The Evolution of Adobe Experience Manager: From CQ5 to AEM as a Cloud Service
Back in late 2009, I first delved into the world of Adobe Experience Manager with CQ 5.2.0. Since then, a lot has changed, but the most significant shift I’ve noticed is the transition from a framework that required heavy customization to one that offers out-of-the-box features that can be readily utilized. With the introduction of AEM as a Cloud Service, this trend has only accelerated, making new features more accessible and reducing the need for extensive customization.
One key observation I’ve made is that legacy code bases, laden with customizations, can hinder the adoption of new features. As a Site Reliability Engineer working with customers migrating from AEM 6.x to AEM as a Cloud Service, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges posed by outdated, heavily customized code. While tools like the “best practice analyzer” can assist in porting applications, the sheer amount of custom overlays, integrations, and complex logic present in older codebases can impede progress.
As Adobe has introduced Content Fragments, Experience Fragments, Core Components, Universal Editor, and Edge Delivery Services, among others, the landscape of AEM has evolved significantly. These new features often don’t neatly align with existing custom structures, necessitating extensive refactoring and planning to integrate them effectively.
While coding custom solutions was once the norm, the advent of AEM as a Cloud Service offers alternative methods for achieving desired outcomes. Yet, many developers still default to traditional coding practices, reminiscent of CQ5-era approaches. Embracing new AEM features and leveraging them to meet requirements is essential for staying current and avoiding the pitfalls of over-customization.
For those embarking on AEM projects in 2024, I urge a fresh perspective. Familiarize yourself with the advancements made in the past decade and learn how to leverage these features to achieve your goals. Coding should be a last resort, with a focus on utilizing existing tools and functionalities provided by AEM.
Collaborating with Adobe to understand and prioritize your requirements can also streamline the implementation process. Features requested by customers often receive priority and can be tailored to meet specific needs, a process made easier with AEM as a Cloud Service.
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