# More than Headless Acquia gives you everything you need to build a modern headless or hybrid application. Your Drupal back end can power one or more front ends. You choose the technology and architecture that’s right for you. [Request a Demo Today](/index%2ephp/about-us/contact/acquia-cms-request-a-demo "Request a Demo Acquia CMS") ![woman on a computer ](/sites/default/files/styles/flex_header_desktop/public/media/image/2022-09/Flex%20Header_Web_5.png?h=8b526752&itok=6-dbauMd) [ The Principles of Successful Modern Web Apps ##### Creating the Virtuous Cycle with Headless, Hybrid, and Low Code ](https://www.acquia.com/development) API-First, Not API-Only ## The Best of All Worlds, All in One Place. Unlike other CMS providers, we believe that all approaches are valid. Built for the modern web, Acquia gives you freedom. ##### Headless CMS A headless CMS provides content via API endpoints. Leading the CMS space, Drupal has best-in-class API capabilities and delivers structured content through core web services. ✔ JSON:API and GraphQL ✔ NodeJS hosting ✔ Developer freedom ✔ Cutting edge tools ✔ Power apps and IoT Image ![Headless CMS Diagram](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_no_crop_/public/media/image/2022-03/headless-cms-diagram-devices_0.png?itok=oqNARgNy) ##### Hybrid CMS A hybrid CMS provides API access to content for developers and low-code tools for business users. Powerful content management with an intuitive page builder, the freedom to embed decoupled components, and content served via APIs. ✔ Low-code tools ✔ CMS hosting ✔ Code and configuration ✔ Progressive components ✔ Turn key PWA Image ![Hybrid CMS Diagram](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_no_crop_/public/media/image/2022-03/hybrid-headless-diagram-simple.png?itok=O12RN641) ## Use Your Favorite Technology ![NextJS Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_bar/public/media/image/2022-03/nextjs-logo.png?itok=Cv5O83MB) ![React Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_bar/public/media/image/2022-03/react-logo.png?itok=grypM6eP) ![Gatsby logo](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_bar/public/media/image/2022-03/Gatsby_Monogram_1.png?itok=yCTH1-h5) ![NuxtJS Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_bar/public/media/image/2022-03/NuxtJS_Logo.png?itok=uQUd7tIN) ![VueJS Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_bar/public/media/image/2022-03/vuejs-logo.jpeg?itok=YBEtx2BX) ![Svelte Logo](/sites/default/files/styles/logo_bar/public/media/image/2022-03/svelte-logo.jpeg?itok=BLQCpgaV) Image ![Dries](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_full_no_crop_/public/media/image/2022-08/Testimonial%20Graphic-Dries.png?itok=rzxYHlR7) Image ![Blue quote marks](/sites/default/files/styles/wysiwyg_72px_width/public/media/image/2022-08/Quotes.png?h=d07e2d79&itok=guz1hIJ3) #### With over a decade of support for decoupled architectures, Drupal has become a go-to tool for building applications. ###### Dries Buytaert CTO of Acquia & Creator of Drupal Get on the Same Page ## Resources for the Whole Team Acquia provides e-books about headless and hybrid CMSs created specifically for different parts of the organization. A common understanding of terms and capabilities makes it easier to get cross-team alignment. ![developers around a monitor](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_accordion_desktop/public/legacy/images/2020-12/d9h_3.jpg?itok=GYIw-p-1) ![An external website photo for Supply & Demand Chain Executive - 4/11/2020](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_accordion_desktop/public/legacy/acquia_external_news/e492967328a422f8680ab20d6ea00d71_4.png?itok=IRTur6Qw) ![content marketer posting content ](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_accordion_desktop/public/legacy/images/2020-03/GettyImages-626259596_4.jpg?itok=ZbqIJh6y) ![developers around a monitor](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_accordion_desktop/public/legacy/images/2020-12/d9h_3.jpg?itok=GYIw-p-1) ### [ Developers ](#) A technical discussion about the pros and cons of unified and decoupled architectures, the difference between headless and decoupled, and how to decide on a CMS approach for your organization [Download Technical Guide](/index%2ephp/index%252ephp/resources/e-book/hybrid-headless-drupal-101) ![An external website photo for Supply & Demand Chain Executive - 4/11/2020](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_accordion_desktop/public/legacy/acquia_external_news/e492967328a422f8680ab20d6ea00d71_4.png?itok=IRTur6Qw) ### [ Business Leaders ](#) A strategic look at the difference between traditional, headless, and hybrid CMS, considerations for determining the best option for your organization, and best practices for decoupled architectures. [Download How-to Guide](/index%2ephp/index%252ephp/resources/e-book/how-guide-hybrid-headless-cms-and-decoupled-apps) ![content marketer posting content ](/sites/default/files/styles/feature_accordion_desktop/public/legacy/images/2020-03/GettyImages-626259596_4.jpg?itok=ZbqIJh6y) ### [ Marketers ](#) A marketer-friendly guide with