OpenCms
OpenCms is a free, self-hosted Java and XML content management system for building and editing websites.
What OpenCms is
OpenCms is a free, self-hosted Java and XML content management system for building and editing websites. Editors can work in a browser with drag-and-drop page building, inline editing, or a form-based editor. One installation can centrally manage hundreds of sites, with subsites and user access set up by site. Its database-backed repository supports MariaDB/MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MSSQL, and DB2. Content can be reached through WebDAV, CMIS, an SMB network share, the web interface, or a headless REST API. The current release, OpenCms 22, is dated October 6, 2026, and supports Jakarta EE and servlet containers including Tomcat 10 and Jetty 12. It adds optional SHA-512-based deduplicating media storage that can move binary content to S3-compatible object storage. The distribution includes the responsive Mercury template, based on Bootstrap. Alkacon OCEE offers an LDAP connector for permissions, as well as clustering and database replication. Premium support targets mission-critical projects and includes a next-business-day response and core and OCEE bug fixing. OpenCms also lists consulting at €1,000, paid once, a 10-incident package at €2,500, paid once, and premium support at €5,000 a year.
Good
- Free software with no license fees
- One installation can manage hundreds of websites
- Supports multiple databases and content access methods
- Includes browser-based editing and a responsive template
Watch out
- Self-hosted deployment requires local operations
- Custom user roles are not available
- Core bug fixing is exclusive to Premium Support
Who it suits
OpenCms may suit organizations managing large internet or intranet projects, especially those with many sites and centralized user administration. It is intended for teams comfortable operating self-hosted software and choosing among paid support options.
Verdict
OpenCms provides broad publishing and integration options for organizations managing multiple sites. Teams should weigh its self-hosted model and the distinction between support packages, particularly if core bug fixing is needed.
Plans and prices
From OpenCms's own pricing page, checked 9 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| OpenCms | Free | LGPL free software · downloadable and usable without license fees |
| OpenCms Consulting | €1,000, paid once | Per-day consulting · 1000 € (plus travel expenses) per day of OpenCms consulting |
| 10 Incident Support Package | €2,500, paid once | 10 incidents · no OpenCms core bug-fixing service · 2500 € for 10 incidents, valid for 12 months from purchase date |
| Premium Support Subscription | €5,000 a year | Unlimited incidents · 2 named contacts · core and OCEE bug fixing · 5000 € for 12 months of premium support |
The facts
Each one read from OpenCms's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Content access
- Content can be accessed through WebDAV, CMIS, an SMB network share, the web interface, or a headless REST API.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Current release
- OpenCms 22, dated October 6, 2026, supports Jakarta EE and servlet containers including Tomcat 10 and Jetty 12.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Custom content types
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Custom user roles
- Nochecked 22 Sep 2026
- Databases
- The database-backed repository supports MariaDB/MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle, MSSQL, and DB2.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Editing
- Editors work in a browser and can build pages with drag and drop, edit inline, or switch to a form-based editor.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Editorial workflows
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Enterprise integrations
- Alkacon OCEE offers an LDAP connector for integrating LDAP/AD directories with OpenCms permissions, plus clustering and database replication.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Included template
- OpenCms is distributed with the responsive Mercury template, which is based on Bootstrap.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Intended projects
- The maker describes OpenCms as suited to large internet or intranet applications, including installations with many websites and centralized user administration.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Media library
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Media storage
- OpenCms 22 adds an optional SHA-512-based deduplicating media storage engine that can move binary content to S3-compatible object storage.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Multilingual content
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Multi-site management
- One installation can centrally manage hundreds of websites, with subsites and user access configured by site.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- OpenCms is a Java and XML content management system for creating and editing websites.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Security reporting
- Alkacon provides a form for reporting security issues in OpenCms, OCEE, and its other products, and says it will try to respond quickly.checked 9 Oct 2026
- SEO tools
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
- Support
- Premium support targets mission-critical projects, guarantees a response within the next business day, and includes core and OCEE bug fixing.checked 9 Oct 2026
- Support limitation
- The 10-incident support package does not include OpenCms core bug fixing; that service is exclusive to Premium Support subscribers.checked 9 Oct 2026
The company
- Founded
- 2005checked 19 Oct 2026
- Headquarters
- Cologne, Germanychecked 19 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Alkacon Software develops OpenCms and is located in Cologne, Germany.checked 9 Oct 2026
Money
- Free plan
- Yeschecked 22 Sep 2026
Where it runs
- Platform type
- self_hostedchecked 22 Sep 2026
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