies at IDC, “Organizations choosing an Adobe Experience Cloud professional service should look for proof that their vendor has high-quality professionals who have a track record in empowering their clients and delivering the best value for the fairest price.”

This IDC MarketScape study provides a comprehensive vendor assessment of the Adobe Experience Cloud professional services ecosystem. It evaluates both quantitative and qualitative characteristics that contribute to success in this market. The study covers various vendors, assessing them against a rigorous framework that highlights the most influential factors for success in both the short and long term.

Perficient is a Major Player

We believe being named a Major Player in the IDC MarketScape is a significant achievement for Perficient and underscores our Adobe Experience Cloud capabilities, industry and technical acumen, global delivery center network, and commitment to quality customer service. We further believe the study is evidence of our expertise and continued focus on solving our clients’ business challenges.

Hayward said, “In our evaluation of Perficient for the IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Adobe Experience Cloud Professional Services 2024-2025 Vendor Assessment, it was evident that Perficient has global delivery expertise that combines an experience design heritage with strong capabilities in digital experience transformation.”

The IDC MarketScape also says, “Based on conversations with Perficient’s clients, the vendor’s three main strengths are value creation, people quality, and client empowerment.”

Our Commitment to Excellence

At Perficient, we are committed to maintaining and improving our services and solutions. We continuously strive to innovate and enhance our capabilities and offerings to meet the evolving needs of our clients, further empower them, and drive value.

Learn More

You can also read our News Release for more details on this recognition and make sure to follow our Adobe blog for more Adobe platform insights!

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Perficient Recognized in The Forrester Wave™: CX Strategy Consulting Services, Q4 2024 https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/09/perficient-recognized-forrester-wave-cx-strategy-q4-2024/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/12/09/perficient-recognized-forrester-wave-cx-strategy-q4-2024/#respond Mon, 09 Dec 2024 18:11:24 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372892

Perficient Recognized in The Forrester Wave™: Customer Experience Strategy Consulting Services, Q4 2024

Perficient is proud to be included as a “Contender” in The Forrester Wave™: Customer Experience (CX) Strategy Consulting Services, Q4 2024 report. We were one of a set of only twelve organizations to be included in the report.

Forrester used extensive criteria to determine placement, including customer research, proprietary data offerings, and innovation.

To us, this placement shows our continued growth in CX Strategy Consulting services over the last year, as we previously were included among 31 organizations in The Forrester Customer Experience Strategy Consulting Services Landscape, Q2 2024 report.

We believe CX strategy capabilities and experience are at the heart of the report. With brands stretching across digital and physical properties, building an omnichannel customer experience can seem daunting. Partnering with an experienced consulting partner provides a strategic and custom approach, enabling organizations to implement digital transformation that activates and engages their customers at every touchpoint, while meeting and exceeding customer expectations.

Across all industries, customers expect positive omnichannel experiences, and brands that fall short of these expectations will not only miss out on current revenue, but also risk future sales due to negative perception and reputation challenges.

Digital Transformation Focused

Perficient believes its inclusion is a testament to our expertise leveraging digital capabilities to build seamless, personalized, and satisfying customer journeys.

According to the Forrester report, “Perficient is a good fit for organizations that want to center their CX strategy on a digital transformation.”

Our CX Strategy work empowers clients to make informed decisions about investing in and implementing solutions across both digital and non-digital channels. We also offer many types of services that are not specific to digital delivery. These include consulting on CX operations, governance, goal setting, team training and customer empathy development. These activities are designed to foster the growth and maturity of our clients’ organizations so they can serve their customers more effectively.

As the Forrester report mentions, “Reference customers praised Perficient’s flexibility and its willingness to be a true partner working alongside their employees.”

Perficient’s Strategic Partnership Approach

Our strategists employ a strategic formulation approach, Perficient’s Envision Framework, to help clients get to the future fast, using three cumulative phases: Insights, Ideas, and Investment. It’s how we help clients rapidly identify opportunities, define a customer-focused vision, and develop a prioritized roadmap to transform their business.

Do you know how ready your company is to create, deliver, and sustain exemplary customer experiences? Learn more about Perficient’s five-week CX IQ jumpstart that will help you highlight priorities, create strategic alignment, and guide decisions about where and how to improve CX.

 

 

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Fortifying Your Drupal Website: A Comprehensive Security Fortress https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/30/fortifying-your-drupal-website-a-comprehensive-security-fortress/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/30/fortifying-your-drupal-website-a-comprehensive-security-fortress/#respond Sat, 30 Nov 2024 11:58:37 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372803

Drupal, a robust and versatile content management system (CMS), powers millions of websites worldwide, including those of major corporations, institutions, and governments. While Drupal offers robust security features, it’s imperative to implement best practices to safeguard your website from cyber threats. 

