headless CMS (headless content management system)

A headless content management system (CMS) delivers back-end capabilities for editing, organizing and storing all types of digital information, without regard to how that content is published, displayed or used.

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Compared to a conventional WCM system, a headless CMS can more easily support omnichannel delivery -- including native mobile apps, mobile web apps, PC-powered webpages, speech and audio interfaces, and other digital experiences. But flexibility and extensibility come at a cost -- some programming is required.

A headless CMS includes a set of RESTful APIs to separate back-end content management from front-end presentation. Application developers must sort through various technical options to deliver front-end experiences that delight their target audiences and meet business needs. They need to have the insights and expertise to understand the various tradeoffs, and make the appropriate design decisions.