definitions of the different types of CMSs available, questions to consider when evaluating CMS options, and the benefits of taking a hybrid approach to content management. [Download Marketer Guide](/index%2ephp/index%252ephp/resources/e-book/why-hybrid-cms-becoming-cms-choice-among-marketers) ## Dive Deeper - [Image ![Acquia Logo Blue Background](/sites/default/files/styles/card_tablet/public/media/image/2021-10/Acquia.png?h=be683029&itok=dIaLL-NR) Webinar March 24, 2022 ###### Decoupled Architecture: A Developer’s Primer Decoupled Architecture: A Developer’s Primer ](/index%2ephp/events/webinars/decoupled-architecture-developers-primer) - [Image ![Experience Acquia](/sites/default/files/styles/card_tablet/public/media/image/2021-02/Events_Experience%20Acquia%20Online_Optimizing%20Your%20Most%20Powerful%20Engagement%20Tool_Social%20Media%20Graphics_v1%200_Instagram%20Story_1.png?h=8e28f27e&itok=pxGYjReT) Webinar March 23, 2022 ###### Drupal as a Hybrid CMS Join the webinar to learn the uses cases for headless and decoupled approaches, and see real examples of organizations with successful approaches. ](/index%2ephp/events/webinars/stories-field-drupal-hybrid-cms) - [Image ![software dev](/sites/default/files/styles/card_tablet/public/media/image/2021-03/software-development-580x358.jpg?h=2f26fa7e&itok=ApfrsVA_) Webinar December 15, 2021 ###### IMPROVE CODE QUALITY AND TIME TO MARKET: MANAGED DEVOPS SERVICE W Learn how Acquia provides the only end-to-end web platform for Drupal with 100% cloud-based development tools. ](/index%2ephp/events/webinars/improve-code-quality-and-time-market-managed-devops-service-workflow) An Industry Leader Feature Comparison Every headless CMS has APIs, content modeling, SDKs, and commercial support – it's table stakes for any modern system today. Look a bit deeper and the differences become much clearer. Feature Acquia Contentful Contentstack NodeJS hosting Build your applications in one place. Avoid piecemeal services, multiple logins, and a complicated procurement process for your applications. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚪⚪⚪ ⚪⚪⚪ Global data centers Build, deploy, and host your applications where they need to live. Serve your entire team and customers across the world. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚪⚪⚪ ⚪⚪⚪ Full API support Custom REST, JSON:API, and GraphQL support. Don't get stuck without options. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚫⚫⚪ ⚫⚪⚪ CLI tools Modern developers need CLI tools for both the application and the platform. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚫⚫⚪ ⚫⚪⚪ Modular plugin system Your application is as unique as you are. Extensibility of function and process is a critical capability. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚪⚪⚪ ⚫⚪⚪ Configurable UI Adapt the UX to fit your team, not the other way around. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚫⚫⚪ ⚪⚪⚪ Advanced taxonomy Creating content is easy – organizing it is not. You need an advanced taxonomy system to power organic organization that evolves as your content repository grows. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚫⚪⚪ ⚫⚪⚪ Unlimited users, roles, and languages Don't pay extra for more users or languages. Get unlimited access to do what you need across your entire team. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚪⚪⚪ ⚪⚪⚪ Bulk imports and exports Get your data in and back out again. Don't let your content be held hostage. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚫⚪⚪ ⚫⚫⚪ Low-code tools Structured data is necessary, but not sufficient. Give your business users the self-service tools they need. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚪⚪⚪ ⚪⚪⚪ Open source True freedom and flexibility coupled with the best security, from a community that's millions strong. 🔵🔵🔵 ⚪⚪⚪ ⚪⚪⚪ ## Business Toolkits [View More Toolkits](/index%2ephp/resources?resource_type%5B0%5D=260211) - [ ![Icon for Toolkit resource](/themes/custom/juice/images/resources/card/Toolkit/pink-to-blue-icon.png) Toolkit 1 min ###### Decision Guide: Traditional, Headless and Hybrid CMS Follow our decision guide to decide whether a traditional, fully headless or hybrid CMS approach is right for your organization. Omnichannel ](/index%2ephp/resources/toolkit/decision-guide-traditional-headless-and-hybrid-cms) - [ ![Icon for Toolkit resource](/themes/custom/juice/images/resources/card/Toolkit/pink-to-teal-icon.png) Toolkit 1 min ###### Information Snapshot: Which CMS Approach Is Right For Your Brand? Is traditional, headless, or hybrid headless the right content management approach for your organization? Types of CMS ](/resources/toolkit/information-snapshot-which-cms-approach-right-your-brand) - [ ![Icon for Toolkit resource](/themes/custom/juice/images/resources/card/Toolkit/pink-to-teal-icon.png) Toolkit 1 min ###### Information Snapshot: Get to Know the Hybrid CMS A hybrid content management system (CMS) essentially blends the best attributes from both traditional and headless CMS types. Types of CMS ](/index%2ephp/resources/toolkit/information-snapshot-get-know-hybrid-cms)