Understanding the Evolving Threat Landscape 

The digital landscape is continually evolving, and so are cyber threats. As organizations increasingly adopt remote work and digital transformation, the attack surface expands, making it crucial to prioritize security. Drupal, like any software, is susceptible to vulnerabilities, but the active community and dedicated security team work diligently to address them. 

 

Common Security Risks and Mitigation Strategies 

Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Malicious code injection into web pages. 

In cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks, malicious code is introduced into client-side scripts using HTML or JavaScript. XSS attacks come in three varieties: reflected (non-permanent), stored (persistent), and DOM-based. There are several strategies to defend against these, including utilising frameworks that steer clear of HTML elements and scanning your databases with online vulnerability scanners. 

Mitigation: Keep Drupal and modules up-to-date, employ input validation and sanitization, and consider a web application firewall (WAF). 

 

SQL Injection: Exploiting vulnerabilities in SQL queries. 

This assault, which is also referred to as SQL injection, uses malicious SQL code to access and alter back-end databases and obtain data, including personally identifiable information (PII) about clients or business information. By avoiding dynamic queries that employ string concatenation and by preventing user-supplied data that contains malicious SQL from changing the logic of performed queries, developers may reduce the risk of SQL injections. 

Mitigation: Utilize prepared statements and parameterized queries, input validation, and escape user-supplied input. 

 

Remote Code Execution (RCE): Unauthorized access to execute code on a server. 

By gaining access to systems, hackers are able to remotely run malware or other harmful programs and take control of the compromised systems or devices within an organisation. RCE attacks are characterised by effects that go beyond system penetration, such cryptomining and data theft, and may be carried out from any location in the world, as the name suggests. 

Mitigation: Keep software and modules up-to-date, enforce strong password policies, and conduct regular security audits. 

 

Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF): Tricking users into performing unintended actions. 

CSRF attacks force users to carry out undesirable activities in apps when they are already authenticated. Attacks that are successful can compromise a whole online application or only transfer money and change the addresses and other data. 

Mitigation: Implement CSRF protection tokens, enforce strong session management, and educate users about security best practices. 

 

Best Practices for Drupal Security 

Let’s move on to the procedures and actions that prevent Drupal vulnerabilities, or what you would call your Drupal security checklist. 

Maintain Up-to-Date Software

Regularly update Drupal core, modules, and themes to address security vulnerabilities promptly. Stay informed about security advisories and releases. Prioritize critical security updates and apply them immediately. 

 If you haven’t installed and updated any of these extensions yet, here is a list.  

  1. Content access. Content permissions are decided by this security module according to author and role. 
  2. Automated logout : After a predetermined amount of time, users are logged out using this module.  
  3. Password policy This module adds an extra degree of protection against login-bots and creates safe password restrictions. 
  4. Session limit. The maximum number of sessions per user is restricted by this module. 
  5. Security kit (SecKit). By providing a variety of security-hardening choices, this module assists organisations in reducing their vulnerability to application attacks. 
  6. Two-factor authentication (2FA). During login attempts, this module provides an additional layer of authentication. 
  7. CAPTCHA. By filtering spambot form inputs, this module prevents automated scripts from publishing spam material.  

 

Secure Your Website with an SSL Certificate 

Protect your website and your users’ data with an SSL certificate. This digital certificate encrypts data transmission, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information like passwords and credit card numbers. By enabling HTTPS, you enhance your website’s security, improve SEO, and boost user trust. 

 

Strengthen with Role-Based Access Control and protect file permissions

A variety of user roles, including administrators, editors, and anonymous users, are available in Drupal. Each can be given particular rights, including the ability to view, edit, or change the content and operations of the website.  

Certain positions will require more rights than others, and some will be privileged accounts. The principle of least privilege (POLP) should always be used. An information security standard known as the POLP maintains that a user should only be able to access the information, programs, and resources necessary to do a task. By imposing restrictions, the POLP reduces the number of ways malicious actors might get access to your systems and do damage to your company.  

 

Choose a trustworthy hosting provider

In addition to storing your data, a web hosting provider will keep your site and apps secure and stable. On-premises, infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) (often referred to as do-it-yourself) hosting, and platform-as-a-service (PaaS) providers are available options; each offers varying degrees of protection and support. Unless you choose a supplier, who handles everything, some will carry out the procedures we’ve discussed here, while others will fall under your purview. Think carefully about your demands and what you could give up if you choose with a less expensive choice. Keep in mind the fines that could be applied if your website doesn’t comply with the correct standards. 

