The Umbraco US Summit has concluded, marking yet another remarkable event organized by our valued partner, providing access to one of the finest digital experience platforms in the market. The American market holds immense significance for the growth of Umbraco and our agency, prompting us to scrutinize the speeches delivered at the conference closely. Here are some highlights from the conference.

Following the Codegarden 2023 event, brimming with attractions and a wealth of insights in Umbraco's homeland, Denmark, our attention quickly turned to another gathering that captivated the interest of Umbraco's partners and enthusiasts. 

The Umbraco US Summit took place in October in Charlotte, North Carolina, a city steeped in NASCAR racing heritage, a theme that resonated throughout the speeches delivered by the participants. Our participation in the business segment of the summit afforded us valuable insights into the strategies for successful market entry in the United States, as well as Umbraco's ambitious plans for expanding its footprint and driving innovation in digital experience platforms.
 

TECHNOLOGICAL ACCELERATION

Somewhat in contrast to European conferences packed with technical details and new information, the TED-style talks inaugurating the Umbraco US Summit provided attendees with a welcome change of pace. These talks allowed for contemplation on the present state and the far-reaching future of the technology industry, serving as an interesting prelude to the forthcoming product presentations.

This was conveyed during a presentation by the renowned business author and futurist Tabitha A. Scott, who delved into the imperative of future-proofing businesses, with a particular focus on addressing burnout and its prevention within the technology industry. In an era characterized by unprecedented uncertainty, heightened anxiety, ceaseless distractions, and relentless change, her message struck a resonant chord.

As the speaker illuminated in her TED talk, using a video clip featuring a racing car as an apt metaphor, technological evolution has accelerated to an astonishing degree. What used to take an entire year for significant technological shifts now transpires in mere 30 seconds. This transformation has rendered the business landscape akin to steering a high-speed racing car rather than the predictable commute of a train journey. Much like a professional NASCAR driver who relies on a dedicated crew for guidance, warnings, and maintenance, modern business leaders, too, find themselves in need of a capable team to navigate this fast-paced journey.
 

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE CLOUD

Staying on the topic of technological changes and business keeping up with them, Josh Minthorne of Mainline Information System delivered an insightful presentation on the Cloud. This transformative technology offers unparalleled opportunities for business scalability, yet paradoxically, it often remains underutilized, failing to unleash its full potential.

"50% of the enterprises have workloads in the cloud, but most don't take full advantage of what the cloud provides" - he said. Merely moving current resources to the Cloud is a waste of its potential. You don't buy a new, faster car just to drive it at the same speed, he added.

This holds particular significance given the pivotal role that cloud technology plays in advancing Umbraco's capabilities. It empowers Umbraco's customers with the remarkable ability for rapid deployment, round-the-clock support from any corner of the globe, and facilitating seamless movement between different development environments.

 

UMBRACO IN NORTH AMERICA

Following these presentations, we transitioned to the summit's most compelling segment, especially from a partner's vantage point. This segment was dedicated to unraveling Umbraco's accomplishments, future prospects, and strategic initiatives in the North American market.

Umbraco's Vice President, Adam Bateson, talked about the company's roadmap extending until 2027, along with its core strategic principles. 

He also talked about the achievements of recent months on the American continent.

• Cloud is where the market is going, and it remains the company's absolute focus. 
• Umbraco exceeded its revenue targets.
• They built a full-time staff and 24/7 support with US offices.
• They are constantly expanding developer relations.

Of particular significance to our Umbraco agency, invested in engaging clients from the United States, was the VP's emphasis on the paramount importance placed on website migrations from existing systems to Umbraco. 

Our own experiences align with this, as we've observed a growing trend among customers dissatisfied with their platforms. Whether due to inadequate functionality, complex management, or pricing plans that fail to align with their needs, there's a rising inclination to consider Umbraco as a compelling and tangible alternative.
 

LEADING OPEN-SOURCE CMS IN THE MICROSOFT ECOSYSTEM

Under the banner of "Build like you want to build," Filip Bech Larsen, Umbraco's CTO, commenced one of his final addresses, underscoring the platform's commitment to a composable strategy.

Within this vision, he outlined key facets of Umbraco's ongoing evolution, including:

• Universal Headless Capabilities: Extending headless functionality across all products.
• Sustainability: Prioritizing eco-conscious design in technological processes.
• Developer Community Collaboration: Emphasizing a close partnership with the developer community.

Larsen also highlighted Umbraco's extensive array of APIs, showcasing the platform's adaptability in seamlessly integrating precisely the tools required for businesses. This adaptability stands as a linchpin in Umbraco's current and future endeavors.

The ambiance and energy at the US Umbraco Summit were every bit as compelling as those found at events hosted by tech industry giants, a fact that fills us, as a dedicated partner, with immense pride. It's a testament to the wisdom of choosing the right path.

If you're interested in the migration of your website to Umbraco, the development of a new web application or intricate website, or the creation of a customized integration for your existing Umbraco website, we extend a warm invitation to you for a free consultation.