Concrete CMS
By Concrete CMS
Concrete CMS, formerly known as Concrete5, is an open-source content management system (CMS) designed to facilitate the creation, management, and publishing of web content. It is known for its ease of use, robust functionality, and strong security features, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from simple blogs to complex enterprise websites. The platform is particularly noted for its intuitive in-context editing, which allows users to make changes directly on the web page, and its comprehensive built-in features that reduce the need for third-party extensions.
Concrete CMS was founded by Franz Maruna and Andrew Embler in 2003. The idea for the platform emerged from a project to build a website for the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial, which required a flexible and easy-to-use CMS to accommodate various stakeholders. Over the years, Concrete CMS has evolved through multiple versions, incorporating lessons learned from various projects and adapting to new web technologies. The platform has grown from a small media shop project to a widely used CMS with a significant user base, including notable clients like the U.S. Army and BASF.
Concrete CMS operates primarily as an open-source project, which means it relies on community contributions and revenue from services such as hosting, support, and custom development. Specific details about external funding rounds or company valuation are not publicly disclosed. The company’s revenue model includes offering premium hosting plans and custom service agreements, which provide a steady income stream to support ongoing development and operations
Concrete CMS offers a range of features designed to simplify web content management:
Concrete CMS has not been widely reported to have engaged in significant acquisitions. Instead, the company focuses on expanding its product through continuous updates and enhancements. Notable expansions include the introduction of multisite support, a new gallery block, and an overhauled file manager in recent versions. The platform also integrates modern web development frameworks like Symfony and Laravel to enhance its core capabilities.
Recent updates to Concrete CMS have introduced several new features, including:
Concrete CMS emphasizes a culture of openness, collaboration, and community engagement. The company values ease of use, flexibility, and robustness in its product design, reflecting its origins in solving real-world problems for diverse stakeholders. The open-source nature of the platform fosters a strong community of developers and users who contribute to its continuous improvement. This community-driven approach ensures that the platform remains relevant and up-to-date with the latest web development trends.
Concrete CMS boasts a diverse user base that includes government agencies, educational institutions, and large enterprises. Notable users include the U.S. Army, BASF, and various universities. The platform is used by over 62,000 live websites, demonstrating its widespread adoption. The community around Concrete CMS is active and supportive, contributing to forums, documentation, and the development of new features and plugins. This vibrant community is a key asset, providing a support network and driving the platform’s evolution.