 

Make use of safe connections  

Utilize SFTP encryption if it is available from your web hosting company or secure shell (SSH) client, but be sure to utilize port 22.  

From the client’s perspective, ensure that: Don’t make a master password or keep FTP passwords. Threat actors can access them since they are kept in plain text and are not encoded. Advise users not to visit the website on public networks in places that are seldom secure, such as cafés and airports.  

Be careful on the server side to: Use just the most recent versions of MySQL and PHP from the vendor. Make that the web application firewall is set up and the account is appropriately isolated. Avoid shared hosting, which may lead to shared IPs and overloaded servers. 

 

Sanitize: Clean up the inputs  

By adding an input validation function or logic, sanitization entails eliminating dangerous characters from user inputs, hardening the upload area. Sanitization guarantees that the data may be uploaded to a database and has an acceptable display format when it is implemented. XSS and SQL injection attacks may be prevented in particular using input sanitization. 

 

Maintain periodic site backups  

You may restore a backup in case something were to happen to your website, but the recentness of the backup will depend on how frequently you back up your site. Drupal core and all of its related modules and themes, together with the files for your application (such as PDF files of uploaded content), should be included in that backup so that you can promptly recover from an attack.  

Remember: Have a solid backup before making any site upgrades. This is especially crucial when installing a module or theme for the first time. 

 

Ensure HTTP security headers more robust. 

Although there are other kinds of HTTP headers besides security-related ones, the ones that apply here instruct a browser on how different aspects of your website should be controlled. They are an excellent method of protecting your website or online application against intrusions such as clickjacking and man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks. 

The following HTTP security headers are suggested to be taken into account: 

  • Content-security policy (CSP) : You may fine-tune the permitted content sources and other content settings using this header. 
  • Strict-transport-security.   Using encrypted HTTPS connections rather than plain-text HTTP interactions is implemented via this header. 
  • X-frame-options. Publishers can prevent intruders from utilising their material in an unseen frame by using this header. The proper CSP directives can now take the place of X-frame-options, which are a holdover from 2008. 

 These are the most important HTTP security headers, while there are more, such public-key-pins and X-XSS-protection. 

 

Enforce Strong Password Policies 

Mandate strong, unique passwords for administrative accounts. Consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for enhanced security. Encourage users to change passwords regularly and avoid using easily guessable information. 

 

Monitor Security Logs 

Regularly review server and application logs for suspicious activity. Utilize security monitoring tools to detect and respond to threats. Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to identify and block malicious attacks. 

 

Adding More Security Measures

You could wish to install other security features for even greater protection, like: 

  • An IP firewall with the ability to whitelist or restrict particular IPs, ASNs, or even whole nations 
  • An SSL certificate that protects online transactions and ensures the privacy and security of consumer data 
  • Defence from distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks, which aim to overload a server with internet traffic, blocking users from accessing the server’s supported services and websites. DDoS defence reduces the scope of an attack by preventing harmful traffic from getting to its target. 
  • A bot management tool that prevents harmful bot traffic from damaging APIs, mobile apps, and websites 

 

Conclusion 

By adhering to these best practices and maintaining vigilance, you can significantly enhance the security of your Drupal website and protect your valuable data. Remember, security is an ongoing process, so continuous monitoring and improvement are essential. 

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Unlocking Content Freedom: A Deep Dive into Drupal’s Headless/Decoupled Power https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/30/unlocking-content-freedom-a-deep-dive-into-drupals-headless-decoupled-power/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/30/unlocking-content-freedom-a-deep-dive-into-drupals-headless-decoupled-power/#respond Sat, 30 Nov 2024 08:46:36 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372799

The modern web landscape demands agility and adaptability. Content Management Systems (CMS) that cater to diverse project needs are essential for success. Drupal, a powerhouse CMS renowned for its scalability and robust features, embraces this demand with its impressive headless/decoupled architecture. 

This blog series delves into the world of Drupal’s headless capabilities, exploring how it empowers you to build modern, content-driven experiences.  

 

Demystifying Headless/Decoupled Drupal 

Imagine a website where the user interface (what users see) operates entirely separate from the back-end content management system (where content is created and stored). This separation defines the essence of headless/decoupled Drupal. 

Drupal acts as a robust content repository, empowering you to create, edit, and manage content seamlessly. This content is then exposed through standardized APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) like JSON:API. These APIs act as messengers, allowing your chosen front-end framework (React, Vue.js, Angular, etc.) to retrieve and display the content in a customized way. 

 

Unveiling the Benefits of Headless Drupal 

The advantages of embracing Drupal’s headless capabilities are multifaceted: 

Unmatched Flexibility: Build a website with any front-end framework that aligns perfectly with your project’s specific needs. No more limitations! 

