What is Umbraco ? Features and Benefits of a Modern CMS

Umbraco CMS isn’t just another content management system - it’s a robust, flexible platform trusted by global brands and developers. Whether building a simple blog or managing a sprawling enterprise portal, Umbraco's versatility, scalability, and user-friendliness make it a standout choice. Let’s unpack everything you need to know about this remarkable CMS.

What is Umbraco CMS?#

At its core, Umbraco is an open-source content management system built on Microsoft’s .NET framework.

It empowers developers and content creators with tools to build and manage modern, scalable websites.

Key Umbraco Facts and Features#

Year of Creation 2005
Producer Umbraco HQ
Last Stable Version v15.0.0 (17.11.2024)
Tech Stack
  • .NET Core (for Umbraco 9 and newer)
  • .NET Framework (for older versions)
  • SQL Server (primary database)
License

Open Source (MIT License for the core)

Features
  • Strong integration capabilities, dances well with other software
  • Easy customization & user-friendly back office
  • Extensible through plugins/packages
  • Content versioning
  • Multi-language support
  • Exceptional security
Active Installations 731,000+
Headless Capability Yes
Community & Support Strong community support, good documentation, Umbraco festivals & events.

 

Key Details:

  • Tech Stack: Built using .NET Core (for versions 9+), with SQL Server as its primary database.
  • Open Source: Licensed under the MIT License, giving you complete control over the source code.
  • Purpose: Ideal for developers and organizations that require flexibility and high levels of customization.

Since its launch in 2005, Umbraco has become the go-to platform for businesses seeking a reliable, scalable CMS.

Why Choose Umbraco? Key Features at a Glance#

Umbraco’s strength lies in its rich feature set, combining simplicity for content editors with powerful tools for developers.

1. Intuitive Back Office

Umbraco’s back office provides an easy-to-use interface that streamlines content creation and management.

With real-time previews and drag-and-drop functionality, non-technical users can navigate the platform effortlessly.

2. Built-in Scalability

From personal blogs to enterprise portals, Umbraco grows with your needs.

Its modular architecture allows you to scale your website seamlessly without compromising performance.

3. Seamless Integrations

Umbraco integrates effortlessly with third-party tools, including:

  • CRMs like Salesforce and Microsoft Dynamics
  • Analytics platforms such as Google Analytics
  • ERP systems, payment gateways, and marketing automation tools.

4. Headless CMS Capability

Are you looking to deliver content across multiple platforms, from websites to mobile apps?

Umbraco’s headless architecture allows developers to manage content centrally and distribute it anywhere via APIs.

5. Security You Can Trust

Umbraco is built with security in mind, offering regular updates, encryption, and customizable user roles to safeguard your content.

Award-Winning Excellence#

Umbraco’s reputation as a leading CMS is backed by a history of prestigious awards that showcase its capabilities:

  • CMS Critics' Awards: Umbraco has won "Best Enterprise CMS" a title that solidifies its position as a heavyweight in the CMS arena.
  • Visual Studio Magazine Reader's Choice Awards (2020): Developers worldwide voted Umbraco the gold medalist in the "Content Management System" category.
  • Future Unicorn Award by DIGITALEUROPE: Recognized as a platform for transformative growth and innovation.
  • G2 Software Leader 2023: Featured by G2, a globally recognized review platform, as a leading content management solution.

These accolades aren’t just trophies.

They’re a testament to Umbraco’s consistent innovation, reliability, and commitment to excellence.

Umbraco G2 award for software leader in 2023

Umbraco is featured by a widely recognized G2 platform as the software leader in 2023⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Proven Track Record: Trusted by Big Brands#

Umbraco isn’t just for small businesses.

Major players like Microsoft, Sony, and Vogue use Umbraco to power their websites.

Why?

Because it offers:

  • Unmatched Flexibility: Tailor every aspect of your website to meet specific needs.
  • High Performance: Built on .NET Core, ensuring speed and reliability.
  • Scalability: Easily manage large volumes of content and traffic.

With 731,000+ active installations, Umbraco is a trusted solution for organizations across industries, from e-commerce to entertainment.

Umbraco’s Open-Source Philosophy#

One of Umbraco’s standout features is its commitment to open source.

Developers have full access to the source code via GitHub, enabling:

  • Faster Innovation: The global community contributes new features and fixes regularly.
  • Collaborative Problem-Solving: Encounter an issue? The thriving Umbraco community is there to help.
  • Cost-Effective Development: Avoid expensive licensing fees while enjoying enterprise-grade features.

With thousands of developers and contributors worldwide, Umbraco’s open-source ecosystem is a testament to its reliability and continuous evolution.

