Company
Date Published
Author
Charlie Bell
Word count
1752
Language
English
Hacker News points
None

Summary

Legacy digital experience platforms (DXPs) often hold companies back due to the sunk cost fallacy, where decision-makers continue investing in outdated systems because they feel too committed to stop, despite the advantages modern platforms offer. This mindset is comparable to homeowners investing more in a house that doesn't meet their needs, hoping that a little more effort will make things right. Digital leaders often hesitate to transition to modern DXPs due to familiarity with their current systems, fear of breaking vendor relationships, and negative past experiences with upgrades. However, modern platforms like Contentful offer composability, ease of integration, and frequent, manageable updates that can transform digital experiences without the extensive disruptions associated with legacy systems. The transition can begin with low-risk, high-impact projects using a salami-slice strategy, gradually bringing more business areas onto the new platform. This approach allows companies to enjoy benefits like improved performance, user experience, and scalability while mitigating the risks and fears of replatforming. Docusign's successful transition to Contentful illustrates these benefits, as they achieved faster updates and expanded their capabilities by leveraging Contentful’s features. Embracing change and challenging past assumptions can lead to significant advancements and prepare businesses for future demands.