Blazing-Fast Performance: Decoupling the front-end from the back-end optimizes performance, delivering a lightning-fast experience for your users. 

Enhanced Scalability: Scale your front-end and back-end independently, ensuring your website remains performant even with high traffic. 

Improved Security: By minimizing the attack surface on your public-facing website, headless Drupal enhances overall security. 

 

Exploring Drupal’s Headless Arsenal 

Drupal doesn’t hold back on providing the tools you need to embrace headless architecture. Here’s a glimpse into its offerings: 

  • JSON:API: This built-in module empowers developers to interact with Drupal content through a RESTful API. 
  • GraphQL (graphql.org): As an extension, GraphQL provides an alternative API approach, offering greater flexibility and efficiency for complex data retrieval. 
  • REST Services: Drupal core also supports building custom RESTful APIs for tailored content access. 

 

JSON:API vs. GraphQL 

While both JSON:API and GraphQL function as APIs for headless Drupal, they cater to slightly different needs: 

  • JSON:API: Offers a clear, predictable structure for retrieving content resources, ideal for developers familiar with RESTful APIs. 
  • GraphQL: Provides a more flexible approach, allowing developers to request specific data fields and build tailored queries, ideal for complex data structures and relationships. 

 

Headless Drupal – GraphQL 

GraphQL is a query language for APIs and a runtime for fulfilling those queries with existing data. It provides a way to request specific data from an API, and it ensures that only the requested data is returned. This can improve the performance of applications that use APIs, as it reduces the amount of data that needs to be transferred. 

In the context of headless Drupal, GraphQL can be used to create a flexible and efficient API for accessing Drupal content. This API can then be used by a variety of front-end frameworks, such as React, Vue.js, or Angular, to build modern and performant web applications. 

Here are some of the benefits of using GraphQL with headless Drupal: 

  • Improved performance: GraphQL can significantly improve the performance of applications that use Drupal content. This is because GraphQL allows you to request only the data that you need, which reduces the amount of data that needs to be transferred. 
  • Increased flexibility: GraphQL provides a flexible way to access Drupal content. You can use GraphQL to query for any data that is available in Drupal, and you can structure the data in the way that you need. 
  • Simplified development: GraphQL can simplify the development of front-end applications that use Drupal content. This is because GraphQL provides a single API that can be used to access all of the data that you need. 

 

Getting Started with Headless Drupal

Ready to unleash the power of headless Drupal? Here’s a roadmap to kick-start your journey: 

  1. Define Your Project Needs: Identify your project’s specific requirements – content type, desired front-end framework, and API approach. 
  2. Set Up Drupal Backend: Install Drupal and configure content types and fields as needed. 
  3. Choose Your API Approach: Based on your needs, select either JSON:API (built-in) or install the GraphQL module. 
  4. Develop Your Front-End: Using your chosen framework, integrate with Drupal’s API to retrieve and display content. 
  5. Deploy and Maintain: Deploy your website and establish a maintenance strategy for both the front-end and back-end components. 

 

Conclusion 

Drupal’s headless/decoupled architecture unlocks doors to a world of possibilities. By offering a content-centric approach, it empowers you to build modern, performant websites with the flexibility of choosing your preferred front-end framework.  

Whether you’re building a mobile app, a single-page application, or something entirely new, headless Drupal empowers you to deliver exceptional user experiences with efficient content management.  

Here are some helpful resources: 

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The Unexpected Powerhouse: Building Static Sites with Drupal https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/29/the-unexpected-powerhouse-building-static-sites-with-drupal/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/29/the-unexpected-powerhouse-building-static-sites-with-drupal/#respond Fri, 29 Nov 2024 17:13:25 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372795

In the realm of content management systems (CMS), Drupal reigns supreme for its ability to craft intricate and interactive websites. But what if your needs lean towards a simpler, lightning-fast solution with the ease of Drupal’s backend? Here’s where the surprising world of static sites built with Drupal comes into play! 

This approach might seem unconventional, but it offers a compelling combination of advantages. Traditionally, static site generators (SSGs) create pre-rendered HTML pages, resulting in exceptional performance and security. However, they often lack the intuitive content management features that Drupal boasts. 

This is where Tome, a powerful Drupal extension, steps up to the plate. It acts as a bridge, allowing you to leverage Drupal’s full content management capabilities while simultaneously generating a static version of your website. What does this mean for you? 

  • The Best of Both Worlds: Enjoy the user-friendly interface of Drupal for creating, editing, and managing your content. 
  • Unmatched Speed: Serve static HTML files, guaranteeing lightning-quick page loads for your visitors. 
  • Enhanced Security: Reduce the attack surface for hackers by eliminating the need for a dynamic CMS on your public-facing site. 