Umbraco project repository on GitHub

Umbraco project repository on GitHub

Is Umbraco free? Revealing Licensing Secret#

Yes, Umbraco is absolutely free.

Does Umbraco require a license? 

The answer is 'No'. 

Is Umbraco open source?

Yes, Umbraco is open-source and released under the MIT license. 

If you're unfamiliar, here is the MIT license definition:

Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining a copy of this software and associated documentation files (the “Software”), to deal in the Software without restriction, including without limitation the rights to use, copy, modify, merge, publish, distribute, sublicense, and/or sell copies of the Software, and to permit persons to whom the Software is furnished to do so, subject to the following conditions:

Umbraco MIT License

Umbraco is released under MIT License

In simple terms:

  • Umbraco grants you full access to its source code.
  • You can freely use Umbraco for any commercial project.
  • There are no hidden fees or licensing restrictions.

But what does this mean for your wallet?

A world of savings.

Many prominent CMS platforms come with a hefty price tag:

  1. Sitecore: Costs can start at $40,000, with additional recurring annual fees.
  2. Adobe Experience Manager (AEM): Known for its premium features and an equally premium price tag that can run into $50,000 plus a year.
  3. Kentico: While it offers a free version, its enterprise-level option, Kentico Xperience, can cost $12,500 annually.
  4. Liferay: Catering mainly to enterprise customers, Liferay's licensing fees range from $10,000 to over $100,000 for its more extensive solutions.

When you opt for Umbraco, you're not just selecting a CMS system.

You're making a financially savvy choice.

This decision doesn't just save you money - it revolutionizes your budget, providing a cost-effective platform without compromising on features and capabilities.

Empowering Developers with Packages and Extensibility#

Much like WordPress, Umbraco thrives on a rich ecosystem of plugins and packages.

Whether you need advanced SEO tools, custom form builders, or media management solutions, the Umbraco marketplace has you covered.

Creating Your Own Packages

Can’t find what you need?

With C#, .NET, and AngularJS knowledge, you can build custom extensions tailored to your specific requirements.

Example: The Dedicated Media Folder package simplifies managing large-scale media assets, perfect for enterprise websites with thousands of pages.

No matter the nature of your website project, you should check out our blog post on the best packages for Umbraco (free and paid).

Here, you can explore community-driven packages with the extra features you need.

How to streamline editors workflow and organize digital assets in Umbraco#

📽️ Video URL: https://www.youtube.com/embed/X5JSkJaag4E

Seamless Creativity: The Ease and Flexibility of Umbraco#

Umbraco offers simplicity and unlocks a world of virtually limitless possibilities regarding website development, content management, and customization.

It stands as one of the most robust CMS technologies available, validated by its track record of unwavering stability and security.

💪The true power of Umbraco lies in its ability to shape your website exactly as you envision it.

This sentiment aligns perfectly with the official Umbraco website's description:

Our main goal with Umbraco is to give you a platform where you have the freedom to do and manage things your way. Every project has different needs and requirements, and instead of packing a system with options and buttons that may or may not be relevant for you, we’ve kept it neat and open.

You see, every project comes with its unique set of needs and requirements.

Rather than overwhelming you with many options and buttons, some of which may not even be relevant to your goals, Umbraco maintains a sleek and open design.

It's all about empowering you to craft your digital space precisely how you desire.

What is Umbraco CMS used for? From Small to Enterprise #

Umbraco CMS is your Swiss Army knife for internet applications.

Whether you're building a petite personal website, a sleek mobile app, a sprawling enterprise portal, or an e-commerce emporium, Umbraco has you covered.

Here's where it truly shines:

  1. Enterprise Portals: Need an intranet for your employees and partners? Umbraco's got your back.
  2. Corporate Showcases: Crafting a company portfolio or showcasing products? Umbraco's great.
  3. E-commerce Empires: Setting up an online store? Umbraco makes selling a breeze.
  4. Content-Rich Giants: Managing vast content libraries? Umbraco is your librarian extraordinaire.
  5. Community Hubs: Building a local web portal? Umbraco fosters community spirit.
  6. Personal Blogs: Creating a personal blog or site? Umbraco is your digital journal.
  7. Data-Driven Dynamics: Need content to flow seamlessly to multiple apps and devices? Umbraco's your data maestro.
  8. Integration Marvels: Seeking a web solution with extensive integrations? Umbraco plays well with others.

But here's the kicker.

Umbraco is tailor-made for marketing agencies working with businesses of all sizes.

Small ventures and corporate giants can harness Umbraco's scalability to rule their content kingdom.

Integration with other systems is simple with Umbraco#

In the modern era, a CMS must be a team player.

