In the debate over which Content Management System (CMS) to use for your website, two names top the list: Umbraco and WordPress. Here, we explore the difference between the two systems, and why you should be using Umbraco.
Umbraco is an open-source CMS based on Microsoft’s ASP.NET framework for building web pages with no licensing fees. With its open-source capabilities, it has been described as the Ferrari of CMSs. It is a blank canvas with a full suite of tools, where you can customise both the front-end and CMS back-end. Umbraco is supported by 200,000 active members across the world.
On the other hand, WordPress originally started as a blogging platform, built in PHP and SQL programming languages. Currently, WordPress powers 30% of websites on the internet. It is easy for beginners to start building websites with templates and plugins, but its functionality is limited, inhibiting companies that require “a little bit more” from their sites.
Let’s compare the two in several categories:
1. Type of User
Both big and small companies use Umbraco to build their websites. For example, larger companies like Microsoft and Heinz require custom content, dynamic content, and design freedom for their websites. Umbraco has the built-in flexibility to meet those complex needs.
Likewise, Umbraco is a great CMS platform for novices, as well. You can get started by installing uSkinned themes to get a full-fledged demo site up in minutes. Beginners can also check out free resources such as Umbraco TV, free Umbraco webinars or register for online Umbraco CMS training so they can take their demo site to new heights. Another helpful source for beginners is the Umbraco Support for help with troubleshooting and technical support from qualified and certified experts.
Meanwhile, WordPress is mostly great for beginners who want to set up their online presence straight away. This can be done easily through the installation of ready-to-go templates and plugins that require no coding knowledge. WordPress is also great for news websites or blogs, as this was its core purpose when the system was first built. However, when it comes to building complex or custom sites, users are limited by the very same templates and plugins that make the Wordpress CMS accessible.
2. CMS Customization
To customise your site, Umbraco uses a host of different programming languages like C#. It is an empty canvas and a playground for full-stack or C# developers. Furthermore, the back-end editor can also be customised and integrated with other third-party platforms according to the company’s requirements.
WordPress is also customisable, but mostly with the use of ready-made templates and plugins. Those who know how to code are limited to HTML, CSS, PHP, and Javascript to further personalise their sites.
3. Security
Utilising Microsoft’s .NET platform with its Code Access Security (CAS) and identity-based security, Umbraco’s CMS is extremely secure. The fact that several Fortune 500 companies, like the Carlsberg Group, use it shows they feel confident in the system’s security.
On the other hand, WordPress tends to have security issues due to the fact that most templates and plug-ins are poorly designed, installed, and updated. This leaves WordPress sites vulnerable to hackers. Many users lack the technical background and knowledge to secure their sites properly.
Ultimately, the decision of Umbraco versus WordPress comes down to: would you rather be driving a Ferrari or a Nissan? For companies big and small that require full customisation, flexibility, and security, Umbraco is the most effective, safest, and fully-adaptable system.
I'm an entrepreneur and web developer with a passion for coding. I absolutely love working with Umbraco CMS and appreciate the Umbraco community even more.
I've got 10 years+ .Net experience and 7 years+ experience working in the recruitment industry, both coding and marketing job websites. I wanted to use my skills to help give something back to this awesome community and so I decided to build UmbraJobs.com.
My vision & fundamentals
I want this website to be a place where Umbraco Professionals and Umbraco Partners can advertise their services but at the same time I want to filter out all the under-qualified freelancers & agencies that take up the biggest part of other job & freelancer websites. We've all worked hard to gain our Umbraco certifications, partnership status, and help build the Umbraco community to what it is today. I want to see everyone get rewarded for their efforts.
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If you're an Umbraco professional, partner, employer, recruiter or a passionate Umbraco community builder then I'm more than happy to hear from you. Follow me on my social media channels and please reach out if you have any needs, want help or consultation with anything Umbraco related or just want a general chat.
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