 

The Perfect Fit: When Static Sites with Drupal Shine  

We unveiled the potential of using Drupal as a static site generator with Tome. But when exactly does this approach make the most sense? 

This setup shines for websites primarily composed of static content, like: 

  • Brochure: Showcase the essential information about a product, service, or event in a visually appealing and concise manner. 
  • Portfolios: Showcase your work in a visually stunning and high-performance portfolio. 
  • Landing Pages: Craft conversion-focused landing pages that load instantly, maximizing your impact. 

Furthermore, consider this approach if: 

  • Performance and Security are Paramount: Speed and reliability are critical for your website’s success. 
  • You Have Existing Drupal Expertise: Utilize your Drupal knowledge for a seamless static site workflow. 

However, it’s crucial to understand some trade-offs. Static sites aren’t ideal for situations involving: 

  • Frequently Updated Content: If your content changes daily or even hourly, a dynamic CMS might be a better fit. 
  • User Interaction: Features like forms and interactive elements are not readily available in static sites. 

 

Weighing the Advantages: Considerations for Static Sites with Drupal 

By now, you have a solid understanding of the unique approach of using Drupal for static sites. Before diving in, let’s address some key considerations: 

Benefits: 

  • Exceptional Performance: Static HTML files load faster, leading to a significantly improved user experience. 
  • Enhanced Security: Reduced attack surface due to the lack of a dynamic CMS on the public-facing site. 
  • Scalability: Easily manage large volumes of content with Drupal’s robust backend. 
  • Cost-Effective: Static site hosting often requires less expensive hosting options compared to dynamic sites. 

Drawbacks: 

  • Limited Interactivity: Forms, user accounts, and other interactive features might need additional workarounds. 
  • Content Updates: The workflow for updating content may require regenerating the static files. 

Ultimately, the choice between static sites and a dynamic CMS depends on your specific needs. If your website primarily focuses on static content and prioritizes speed and security, then Drupal with Tome could be the perfect solution. 

 

Conclusion  

Drupal’s versatility extends far beyond complex websites. By utilizing Tome, you can harness its power for static sites, reaping the benefits of both worlds. Enjoy the familiar Drupal interface, robust content management features, and the exceptional performance and security of statically generated pages. 

So, if you’re looking for a content-driven static website with a powerful backend, consider the unconventional, yet effective, approach of Drupal with Tome. 

Ready to explore further? Here are some helpful resources: 

I hope this series has provided valuable insights into the world of static sites with Drupal. This approach can offer a compelling and unique solution for website creation! 

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5 Ways Drupal Starshot Will Supercharge Your Website in 2025 https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/22/5-ways-drupal-starshot-will-supercharge-your-website-in-2025/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/22/5-ways-drupal-starshot-will-supercharge-your-website-in-2025/#respond Fri, 22 Nov 2024 15:00:23 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372280

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, enterprise organizations face a constant challenge: delivering exceptional digital experiences at scale while maintaining efficiency, consistency, and adaptability. The need for robust, user-friendly solutions has never been more critical, and Drupal’s latest innovation, Starshot, promises to redefine how enterprises build and manage their digital ecosystems.

Announced as a visionary step forward for the open-source platform, Drupal Starshot introduces a suite of features designed to empower enterprises with the tools they need to stay competitive. Starshot is a game-changer for organizations seeking to elevate their digital strategies, from scalable pre-packaged solutions to AI-driven personalization and seamless updates.

In this blog, we’ll explore how Drupal Starshot is poised to transform enterprise-level content management, streamline development workflows, and enable marketing and IT teams to collaborate with unprecedented efficiency. Whether managing global brand consistency or aiming to deliver hyper-personalized user experiences, Drupal Starshot offers the innovation and flexibility required to meet the demands of the modern digital age.

Let’s dive into the future of enterprise digital experiences and uncover five ways Drupal Starshot will be a pivotal development for your business.

Pre-Packaged Recipes for Instant Results

Gone are the days of configuring every element of your website from scratch. With Pre-Packaged Recipes, Drupal Starshot offers ready-to-use templates tailored for common website functionalities like blogs, e-commerce stores, and event listings. These recipes:

  • Save time by eliminating the need for complex configurations.
  • Provide a consistent foundation that’s easy to customize.
  • Help non-technical users launch their websites quickly and effectively.