Umbraco dances well with other applications and platforms.

Here's where the magic happens:

  1. Web Analytics and Insights: Need to dissect online traffic and decode visitor behavior? Umbraco dances with web analytics and statistics tools like Google Analytics and Adobe Analytics.

  2. CRM Mastery: Managing customer relationships is a breeze with Umbraco. It can sync with CRM platforms like Salesforce, SugarCRM, and Microsoft Dynamics.

  3. ERP Efficiency: Streamline internal processes like accounting, invoicing, and payroll efficiently. Umbraco integrates with ERP systems like SAP Business One and Oracle E-Business Suite.

  4. Secure Payments: Crafting secure payment gateways and processing transactions? Umbraco partners effortlessly with payment gateways like PayPal and PayU.

  5. Social Media Savvy: Amplify your online presence by sharing content on social media. Umbraco has your back with easy integration with social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

  6. Email Marketing Excellence: Crafting, sending, and tracking email newsletters has never been easier. Umbraco integrates seamlessly with email marketing software like MailChimp and SendGrid.

  7. Customer Service Automation: Looking to automate your customer service? Umbraco seamlessly connects with customer service software like Zendesk and Freshdesk.

  8. Data Insights: Dive deep into business data and statistics quickly, thanks to Umbraco's compatibility with business intelligence services.

  9. API Integration: Umbraco is fluent in SOAP/REST APIs, allowing effortless communication with other software via APIs or web services.

  10. Marketing Prowess: Need to master inbound marketing? Umbraco effortlessly integrates with marketing automation tools like HubSpot, Marketo, Eloqua, and Pardot.

Headless CMS: The Future of Content Delivery#

As a headless CMS, Umbraco separates content management from its presentation layer.

This allows developers to:

  • Streamline Content Distribution: Push content to websites, apps, and IoT devices from a central hub.
  • Work Smarter: Backend and frontend teams can work simultaneously without stepping on each other’s toes.
  • Unleash Creativity: Use modern frontend frameworks like React or Angular for a cutting-edge user experience.

Pro Tip: With Umbraco’s API-first approach, your content can be delivered to any device, anywhere.

Umbraco offers a comprehensive solution for content management that caters to both the back-end (admin panel) and front-end aspects of a website, as well as the ability to distribute content to various digital channels through its API

Umbraco Headless CMS diagram

Umbraco Headless CMS diagram

Let's break down the diagram to understand the flexible architecture of Umbraco as a headless CMS:

  1. Umbraco Admin Panel (BackOffice): This is the control center for managing everything related to content. It's the user interface where administrators and content editors interact with the CMS.

    • Content: This is where you create, edit, and manage website content like articles, blogs, or any other type of textual content.

    • Media/Assets: Place to manage all media files, such as images, videos, documents, etc. used within the content.

    • Users/Members: Allows the management of people with access to the CMS and can be designated different roles and permissions.

    • Settings: Here, you can configure various aspects of the CMS, from site settings to templates.

    • Packages: This can refer to plugins or extensions that add additional functionality to the CMS.

    • Custom sections: Additional parts or segments in the admin panel tailored to specific needs.

    • Forms: Allows creation and management of forms used on the site for purposes like user feedback, contact forms, etc.

  2. Umbraco Frontend: This refers to the visible part of a website that visitors interact with. It’s the presentation layer that showcases the content managed in the BackOffice.

  3. Umbraco Middleware: This is like the engine room. It's the layer between the back-end and front-end, ensuring that content is processed correctly and securely.

    • Integrations: Ensures Umbraco can work with other systems, software, or tools.

    • Content Processing: This is about taking the content from the back office and ensuring it's properly formatted and ready for display on the front end.

    • Storage: Where data, including content and assets, are stored.

    • Security: Ensures that the platform is protected from potential threats.

    • Authorization: Manages who has permission to access and modify content and other parts of the system.

Umbraco API: This gateway allows the distribution of content to various platforms. As a headless CMS, Umbraco isn't just limited to serving content to traditional websites.

  • Distributed Content via Digital channels: Content managed within Umbraco can be pushed out to various digital platforms such as Websites, Mobile Apps, Smart TVs, and even smartwatches.

In summary, this diagram paints Umbraco as a versatile and comprehensive content management platform.

From its robust administrative capabilities to its flexible content distribution through its API, Umbraco positions itself as a tool capable of handling the needs of modern digital platforms.

Empowering Your Content Strategy with Frameworks#

Umbraco CMS redefines what a content management system can achieve, transcending traditional boundaries to function as a comprehensive content management framework (CMF).

