FAQ

If you're not finding the answer to your question on this website, this page will help you. If you're still unsure, don't hesitate to connect with us on Slack, #optical or let our team know.

How does Optical differ from Traditional CMS?

Unlike traditional CMSs, which have a monolithic structure tightly coupling the backend and frontend, Optical uses a decoupled or headless CMS architecture. In a traditional CMS, once a content asset is published, it is in its final state. Customizing or adding new functionalities often requires plugins rather than true integrations. These plugins act more like temporary fixes rather than permanent solutions, as they are designed to bypass the rigid structure of the monolith.

Conversely, Optical separates the authoring and delivery infrastructures. It comes with an out-of-the-box presentation layer, including templates and pre-configurations, enabling teams to quickly start their digital experiences. This makes it function like a decoupled CMS. However, by default, Optical can operates as a headless CMS, delivering content via API in a structured JSON format. Optical's versatility subjected to our approval, extends to supporting other frontend frameworks for omnichannel needs. This flexibility allows teams to create a structured content model (schema) that delivers content to multiple channels without the limitations imposed by template-based CMSs.

Is Optical a SaaS product or can I self-host?

Optical currently offers two modes of service:

1. Full Hosting: For users who do not need customization and prefer to use Optical out-of-the-box, we provide complete hosting services, including both the frontend and backend (CMS & Database).

2. Backend-Only Hosting: For users requiring customization, we host only the backend (CMS & Database). The Agency hosts the frontend, allowing their development teams or vendors to customize, enhance, and maintain the website.

Can Optical fetch data from third-party API?

Currently, Optical accepts GET calls to external data sources (available on internet) to display content on Optical sites. Filters are possible as additional parameters i.e. https://[my-data-domain-api]?param1=criteria&param2=criteria

However, we do not support POST i.e. changing or submitting data back to data source.

Speak with us on your third-party integration needs, we are curious to learn.

Who owns Optical product?

Optical is from Government Digital Products (GDP), GovTech. It is a platform product under the Policy Productivity Programme. If you're interested to sign up for our product, you can do so via DevConsole (*coming soon) or reach out to us.

What is the price of Optical?

Optical's pricing is pending review and approval. Currently it is free for use, subject to changes.