For enterprise businesses, Pre-Packaged Recipes provide a transformative solution. Large organizations often require consistency across multiple sites while addressing the diverse functional needs of departments or regional teams. Starshot’s recipes offer:

  • Scalable Solutions: Enterprises can deploy uniform site structures for different business units, ensuring brand consistency while reducing development overhead.
  • Rapid Prototyping: Teams can quickly spin up proof-of-concept sites using pre-configured templates, speeding up project timelines and innovation cycles.
  • Customizability: While the recipes provide a strong foundation, they’re fully adaptable to meet unique enterprise requirements, such as integrating with proprietary systems or compliance standards.

Whether managing dozens of microsites or building a flagship enterprise portal, Pre-Packaged Recipes delivers the flexibility and efficiency enterprise teams need to stay competitive.

Experience Builder: Drag, Drop, and Done

Starshot’s Experience Builder is set to replace the current Layout Builder, offering a more intuitive and dynamic interface. This drag-and-drop tool allows you to design engaging and accessible web pages without writing a single line of code. Key benefits include:

  • Real-time visual editing to see changes as you make them.
  • A library of pre-designed components for rapid page building.
  • Built-in accessibility checks to ensure compliance with standards.

For enterprise clients, the Experience Builder provides unparalleled advantages:

  • Empowering Marketing Teams: Marketing departments can create, update, and optimize pages independently without relying on IT or development teams. This empowerment will accelerate time-to-market for campaigns and updates.
  • Enterprise-Grade Collaboration: Teams can work together seamlessly using shared libraries and version control features, ensuring consistency across global campaigns and departmental sites.
  • Customizable Component Libraries: Organizations can develop and share a library of branded components, ensuring adherence to design guidelines while allowing flexibility for individual teams.
  • Efficiency at Scale: Enterprise clients managing hundreds of pages or multiple sites can make bulk changes to layouts or components across their properties, saving time and ensuring uniformity.

The Experience Builder empowers enterprise businesses to stay agile and competitive in today’s fast-paced digital landscape by simplifying the web design process.

Project Browser Simplifies Module Discovery

One of the most challenging aspects of working with Drupal has been discovering and installing the right modules. The new Project Browser changes that by offering a user-friendly interface to:

  • Browse, search, and filter modules directly from the admin dashboard.
  • View ratings and reviews to identify the best tools for your needs.
  • Install and activate modules with a single click.

For enterprise organizations, the Project Browser adds significant value:

  • Streamlined Development Workflows: By simplifying module discovery, development teams can quickly find and integrate the necessary tools, accelerating project timelines.
  • Centralized Management: Enterprise IT teams can maintain control over approved modules while enabling individual teams to find solutions that meet their specific needs.
  • Cost-Effective Scalability: Leveraging the module ecosystem effectively reduces the time spent researching and configuring custom solutions.

This feature ensures enterprise clients can extend their websites’ functionality with ease, staying ahead in a rapidly changing digital environment.

Automatic Updates for Peace of Mind

Keeping your website secure and up-to-date can be a daunting task. Starshot addresses this with Automatic Updates, a feature designed to:

  • Automatically install security patches and minor updates.
  • Notify you of major updates with clear instructions on what’s changing.
  • Minimize downtime and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities.

For enterprise clients, this feature translates into significant operational benefits:

  • Enhanced Security: Automatic updates ensure that critical patches are applied promptly, safeguarding sensitive enterprise data and minimizing exposure to cyber threats.
  • Reduced Maintenance Overhead: IT teams can focus on strategic initiatives rather than routine updates, freeing up resources for innovation.
  • Improved Reliability: By maintaining up-to-date systems across all sites, enterprises can avoid unexpected downtime and ensure a seamless user experience.

Automatic Updates give enterprise organizations the confidence to operate at scale without compromising security or performance.

AI-Powered Tools for Smarter Site Building

Open any business journal article, and it seems like you won’t make it five pages before the topic of AI. It’s a complex topic with significant potential and controversy surrounding it. The reality is that AI, in some form, is here to stay. Enterprise digital engagements need to work on determining how AI can be used as a tool that elevates team members. Starshot incorporates artificial intelligence to assist with content suggestions, image optimization, and layout recommendations. These AI-powered tools:

  • Help you make data-driven decisions to improve user engagement.
  • Automate repetitive tasks, such as creating metadata, freeing up time for strategic work.
  • Provide insights and recommendations tailored to your site’s needs.

For enterprise clients, the AI-powered tools are particularly impactful:

  • Personalized User Experiences: AI can analyze user behavior across large-scale enterprise sites. Enabling targeted content and personalized experiences that drive engagement.
  • Optimized Content Creation: Enterprise marketing teams can leverage AI for automated content suggestions, reducing the workload and accelerating campaign launches.
  • Data-Driven Decisions: With AI insights, enterprises can identify trends and areas for improvement, helping to fine-tune their digital strategy.
  • Scalability: AI tools are designed to handle the complexity and scale of enterprise operations, ensuring consistent performance across multiple sites and regions.