💡 What is a CMF?
A content management framework integrates processes, policies, people, and technologies to streamline digital content creation, management, and distribution throughout its lifecycle.

Here’s how CMFs, including Umbraco, cater to different organizational needs:

  • Web Content Management Systems (Web CMS): Simplifies website creation and updates, ensuring seamless publishing workflows. Umbraco’s intuitive interface excels in this category.
  • Enterprise Content Management (ECM): Efficiently handles large-scale documents, images, and videos critical for business operations.
  • Digital Asset Management (DAM): Organizes and manages media files, making them easily accessible for campaigns and projects.
  • Mobile Content Management (MCM): Ensures content adapts for optimal viewing on mobile devices, enhancing user experience across smartphones and tablets.

By providing tools for every stage of the content lifecycle, Umbraco empowers organizations to streamline operations and deliver exceptional digital experiences across all platforms.

In essence, these digital content management frameworks simplify the complex world of content handling.

It is easier for organizations to manage their digital assets, websites, and enterprise-level content while ensuring accessibility and organization.

Umbraco Digital Content Management frameworks

Digital Content Management frameworks diagram

The Mighty Microsoft ASP .NET Core Framework powers Umbraco#

Umbraco is built on the solid foundation of the ASP .NET Core Framework supported by Microsoft.

.NET Core is not just another run-of-the-mill platform.

It's a versatile, general-purpose development juggernaut capable of birthing virtually any application you can dream of.

What's unique about ASP .NET Core?

It's the golden ticket for developers, enabling the creation of high-performance, secure, and reliable code.

Umbraco ASP .NET Core 5 Benchmark Overview

ASP .NET Core 5 Benchmark Overview.

Image Source: https://dusted.codes/how-fast-is-really-aspnet-core

To learn more about the ASP .NET Core framework and explore top features, check out 25 Essential ASP.NET Core Features Every Developer Should Know.

Umbraco's compatibility with Microsoft's technology suite offers access to a wealth of pre-existing libraries. 

This means that whatever your business desires, Umbraco can deliver it with finesse, and it won't keep you waiting.

The Cross-Platform Revolution: Umbraco and .NET Core#

Umbraco remained under the radar for many years due to its lack of support for hosting on Linux.

Umbraco's journey began tightly intertwined with Windows servers, limiting its operation solely to the Windows environment.

Linux was out of the question because of the .NET Framework limitations.

But here's where the plot takes a thrilling twist.

With the advent of Microsoft's .NET Core 3.0, Umbraco's developers saw an opportunity.

On September 28th, 2021, with the launch of Umbraco V9, the world witnessed a significant milestone: Umbraco CMS officially joined the .NET 5/ASP.NET Core family.

Now, why is this such a big deal? Well, let me break it down for you:

  1. True Cross-Platform Magic: .NET Core bestows upon you a genuine cross-platform architecture. You can now run your Umbraco website on the platform of your choice, be it Windows, Linux, or macOS.

  2. The Freedom of Development tools: .NET Core liberates your team, providing access to cutting-edge development tools of choice, such as Visual Studio Code, Visual Studio, JetBrains Rider, etc.

  3. Performance and Scalability: .NET Core ensures better performance, scalability, enhanced security, and a cleaner architecture. There's no technological debt when you embrace Microsoft technologies.

Tip: Learn more about Umbraco Developer Key Skills to master any Umbraco project.

In essence, Umbraco V9+ with .NET Core support opens the doors to a cross-platform ecosystem, unlocking its full potential.

Umbraco is an excellent choice for building scalable, lightweight applications that seamlessly adapt to any environment.

Final Thoughts: Why Umbraco?#

Umbraco isn’t just a CMS.

It’s a complete content management solution that adapts to your business.

Umbraco empowers teams to build exceptional digital experiences from its user-friendly interface to its developer-focused features.

Ready to get started?
👉 Contact our team for tailored advice and support.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media for the latest updates and tips.

Umbraco frequently asked questions

Unlike WordPress, Umbraco is known for its flexibility and scalability, making it suitable for a wide range of projects, from small blogs to complex enterprise websites. It provides more customization options and is ideal for developers.

Umbraco offers features like content management, multi-language support, SEO-friendly URLs, scalability, and the ability to create custom solutions through packages and plugins.

Yes, Umbraco can be used to build e-commerce websites. There are packages and plugins available to integrate e-commerce functionality, making it a versatile choice for online stores.

Umbraco has a user-friendly interface and can be used by beginners, but it's also powerful enough to satisfy the needs of advanced developers.

Yes, Umbraco allows you to create mobile-responsive websites, ensuring that your content looks great on various devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Umbraco is known for its security features. Regular updates and a dedicated security team help maintain its security, making it a safe choice for websites.

