Sitefinity CMS 15.1: What's New
Sitefinity CMS 15.1 brought a range of updates and enhancements designed to modernize web development and simplify content management. With this release, Sitefinity focused on boosting performance, introducing AI capabilities, and supporting the latest development frameworks. From integrating Next.js and React to AI-powered content classification and improved synchronization features, this version brings tools to help businesses create faster, more dynamic digital experiences. In this article, we'll look at the key features and improvements that make Sitefinity CMS 15.1 a robust choice for enterprises looking to enhance their digital presence.
Decoupled Next.js and React Renderer
Sitefinity CMS 15.1 significantly enhances its frontend capabilities with a decoupled Next.js/React renderer using Sitefinity's decoupled front-end architecture, available with ASP .NET Core. By using Next.js for server-side rendering (SSR), the platform delivers faster page loads and improved SEO. This is coupled with React for building modular widgets, giving this setup a modern and efficient way to create dynamic, responsive websites.
This change is ideal for developers familiar with JavaScript frameworks, providing a seamless way to leverage these technologies for better performance and scalability.
AI-Powered Content Classification
Another highlight of this release is the integration of AI-driven content classification, thanks to Azure OpenAI Services. This new feature automatically tags and categorizes content, simplifying the content organization process.
By reducing the need for manual tagging, this AI-powered tool helps keep content well-structured and more accessible for users, especially for organizations dealing with large volumes of digital assets.
Enhancements to ASP.NET Core
Sitefinity CMS 15.1 brings several improvements to the ASP.NET Core Renderer, designed to enhance both the developer and user experience:
Redesigned Widget Selector
The widget selector has been revamped to offer a more intuitive navigation experience, making it faster to find and use the widgets you need when creating content.
New Profile Widget
This release includes a new Profile widget that allows users to view and edit their profile information directly on a site or portal, giving users a more tailored user experience.
Compatibility with .NET 8
With support for .NET 8, Sitefinity CMS ensures developers can leverage the latest advancements in Microsoft’s framework, gaining access to enhanced performance and security updates.
SiteSync Enhancements
The SiteSync feature, which facilitates content synchronization across environments, has been improved with some valuable updates:
Custom Fields Synchronization
You can now use SiteSync to sync custom fields for built-in content types. In previous versions, you had to export and deploy changes to your live environment when creating custom fields or making other structure changes to a module (like Blogs, News, Events, Content blocks, etc.). There's no need to schedule a deployment; use SiteSync to push these changes to your live environment instead. Features like this put more power in the hands of marketers and content editors and less dependence on technical/development teams, helping you push content and site changes out quicker.
New Authentication Method
A new authentication option using a secret key has been introduced, simplifying the setup process for SiteSync and increasing security during environment synchronization.
Upgraded Technologies
Sitefinity CMS 15.1 also includes updates to its core technologies and third-party libraries to ensure they’re in line with the latest industry standards:
Elasticsearch Update
The platform’s Elasticsearch client has been upgraded to version 8.11.0, which enhances search capabilities and improves indexing performance.
Telerik and Other Libraries
Upgrading these libraries ensures that Sitefinity CMS remains robust, secure, and aligned with current development best practices.
Developer Tools Enhancements
This release continues to focus on improving the developer experience, especially with significant updates to Angular:
Angular Upgrade
Sitefinity CMS has upgraded from Angular version 15 to 17, introducing various performance enhancements and changes that might require some adjustments in AdminApp extensions.
AdminApp Interface Enhancements
Improvements to the AdminApp interface make backend operations more streamlined, helping developers and administrators manage content with greater ease.
Bug Fixes and Security Updates
As always, Sitefinity CMS 15.1 includes numerous bug fixes and security enhancements to address any vulnerabilities from earlier versions. These updates are essential for keeping your site secure and running smoothly.
In Conclusion, Some Solid Feature Updates
Sitefinity CMS 15.1 offers a solid combination of new tools, AI capabilities, and updated frameworks to help streamline digital content management and development. With its focus on modern frameworks like Next.js and React, improved synchronization options with SiteSync, and enhanced developer tools, this release (like most other Sitefinity releases) is geared toward making digital experience management more straightforward and efficient.
For more detailed information about the new features and changes, refer to Sitefinity's full release notes for version 15.1.