By leveraging AI, enterprise clients can enhance their digital presence while staying ahead of competitors in a fast-evolving landscape.

Conclusion

Drupal Starshot is not just a technical upgrade; it’s a transformative toolset for enterprise success. By addressing the unique challenges of large organizations, Starshot delivers the scalability, efficiency, and innovation enterprises need to thrive in an increasingly competitive digital market.

Features like Pre-Packaged Recipes and Experience Builder empower teams across departments to create and manage sites with ease, ensuring consistency and speed without sacrificing flexibility. The Project Browser and Automatic Updates reduce technical overhead, enabling IT teams to focus on strategic goals rather than routine maintenance. Meanwhile, AI-powered tools provide actionable insights and automation, helping enterprises deliver personalized, data-driven experiences at scale.

For enterprises managing multiple sites, operating in global markets, or seeking to improve collaboration and agility, Drupal Starshot represents a bold leap forward. It combines the robustness of an enterprise-grade platform with the usability that today’s fast-paced businesses demand.

Prepare to revolutionize your digital strategy in 2024 and beyond. With Drupal Starshot, your enterprise will not just keep up with the competition—it will set new standards for success. Perficient stands ready to help you take your Enterprise DXP engagement to the stars, contact us today and let’s get building!

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Quantum Computing and Cybersecurity: Preparing for a Quantum-Safe Future https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-and-cybersecurity-preparing-for-a-quantum-safe-future/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/20/quantum-computing-and-cybersecurity-preparing-for-a-quantum-safe-future/#comments Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:57:41 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372305

Quantum computing is rapidly transitioning from theory to reality, using the principles of quantum mechanics to achieve computational power far beyond traditional computers. Imagine upgrading from a bicycle to a spaceship—quantum computers can solve complex problems at extraordinary speeds. However, this leap in computing power poses significant challenges, particularly for cybersecurity, which forms the backbone of data protection in our digital world.

The Quantum Revolution and its Impact on CyberSecurity

Today’s cybersecurity heavily relies on encryption,  converting data into secret codes to protect sensitive information like passwords, financial data, and emails. Modern encryption relies on complex mathematical problems that even the fastest supercomputers would take thousands of years to solve. However, quantum computers could change this model. Cryptography operates on the assumption that classical computers cannot break their codes. With their immense power, quantum computers may be able to crack these algorithms in hours or even minutes. This possibility is alarming, as it could make current encryption techniques obsolete, putting businesses, governments, and individuals at risk.

The Risks for Businesses and Organizations

Quantum computing introduces vulnerabilities that could disrupt how organizations secure their data.  Once quantum computers mature,  bad actors and cyber criminals can introduce the following key risks:

  1. Fraudulent Authentication :  Bypass secure systems, unauthorized access to applications, databases, and networks.
  2. Forgery of Digital Signatures: This could enable hackers to forge digital signatures, tamper with records, and compromise the integrity of blockchain assets, audits, and identities.
  3. Harvest-Now, Decrypt-Later Attacks: Hackers might steal encrypted data today, store it, and wait until quantum computers mature to decrypt it. This approach poses long-term threats to sensitive data.

Solutions to Achieve Quantum Safety

Organizations must act proactively to safeguard their systems against quantum threats. Here’s a three-step approach  by few experts in the field:

1. Discover

  • Identify all cryptographic elements in your systems, including libraries, methods, and artifacts in source and object code.
  • Map dependencies to create a unified inventory of cryptographic assets.
  • Establish a single source of truth for cryptography within your organization.

2. Observe

  • Develop a complete inventory of cryptographic assets from both a network and application perspective.
  • Analyze key exchange mechanisms like TLS and SSL to understand current vulnerabilities.
  • Prioritize assets based on compliance requirements and risk levels.

3. Transform

  • Transition to quantum-safe algorithms and encryption protocols.
  • Implement new quantum-resistant certificates

By doing this, we need to make sure that we are also following a process that can achieve crypto-agility. Crypto agility mean that how can you reduce the burden on development as well as the operational environment so that its not disrupting our existing systems and applications, rather giving us an ability to move from old algorithms to new algorithms seamlessly. Which in short means we can have crypto agility as service capabilities, starting from encryption, lifecycle management, and certificate management capabilities that would be quantum safe. Whenever we need them in our business applications , we can simply make an API call when a new encryption, new certificate or a new key is needed.

