A quick introduction to Drupal and Acquia
For those unfamiliar, Drupal is a powerful, open-source content management system (CMS) that has been in development since 2001.
Designed with flexibility and scalability in mind, Drupal has become the go-to CMS for many organisations, ranging from small nonprofits to large enterprises. It powers websites for some of the world’s most well-known institutions, including government agencies and major corporations, providing a foundation for highly customisable and secure digital experiences.
Acquia, a company co-founded by Buytaert, supports Drupal through a suite of cloud-based solutions and services, helping organisations maximise their use of the CMS.
Known as one of the leading providers of enterprise-level support for Drupal, Acquia offers tools for seamless site building, content personalisation, and marketing automation.
With Acquia’s backing, Drupal has been able to expand its reach and continue to innovate in the competitive digital landscape.
The new 'Drupal CMS': Making Drupal more accessible than ever
Drupal CMS is a significant evolution designed to expand Drupal’s reach and usability for non-technical users. As someone who has worked extensively with Drupal in its developer-centric form, I found this new approach both refreshing and exciting. The goal is clear: to empower people like marketers and content creators to build and manage sophisticated websites without needing in-depth technical skills. Gone are the days when site building felt complex and restricted to those with development expertise; Drupal CMS is here to change that.
With the upcoming release, Drupal will introduce two branches:
- Drupal CMS - focusing on a streamlined content editor experience.
- Drupal Core - targeted towards enterprises requiring a custom development approach.
This dual offering ensures that users can select the version that best suits their needs, whether it’s a robust content management system or a flexible platform for complex, tailored projects.
With this update, Drupal CMS will feature “Recipes,” an innovative addition that combines modules, configurations, and default content to meet common website needs, whether it’s for an event, an SEO-focused site, or a basic company homepage. Instead of spending hours figuring out configurations, you can now select a Recipe directly from the Project Browser, simplifying the setup and making Drupal instantly more accessible to a broader audience.
Hands-on with the experience builder and AI-powered tools
One of the most exciting new features is the Experience Builder - a visual, out-of-the-box tool that empowers users to design page layouts, build site sections, and style content through a user-friendly drag-and-drop interface. This tool allows for real-time previews and customisation, enabling users to structure and style content seamlessly without any coding.
Paired with the ability to trial Drupal CMS directly in the browser, Experience Builder removes traditional barriers to adoption and provides a streamlined, visual editing experience for users of all skill levels.
Drupal CMS also introduces AI-powered tools designed to automate essential tasks, such as content migration and site configuration, helping non-developers get up to speed quickly.
In Dries’ demo, these AI-driven capabilities shone as they tackled complex setup tasks like configuring Views, building fields, and creating taxonomies. For anyone familiar with the intricate work of Drupal site setup, the AI tools are a breakthrough, enabling a faster, more intuitive approach to structuring and managing content.
This combination of Experience Builder and AI support highlights Drupal’s commitment to making site building more accessible and efficient for a broader audience.
A commitment to responsible AI and community values
As someone who appreciates the ethos of open-source and ethical tech, I was pleased to hear about Drupal’s commitment to responsible AI. Drupal CMS includes a Responsible AI policy that emphasizes transparency, user control, and ethical guidelines for integrating AI functionalities into the platform. This policy is especially important in an era where AI is rapidly advancing, ensuring that Drupal remains a tool that prioritises user needs and ethical use.
At DrupalCon, the commitment to community values extended beyond AI, with a notable session on “Defend Iceland.” This session explored an ethical hacking programme aimed at bolstering online security, starting in Iceland and now expanding across the EU.
The presentation highlighted how the programme supports robust online defenses and promotes cybersecurity through ethical hacking practices. It was a fascinating insight into the ways ethical hacking can contribute to national and regional security, aligning with the broader open-source principles of transparency and protection.
DrupalCon also showcased the community’s collaborative spirit, with the Drupal Association organising sessions focused on inclusivity, security, and open collaboration. Contribution Day embodied this spirit, bringing together developers, content creators, and strategists to advance Drupal’s capabilities.
From expanding the Recipe library to refining user documentation, attendees worked side by side, contributing to the platform’s future while sharing knowledge and building connections. The board even hosted a public meeting, introducing new board members and announcing initiatives that will guide Drupal in the coming years.
Looking into the future: Official launch in January 2025
Drupal CMS is set for an official launch on January 15th 2025 and I, along with many others, am excited to see how it transforms Drupal’s role in the web development space. This update represents a shift towards inclusivity and ease of use without sacrificing the power and flexibility that have made Drupal a preferred CMS for enterprise-level projects. For anyone interested in exploring Drupal CMS, the conference provided a browser-based trial that allows users to experience this next-generation CMS firsthand - no installation required.
With Drupal CMS, I believe we’re entering a new chapter where the power of open-source technology and accessibility meet to create an empowering tool for today’s digital creators. DrupalCon 2024 in Barcelona wasn’t just an event; it was the beginning of a new era for Drupal, and I’m thrilled to be part of the journey.
If you'd like to learn more about Drupal CMS or the Acquia suite of products please get in touch! We’re here to help with any questions you may have.
