Feature
Open source CMS vendor eZ Systems has relaeasd version 5.1 of its eZ Publish plaftorm, a minor update that includes the Symfony2 PHP Web framework, and a complete set of APIs.
Dual Kernal Approach
eZ Systems is working on a six month release cycle for its flagship eZ Publish platform, and customers can count on releases every May and November. This release is based partly on version 5.0 that debuted in 2012, with 5.0 now acting as the the legacy kernal. That means it is used to support the editorial and administrator interfaces, the content repository, and the CMS.
Version 5.1, the new kernal, adds the APIs (both PHP and REST) and the updated Symfony2 Web framework. Additionally, eZ Systems is changing the way releases are supported. Starting with this release, every Spring will see the new release supported by a three year vendor support guarantee. This was apparently requested by eZ customers, and now they have a window they can count on for how long different eZ Publish releases should be developed for.
Other changes with v5.1 include dropping support for Oracle database, and including support for MySQL 5.5 database.
Open Source Having a Moment
Open source CMSes are proving to be quite popular in the enterprise. While Drupal and WordPress continue to be the most popular systems as measured by install base, eZ Publish is winning on merit. Industry analysts at Ars Logica gave eZ Publish 5 high marks in 2012, and put in nearly on par with segment leaders Adobe and SDL.
One of shortcomings of eZ Publish is its lack of marketing tools, the Ars writeup mentioned. This is a common criticism of open source systems, one Acquia, the Drupal commercial services provider, is apparently intent on turning around. Acquia recently partnered with a startup called Evergage on a personalization tool for Drupal. It's a move in the right direction regarding marketing capabilities, so we'll see if it sets off a chain reaction among the open source vendors on adding this needed component.
With six months until eZ Publish updates again, there'e plenty of time for the company to make a move. The question is will it.