Yes, Umbraco can integrate with a wide range of third-party tools, including CRM systems, e-commerce platforms, analytics tools, and more, thanks to its flexibility and APIs.

Yes, Umbraco CMS is free to use, licensed under the MIT license, which allows for both personal and commercial use without any licensing fees.

Umbraco offers various support options, including community forums, official documentation, and premium support plans for those seeking dedicated assistance.

If you have any questions or would like to learn more about Umbraco, please don't hesitate to contact our team.

Yes, Umbraco is SEO-friendly. It provides features like customizable URLs, meta tags, and XML sitemaps, making it easier to optimize your website for search engines.

Absolutely, Umbraco supports multilingual websites. It offers built-in support for managing content in multiple languages, making it an excellent choice for global or multiregional projects.

Yes, Umbraco offers a cloud hosting service called Umbraco Cloud. It simplifies the deployment and management of Umbraco websites, providing scalability and automated updates.

Umbraco CMS can run on Windows, macOS, or Linux servers. The system requirements include ASP.NET or .NET Core, SQL Server

You can extend Umbraco's functionality by installing packages and plugins from the Umbraco marketplace. These packages can add new features, templates, and integrations to your website.

Yes, but you need a team of Umbraco experts, to ensure a smooth transition.

Absolutely, Umbraco is well-suited for managing large-scale websites with extensive content. Its robust architecture and scalability options make it an ideal choice for enterprise-level projects.

Umbraco has a dedicated security team that regularly releases updates to address potential vulnerabilities. It's advisable to keep your Umbraco installation up-to-date to benefit from these security enhancements.

Yes, Umbraco is versatile enough to build web applications. Its flexibility and extensibility make it a valuable choice for creating a wide range of digital solutions beyond traditional websites.

Yes, Umbraco is an excellent choice for non-profit organizations and educational institutions due to its cost-effectiveness and ability to create feature-rich websites tailored to their unique needs.

You have the flexibility to host Umbraco on your own server or use managed hosting services. Umbraco Cloud, for example, offers a managed hosting solution with added benefits like automated updates and scalability.

Yes, Umbraco's content editor interface is intuitive and user-friendly, allowing non-technical users to manage and update website content with ease.

Yes, Umbraco can be used to create membership or subscription-based websites. With its flexibility, you can implement user authentication and access control features to build such websites.

Absolutely, Umbraco allows for complete design and layout customization. You can create bespoke templates, styles, and layouts to ensure your website aligns perfectly with your brand's identity.

Umbraco can integrate with e-commerce platforms through plugins or custom development. While it doesn't natively support WooCommerce or Shopify, it offers flexibility for integration.

Umbraco provides comprehensive training resources, including online tutorials, documentation, and certified training courses for developers and content editors.

Yes, Umbraco offers version control and content rollback features, allowing you to track changes and revert to previous versions of content when needed.

Umbraco is suitable for building intranet and extranet portals. Its access control features enable secure access to internal or external content.

Umbraco doesn't impose strict limitations on the number of users or editors. It can accommodate multiple users and editors, making it suitable for collaborative content management.

Yes, Umbraco websites can be hosted on cloud platforms like Microsoft Azure and Amazon Web Services (AWS), offering scalability and reliability.

Yes, Umbraco can be used for government and public sector websites. Its flexibility and security features make it a viable choice for such projects.

Umbraco development primarily involves C# for server-side code and technologies like HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for front-end development.

The development timeline for a Umbraco website can vary widely depending on project complexity. A basic website may take a few weeks, while larger, more complex projects can take several months.

The Umbraco project lifecycle typically includes phases like planning, design, development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance and updates.

To ensure quality, work with experienced Umbraco developers or agencies, review their portfolios, and ask for references. Additionally, consider conducting code reviews and testing.

Yes, Umbraco can be used for building web applications with complex business logic. Its extensibility and flexibility allow developers to create custom solutions.

When hiring Umbraco developers, look for skills in C#, ASP.NET, Umbraco CMS, front-end technologies, database management, and experience with building scalable web solutions.

Yes, Umbraco offers certification programs, such as "Umbraco Certified Professional" and "Umbraco Certified Expert," to verify the expertise of developers and agencies.

You can find Umbraco developers through the Umbraco community, job boards, LinkedIn, and by attending Umbraco events and conferences.

You can implement security best practices in Umbraco, such as secure coding, user authentication, and regular security updates to safeguard websites and user data.

Umbraco offers scalability through cloud hosting, load balancing, and content delivery networks (CDNs), making it suitable for large-scale projects.

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