Author
Dominique De Cooman
How AI, Open Source, and Community Collaboration Drive Global Trust and Innovation
In a world increasingly defined by rapid technological evolution and geopolitical uncertainties, organizations are faced with pressing questions about data sovereignty, privacy, and strategic autonomy. While many turn to pure Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platforms for speed and convenience, these can come with hidden vulnerabilities—rising tariffs, shifting terms of service, and complicated compliance risks. On the other hand, fully self-assembled open-source stacks promise freedom but can be daunting to integrate and maintain.
Enter the sovereign Open DXP, a middle path that combines the best of both worlds. Built on robust open-source components such as Drupal, Mautic, and Apache Unomi, and optionally complemented by a sophisticated AI and DXP layer, our sovereign Open DXP addresses the need for both innovation and independence. As a leading advocate for this approach, Dropsolid stands as a beacon of collaboration and a force for good—empowering organizations of all sizes with a future-proof digital experience platform that does not compromise on control, privacy, or open-source values.
Why sovereignty matters
1. Data privacy and compliance
In an era where the movement and use of data is increasingly regulated, owning and controlling your core systems and data has become paramount. Sovereignty ensures that you—and not a third-party vendor—determine how data is stored, accessed, and utilized. This fosters compliance with regulations like the GDPR, HIPAA, or other local privacy laws while drastically reducing risks tied to vendor lock-in or abrupt changes in service policies.
2. Security and autonomy
Owning your technology stack means you’re in the driver’s seat regarding updates, patches, and security protocols. With global cyber threats on the rise, having the flexibility to deploy security measures on your own timetable is a significant advantage. Moreover, when crises such as geopolitical tensions occur, organizations are better insulated from disruptions if they control the hosting and management of their platforms.
3. Shield against tariffs and external pressures
Recent geopolitical shifts have led to new tariffs and potential trade barriers that make pure SaaS solutions precarious. If a service provider is subject to sudden price hikes or compliance demands in its home country, your business can suffer. A sovereign Open DXP architecture largely mitigates these risks. You have the option to host on-premise or in a data center of your choice and retain autonomy over critical components. This agility ensures you’re less exposed to external pressures, unpredictable costs, or unilateral contractual changes.
Open DXP: The golden mean
“Open DXP is alive”. That’s our response to those who argue that DXP is dead—particularly when they conflate DXP with “monolithic” solutions. At Dropsolid, we believe that an open DXP, built on modern open-source foundations like Drupal (for content management), Mautic (for marketing automation), and Apache Unomi (for customer data and analytics), combines the agility of composable stacks with the cohesion of an integrated solution.
Pre-integrated for rapid deployment
While composable stacks often require extensive DevOps, integration, and testing, an open DXP provides a ready-made framework, reducing complexity and getting you to market faster.
| Criteria | Traditional SaaS | Open DXP |
|---|---|---|
| Speed to Market | Requires multiple integrations, can be slow | Pre-integrated features (Drupal, Mautic, Unomi) |
| Initial Cost | Subscription fees per tool or feature | Lower initial cost; open-source, fewer licensing fees |
| Vender Lock-In | Often high (proprietary systems, TOS changes) | Minimal; open-source code, optional add-ons |
| Data Sovereignty | Limited (data hosted by vendor) | Full control (on-premise or private cloud) |
| Security & Compliance | Vendor-dependent | Direct oversight of security, compliance, and updates |
| AI Integration | Usually proprietary, black-box integration | Dropsolid AI optional, transparent, can run on-prem |
Dropsolid’s AI & DXP layer: A Game-changer
Faster to market, better UX
Whether you’re a large enterprise or an SME, time to market and quality user experiences are essential. Dropsolid’s proprietary AI and DXP layer extends your open-source foundation with pre-configured features, unified analytics, and streamlined workflows. This drastically cuts down implementation time compared to do-it-yourself stacks.
Less risk, more productivity
By simplifying integrations and providing a robust DevOps pipeline, our DXP layer enables organizations to maintain focus on strategy and content rather than troubleshooting. Enjoy:
- Pre-installed SEO features
- Pre-configured media handling
- Automated analytics aggregation across Drupal (content), Mautic (email campaigns), and Unomi (user data)
- AI-Powered campaigns: Use ChatGPT-like capabilities to orchestrate campaigns across Drupal and Mautic effortlessly
Flexibility and choice
The DXP layer is fully optional—an addition rather than a requirement. Drupal, Mautic, and Unomi already tick the essential boxes for open-source sovereignty. For those who want to amplify capabilities and accelerate time to market, Dropsolid’s DXP module is the natural next step. You can include it in your RFP with confidence, knowing it enhances rather than restricts your open-source flexibility.
Standing on the shoulders of the Open Source community
We’re makers, not just takers
Too many companies leverage open source while giving little back. At Dropsolid, we believe in giving more than we take. Our contributions to Drupal, Mautic, and Apache Unomi communities are significant, helping drive these projects forward.
Collaboration is our core value; competition alone can stifle the communal spirit that nurtures true innovation. We prefer a “collab first” mindset, building sustainable ecosystems where everyone benefits. We stand apart from companies that see open source merely as a competitive arena rather than a cooperative one.
Future-focused AI initiatives
We’re part of a working group selected by Dries Buytaert (the founder of Drupal), alongside 1xInternet, FreelyGive, Amazee, and Acquia, to advance Drupal AI. Our vision extends further to Mautic AI and Unomi AI—we firmly believe that if we can incorporate AI capabilities seamlessly across Drupal, Mautic, and Unomi, the entire open DXP landscape wins. Dropsolid AI is at the forefront of this movement, ensuring that even in an AI-driven future, sovereignty and open-source values remain central.
A beacon of hope in turbulent times
As the world faces data localization demands, tariff uncertainties, and ethical questions around AI, it’s increasingly clear that open, sovereign solutions represent the most resilient path forward. Dropsolid stands ready to be that beacon of hope—offering a global yet community-driven approach that respects sovereignty and fosters genuine partnerships.
Positive force for good
By continuously contributing to open-source communities, we ensure that the benefits of innovation extend to everyone—customers, partners, and the global tech ecosystem.
Conclusion and next steps
If you value data sovereignty, rapid innovation, and community-driven open-source technology, a sovereign Open DXP built on Drupal, Mautic, and Unomi is the golden mean you’ve been seeking. Dropsolid’s optional AI and DXP layer streamlines your journey, offering speed to market, robust security, and a future-proof architecture—without locking you into a single vendor or hindering your autonomy.
We invite you to explore this vision further at Drupal Dev Days Leuven 2025. Join us in making an impact through open, sovereign digital experiences that thrive in the face of global challenges. Together, let’s forge a brighter, more collaborative future — and prove that “DXP is alive and well” when it’s open, AI-empowered, and built for sovereignty.
Want to learn more right now?
Find other interesting articles here:
- How AI, DXP, and Composable stacks are shaping the digital future
- Why Open DXP + AI is the best of both worlds between composable stacks and monolithic DXPs
- Why Drupal is a Shark That constantly evolves
Get in touch to see how our sovereign Open DXP platform can power your next digital experience while championing privacy, compliance, and global collaboration. We believe in freedom, innovation, and the power of community—and we want you to be a part of it.