Optical Flex vs Basic: Feature Comparison
Overview
This guide helps business owners understand which features are available in Optical Basic versus Optical Flex, and provides clarity on commonly requested features that require custom implementation through Optical Flex.
Product Positioning
| Aspect | Optical Basic | Optical Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Standard content management needs | Complex, enterprise-grade requirements |
| Deployment | Ready-to-use platform with core CMS functionality | Custom-built solutions tailored to specific needs |
| Customization | Limited to configuration options and themes | Full customization capability through System Integrators |
| Implementation | Self-service or minimal setup assistance | Professional services with dedicated technical teams |
π οΈ Flex-Only Features
Commonly Requested Features Supported via Optical Flex
These features are available in Optical Flex, where System Integrators handle the technical implementation and customisation for your specific needs. While not currently planned for Optical Basic, we actively monitor tenant needs and usage patterns to evaluate their inclusion in Basic.
| # | Feature | Supported In | Notes | Common Use Cases |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Scheduled Publish | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Content scheduling with precise timing controls | News releases, campaign launches, regulatory announcements |
| 2 | Advanced Content Search | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Full-text search, filtering, faceted search | Large content repositories, knowledge bases |
| 3 | Multi-step Approval Workflows | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Custom approval chains with role-based permissions | Government agencies, financial institutions, healthcare |
| 4 | SSO Integration | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | SAML, OAuth, Active Directory integration | Enterprise environments, staff portals |
| 5 | Email Subscription and Campaigns | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Newsletter management, automated campaigns | Marketing teams, stakeholder communications |
| 6 | Custom User Dashboards | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Personalized interfaces based on user roles | Multi-tenant environments, partner portals |
| 7 | API-first Architecture | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Headless CMS capabilities, third-party integrations | Mobile apps, omnichannel experiences |
| 8 | Advanced Analytics | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Custom reporting, user behavior tracking | Performance monitoring, content optimization |
| 9 | Multi-language Support | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Content translation workflows, locale management | International organizations, multilingual sites |
| 10 | Custom Content Types | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Beyond standard pages/posts (events, products, etc.) | Specialized content requirements |
| 11 | SFTP Support | Flex Full Stack / Flex CMS Only | Secure file transfer protocol for content delivery | Media management, bulk content updates, secure file sharing |
| 12 | Advanced Data Services | Flex CMS Only | Websites with frequent data updates (1-5 min intervals) | Real-time dashboards, live data feeds, dynamic content systems |
Features Under Evaluation for Basic
These features are being considered for future inclusion in Optical Basic based on user feedback and market demand:
| Feature | Current Status | Evaluation Criteria | Estimated Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Content Search | Under Review | User demand, technical complexity | H1 2026 |
| Simple Scheduling | Research Phase | Implementation cost vs. benefit | Future consideration |
| Basic User Roles | Under Review | Security implications, UI complexity | H1 2026 |
| Simple Analytics | Research Phase | Third-party integration options | Future consideration |
Decision Framework: Basic vs Flex
Choose Optical Basic If:
- β Standard content management needs (pages, posts, media)
- β Small to medium content volume (<1000 pages)
- β Simple user permission requirements
- β Budget-conscious implementation
- β Quick deployment timeline (weeks, not months)
- β Limited technical resources
Choose Optical Flex If:
- π§ Complex workflow requirements
- π§ Integration with existing enterprise systems
- π§ Custom user interfaces or experiences
- π§ Advanced security or compliance requirements
- π§ Large-scale content operations (>1000 pages)
- π§ Multi-site or multi-brand management
- π§ Dedicated technical team or System Integrator partnership
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my requirements need Flex?
If you need any of the βFlex-Only Featuresβ listed above, or have complex integration requirements, Flex is likely the better choice. Contact our team for a requirements assessment.
Can Flex do everything Basic does?
Yes, Flex includes all Basic functionality plus extensive customization capabilities. However, the setup process is more complex and requires technical expertise.
