Purpose
Learn about Arc XP and how it works
Purpose
Learn about Arc XP and how it works
Audience
Developers interested in using the Arc XP platform
Arc XP is a comprehensive cloud-native digital experience platform that helps medium to large organizations build, manage, and deliver content across multiple channels.
The Arc XP platform is built on AWS backend services and leverages Akamai's Content Delivery Network (CDN). This introduction presents key information about Arc XP’s architecture, core features, and functionalities.
Figure 1 shows a high-level architecture diagram of the Arc XP platform. Arc XP relies on microservices or components running on AWS infrastructure and uses server-side rendering.
Figure 1. Arc XP Platform Architecture
The Arc XP team handles the AWS infrastructure and provides customers with a Graphical User Interface (GUI) to manage key components. Customers also get access to the components’ APIs for development using the React framework.
Arc XP offers role-based access control with Okta authentication for enhanced security. Administrators grant different access levels to different roles:
The Arc XP platform relies on microservices or components grouped according to features and functionalities. The following sections provide an overview of each component and its key features.
Content Management
Content Management components control the creation, processing, and storage of articles and media assets within the Arc XP platform.
Composer
Central authoring tool for creating and editing content. Composer enables authors to write stories, add internal memo notes, and keep a content revision history.
Photo Center
Image management and optimization tool. Photo Center enables authors, photographers, and illustrators to upload, edit, organize, optimize, and reuse images across stories and galleries.
Video Center
Video content management and streaming tool. Video Center enables authors to upload videos, create live streams, and playlists, and monitor video engagement with real-time analytics.
Websked
Content planning and distribution workflow tool. Websked enables editors to plan and schedule content distribution, create tasks, and send email and Slack notifications to authors.
Frontend Rendering and Development
Frontend Rendering and Development components provide users and developers with tools to customize their Arc XP experience.
PageBuilder Engine
Core rendering technology with component-based architecture using React. PageBuilder Engine enables developers to integrate and deploy custom content blocks through bundles.
PageBuilder Editor
Visual interface for creating and managing pages. PageBuilder Editor enables editors to drag and drop components and select content sources to create pages.
Mobile SDKs
Native app development tools for iOS and Android. Our Mobile SDKs are open to the Arc XP community and are at the core of our Open Source Initiative.
Themes
Framework for building and customizing websites. Themes enables editors to change the styling and layouts of Arc XP’s Out-of-the-Box content blocks.
Content Distribution
Content Distribution components control how Arc XP content reaches final users.
Content API
Primary interface for accessing reader-facing content. Content API offers content filtering and metadata for embedded media in stories.
View API
Headless interface for accessing reader-facing content. View API is a high-performance and read-only API to deliver content to web and mobile platforms when speed is a priority.
Web Delivery
CDN integration and content delivery optimization. Akamai’s global CDN ensures scalable content availability and speed to serve all your users.
Analytics and Optimization
Custom analytics reporting tools. Arc XP supports A/B testing capabilities, content testing with Bandito, and personal recommendations via Clavis.
Account Management
Account Management components control final user subscriptions, access, and monetization.
Subscriptions
User identity, access management, and monetization. Subscriptions enables customer support representatives to manage user accounts and sales representatives to create digital products that generate revenue.
Identity Services
Authentication and authorization. Identity services enable administrators to manage and monitor access to the Arc XP platform. Arc XP leverages Okta authentication for enhanced security.
The full-featured Arc XP platform is only available to signed customers, but any developer can try the Arc Fusion CLI for free. The Arc Fusion CLI includes a local server for PageBuilder Engine and PageBuilder Editor. The Arc Fusion CLI enables developers to test Arc XP’s core functionalities and develop custom content blocks.
Setting Up Your Dev PlaygroundWhen you become our customer, Arc XP provides a dedicated Arc XP instance to which you can link your GitHub repository.
To start creating, publishing, and developing in the Arc XP platform, take the following steps:
Get access and permissions to your Arc XP instance
Configure a development environment
Explore the Arc XP User Interface
Once you get familiar with the Arc XP platform, you can: