Nidhi Paneri | Blogs

In the previous blog, we walked through the step-by-step local installation of Sitecore XM Cloud. In this post, we’ll take the next step by exploring how to connect cloud and local environments setup by: Configuring item serialization Connecting to an XM Cloud environment Connecting to your local environment Pull serialized items from XM Cloud into your local repository Push serialized items into the local environment This workflow is essential because a local XM Cloud instance is a vanilla instance with no items. To work effectively, you’ll need to bring down items from your cloud environment. With Sitecore Serialization, you can sync items between cloud and local setups, ensuring your local development mirrors what exists in the cloud. Configure item Serialization The local installation includes the file at the below path for rendering host serialization authoring/items/next-starter.module.json For local development, you need a new se...

Many times, we want to accomplish a task but aren’t sure where to start—the same applies to Sitecore XM Cloud local setup and installation. In this guide, I’ll Walk you through the process of setting up a Sitecore XM Cloud environment locally, step by step. Sitecore XM Cloud is the cloud-native, headless version of Sitecore Experience Manager (XM), designed for modern, omnichannel digital experiences. It separates content management (authoring) from content delivery, enabling fast, API-driven, and scalable architectures. Developers can deliver content to web, mobile, and other channels via GraphQL APIs and Experience Edge, while content authors manage items in a cloud-first environment. Even though XM Cloud is cloud-first, a local environment is essential for: Experimenting safely with content, templates, and workflows. Testing headless frontends like Angular, React, or Next.js. Debugging GraphQL queries and APIs efficiently. Validating scheduled tasks...

When building modern digital experiences with Sitecore XM Cloud, selecting the right API for our use case can mean the difference between a lightning-fast application and a sluggish one. In this guide, we’ll dive into the two core API types—Delivering API and Authoring API—and explore when, why, and how to use each effectively. Sitecore XM Cloud: API-First and Headless API-First → Every interaction like content authoring, delivery, publishing is exposed via APIs (GraphQL, REST). Headless → The CMS manages content, but the presentation layer (websites, mobile apps, kiosks, etc.) is decoupled, allowing developers to use frameworks like React, Angular, Next.js, or Vue. The Two Main API Categories 1. Delivering APIs Delivering APIs are designed for content consumption. They’re fast, globally cached, and read-only, perfect for frontend apps and customer-facing experiences. Key Characteristics Fast, read-only APIs for content delivery Glob...

Building headless experiences with Sitecore XM Cloud often means integrating content with multiple systems like external APIs, CRMs, DAMs, ERPs, AI services, or custom apps. Instead of coupling everything directly, we can use Azure Functions as middleware. Here are 10 real-world Azure Function recipes for Sitecore XM Cloud integrations. 1. XM Cloud GraphQL Data Sync Purpose : Synchronize external system data (API, ERP, CRM) into XM Cloud content items. Trigger Point: Timer (e.g., daily sync at 2 AM) HTTP trigger (manual sync from UI) Working : Function queries external system API Transforms data by mapping API fields to XM Cloud fields Calls XM Cloud Authoring API mutation to create/update items 2. Content Personalization Enrichment Purpose : Auto-classify and tag XM Cloud content using AI. Trigger Point : Timer or XM Cloud Webhook (on item creation/update). Working: Function receives webhook and gets item content via GraphQL Delivery AP...