There are many ways to categorize technology vendors. In our evaluation reports we get into considerations of cost, architecture, functionality, vendor intangibles, and many other criteria. Selecting the right software is a multi-dimensional exercise.

Given all those dimensions, how can you visualize an entire marketplace? In the past few years, we've settled on an approach we call "Cross-Check." We've previously done Cross-Checks for the ECM, Enterprise Portals, Social/Collaboration, and DAM marketplaces. Below find our first ones for the Web CMS vendor landscape.

About Cross Checks

The Cross-Check charts represent four key dimensions: Vendor Size, Focus on WCM, Vendor Evolution, and Product Development.

Please note that there is no "right" or "magic" or "leader" location on this chart. Buyers with strong internal IT processes and a predilection for early adoption may favor a vendor undertaking fundamental changes, on the grounds that they may be able to influence roadmaps and new technology, as well as "leapfrog" competitors that are stuck with older tools and approaches. Other customers may prefer a WCM supplier evolving at a more moderate pace, while still others prefer a very conservative approach.

Each of you will rate the importance of these dimensions differently and we encourage you to make use of these visualizations in the broader context of other considerations in your selection process.

Platform-oriented WCM Vendors

Fig 1. RSG Cross-Check for Platform-oriented WCM Vendors
Download: Larger JPG   |   High-resolution TIF

We've found it useful to organize vendors primarily according to complexity and power. Specifically, we make a distinction between "platforms" (above) and "products" (below). See this advisory briefing or this blog post for more background on this division.

Product-oriented WCM Vendors

Fig 2. RSG Cross-Check for Product-oriented WCM Vendors
Download: Larger JPG   |   High-resolution TIF

What conclusions can be drawn from these charts? For a high-level overview of market dynamics, consult today's release, where we explore themes of marketplace fragmentation and innovation.

To understand why we placed particular vendors in specific places on the chart, Web CMS research subscribers can download our 7-page background briefing. This briefing is also now included in our complete Web CMS Evaluations Report.