The Role of Technology Leaders in Quantum Safety

Leading technology companies are making strides to address quantum challenges:

  • IBM: Developing advanced quantum systems and promoting quantum-safe encryption.
  • Google: Advancing quantum computing through its Quantum AI division, with applications in cryptography and beyond.
  • Microsoft: Offering access to quantum resources via its Azure Quantum platform, focusing on securing systems against future threats.
  • Intel and Honeywell: Investing in quantum hardware and research collaborations to tackle cybersecurity challenges.
  • Startups: Companies like Rigetti Computing and Post-Quantum are innovating quantum-resistant encryption solutions.

What Can Be Done Today?

  1. Adopt Quantum-Safe Algorithms: Start transitioning to post-quantum cryptography to future-proof your systems.
  2. Raise Awareness and Invest in Research :Educate stakeholders about quantum computing risks and benefits while fostering innovation in quantum-safe technologies.
  3. Collaborate Across Sectors :Governments, businesses, and tech leaders must work together to develop secure, quantum-resilient systems.

Conclusion

Quantum computing holds incredible promise but also presents unmatched risks, particularly to cybersecurity. While quantum computers won’t break the internet overnight, organizations must act now to prepare for this transformative technology. By adopting quantum-safe practices and embracing innovation, we can secure our digital future in the face of quantum challenges.

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5 Ways to Improve Caregiver Experiences for Better Outcomes https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/19/5-ways-to-improve-caregiver-experiences-for-better-outcomes/ https://blogs.perficient.com/2024/11/19/5-ways-to-improve-caregiver-experiences-for-better-outcomes/#respond Tue, 19 Nov 2024 17:38:37 +0000 https://blogs.perficient.com/?p=372281

Are you considering caregiver experiences in your digital strategy? The complexity of today’s healthcare ecosystem can be incredibly daunting for those who are unwell, older, or navigating complex care decisions. Caregivers can play a crucial role as advocates and supporters but are often approached by healthcare organizations as a siloed aspect of the care experience.

Caregiver Experiences Matter to Consumers and Your Business

In a recent blog series, I explored why healthcare organizations (HCOs) can and should support caregivers who are supporting the patients and members your organization serves. Supporting caregivers makes good business sense for your HCO. Remember, supported caregivers:

  • Lead to more satisfied patients/members
  • Demonstrate your HCO’s value proposition, which leads to more conversions
  • Help your patients/members adhere to their care plans, which leads to healthier patients/members overall

1. Understand the beginning of the caregiver journey

The surge in caregivers isn’t going away anytime soon. But by having a solid strategy in place, your HCO can differentiate itself from the competition and earn loyalty from caregivers and patients and members alike.

Read More: The Caregivers’ Journey, Part 1: Guidance

2. Understand the stress family caregivers are under

The role of a caregiver is a demanding and difficult one. But it’s a necessary one. And by providing the support these indispensable individuals need, you not only make the experience more reasonable for the caregiver, but you also can ease the minds of your patients and members, as well as build loyalty from both.

Read More: The Caregivers’ Journey, Part 2: Stress and Support

3. Be mindful of caregivers’ logistical challenges

Nearly every aspect of family caregiving is a challenge, but the challenges aren’t insurmountable. When your HCO provides the resources caregivers need, you ease their burdens — as well as those of your patients/members — and build loyalty that lasts.

Read More: The Caregivers’ Journey, Part 3: Logistics

4. Understand the beginning of the caregiver journey

Caregiving is a spectrum. Your HCO is likely to interact with many people on varying points of that spectrum. Understanding what that looks like for your patients or members, as well as the loved ones and allied professionals involved in their care, can help you provide the best possible experience for everyone.

Read More: The Caregivers’ Journey, Part 4: Roles and Permissions

5. Enable open, quick communication among HCOs, patients/members and caregivers

The need for caregivers is on the rise. Having the tools and procedures in place to ease the experience for them only makes the process better for your patients and members and everyone involved in their care.

Read More: The Caregivers’ Journey, Part 5: Open Lines of Communication

Resilient, Transformative Care Experiences

Health plans have an opportunity to build trust and maintain and grow market share by providing breakthrough caregiver experiences that help support the member wellness imperative while lowering costs. With advancements in technology, the ability to digitize the caregiving experience is here. Digital experiences can provide important insight into a loved one’s health and activities and enable intuitive tools to uphold medication adherence, coordinate appointments and transportation, facilitate regular updates to physicians, and more.

We can work with you to provide a high-quality caregiver experience through our caregiver enablement approach.

To learn more, or to schedule an introductory workshop, contact us. Discover why we’ve been trusted by the 10 largest health insurers and the 10 largest health systems to shatter boundaries, obsess over outcomes, and forge the future of healthcare experiences.

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