XWiki vs Alfresco

Pricing

As Open Source software, both XWiki and Alfresco offer a free version, available for anyone to download and use.

XWiki's pricing includes four plans to choose from, starting as low as 1.00 EUR/month/user. From the Silver Package upwards (3.00 EUR/month/user), all extensions and additional apps are included, for no extra cost. Alfresco also offers three different tiers (Start, Business and Enterprise), but its service tariffs are quote-based on the grounds that each business has unique needs. A notable aspect is that Alfresco is better suited for medium-sized to large enterprises (packages start from a minimum of 100 users), while XWiki is adaptable to all types of enterprises, with plans being available from 10 users upwards.

Comparison between XWiki and Alfresco

In terms of technology and features

In terms of usage: Enterprise Content Management vs Wiki

Alfresco is an Enterprise Content Management (ECM) software, aiming to improve the efficiency of business processes and ease collaboration by securing content in an accessible platform. XWiki, on the other hand, is a modern collaboration tool in the form of a second-generation wiki, with a focus on providing collaborative solutions to enterprises of all sizes. Each XWiki instance can be tailored and become a productive workplace platform, whilst answering more complex knowledge management needs such as knowledge base, intranet/extranet, procedures management and more.

While similar because of their Open Source core, some discrepancies persist between XWiki and Alfresco. In terms of approach, wikis are centralized around "collaboration on the document", whereas ECMs focus on "document sharing and management". However, XWiki is more than a basic wiki and provides enterprise-related features for improved knowledge management. Rights management, file attachments, import and export (across multiple platforms) and the WYSIWYG editor are just a few which can ease your experience with the tool. On its side, Alfresco helps avert silos that drain productivity by helping businesses manage information across the enterprise. It enables fast interaction with information and quick organizational response. Similarly, with XWiki's structured data model you can ease the creation and editing of information within your company. In combination with livetables, the ability to filter by tags and the advanced search, your wiki's navigation capabilities will be improved and ensure you have rapid access to information, whenever and wherever you need it.

In terms of customization: App Within Minutes vs Application Development Framework

One of the key differences between XWiki and Alfresco lies in the potential development on top of the standard platform. As strong believers in the Open Source core, we designed XWiki to adapt to your needs and not the opposite.

XWiki takes thinking beyond preset features a step further by providing App Within Minutes. Built for non-technical users, it allows you to create your own extensions and continue collaborating efficiently. The focus is on helping you solve specific needs through a unique and tailored approach. On the other hand, Alfresco offers its Application Development Framework (ADF), a Javascript-based tool for building UX focused web applications. The main discrepancy between the tools lies in their accessibility. ADF offers plenty of assets for developers but requires skills and knowledge to be used, therefore it is not suited for end-users with no expertise. On the other hand, App Within Minutes is aimed at both technical users (features can be added for more in-depth customization) and non-technical ones, improving the experience for both.

In terms of extensibility and flexibility: How far can you go with XWiki?

As a "Knowledge Management and Collaboration" specialized platform, XWiki brings information management features to companies of all sizes. It is yours to adapt and extend so that it meets either individual or enterprise-related requiremenets. In Alfresco's case, it drives forward innovation by offering around 500 add-ons to improve either the Community or Enterprise version. However, at its core, it remains an Enterprise Content Management software. Contrarily, XWiki is fit to become the solution you need, be it in the form of a knowledge base, intranet, extranet or even as a website.

With over 750 extensions and apps to mix and match, XWiki is a versatile and scalable collaborative platform. Because usage is intuitive and straightforward, you don't have to be an experienced user to leverage its features and capabilities. You can use it right off the bat, start with a simple knowledge base and then improve it to undertake complex projects. The source code can be tweaked without restrictions, offering you a broader range of possibilities in terms of tailoring your approach. Whether you are looking for a solution to help with your document management or create a directory accessible to both internal and external individuals, with XWiki it is all feasible: "With XWiki, we can easily manage, organize and use documentation. We are able to connect each internal and external person. It allows us to use dedicated areas where we can discuss specific topics while helping us encourage our employees to interact better with each other. It saves us a lot of time and enables everyone to share the knowledge and information they possess."