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FIRST, you need to deploy the Sitecore EXPERIENCE PLATFORM on your on-premises content management system before installing the Sitecore Experience Accelerator (SXA). You can then go to the Sitecore Downloads PAGE and download the SXA package that corresponds with the version of the Sitecore Experience Platform you are using.

The Sitecore Experience Accelerator (SXA) is a tool that enables web development TEAMS to develop WEBSITES faster and reuse components, TEMPLATES, and layouts across multiple sites. SXA basically separates STRUCTURE and design, which enables frontend/backend developers, content authors, and CREATIVE designers to work simultaneously, and you can deploy and maintain multiple sites efficiently and cost-effectively. After the user experience plan has been developed, everyone can get started on the platform. As an example: while the front-end developer is working on the theme, the content author enters content into the wireframe environment. Meanwhile, the developer sets up the data templates.

In essence, Sitecore Solr is primarily an indexing technology. Sitecore basically offers two search ENGINES, LUCENE and Solr, that can be used to search Sitecore's content databases as well as the operational databases used to gather analytics data, test data, and more. Solr can also be used for the following reasons:

• Solr performs better when indexing large quantities of items (50,000 and above).
• Solr has more robust capabilities. Solr is RECOMMENDED if the search is the PRIMARY interface for your site.

Sitecore CMS is based on .NET technology. Comparatively, Sitecore is better than a large number of other .NET-based platforms, such as OpenText or Sharepoint. Like any software implementation,  Sitecore implementation can also be time-consuming and expensive. However, it doesn't have to be complex. The following are some key points as part of the implementation process.

• Identify Implementation Type: A CMS implementation may involve a complete redesign or maybe more of a re-platforming. It is beneficial to MEET with your stakeholders before implementing to determine what is best for your business.
• Prepare Implementation Document: As every Sitecore implementation is unique, you should create an architecture document that outlines your requirements and provides stakeholders with an overview of the PROJECT. This will prevent any unpleasant surprises in the future.
• Set up a timeline: If you want your Sitecore implementation to succeed, you need to set a timeline.  This will give you a rough estimate of how long the project will take and will also help you plan for any downtime that may occur.
• Outline Expectations: Together with a timeline, you can outline what to EXPECT during the implementation process. Using a CMS like Sitecore won't instantly solve all of your business's problems and it also doesn't mean you can use all of its features. The most valuable thing you can do when you start is to know what to expect and what limitations you might face.
• Be aware of Costs: Costs can be high when implementing Sitecore. It is essential that you have a clear understanding of the project costs as WELL as the features and functions that are most important to your business.
• Implementation Process: Finally, your implementation partner will walk you through the entire implementation process. In addition to the timeline and costs, any additional resources and personnel required will also be considered. In addition, it will outline the steps that will be taken by teams working together and which project management style will be used to implement the changes, either waterfall or agile, or any other.

Data template fields have default VALUES known as STANDARD Values. In Sitecore, a standard value is a way to specify a default value for a field, so that whenever items are created, it is possible to specify a field value that must be USED by default. The standard values ASSOCIATED with each data template are stored in a child ITEM of the data template definition item called "Standard Values". Whenever the value of a field for an item is NULL, standard values are used.

As you can see in the above image, the "Sample item" data template basically contains the "Data" data template section definition item. The standard value of the "Sample" data template is stored as a child of the "Data" data template definition item named "_Standard Values."

AEM (Adobe Experience Manager) and Sitecore are two of the most popular enterprise-level CMS (Content MANAGEMENT systems). Below are some key DIFFERENCES between Sitecore and AEM that will help you determine which is best for your business.

AEM vs Sitecore:

• Sitecore Helix: It is a SET of guidelines and recommendations that govern the development of Sitecore websites.  Essentially, Helix describes the overall architecture of your Sitecore solution and explains design principles that are versatile and adaptable to any Sitecore project. It mainly focuses on reducing DEPENDENCIES between software MODULES, how they should be structured, and how individual sites can use them. Helix is a set of recommendations meant to make building, testing, extending, and maintaining a Sitecore project as easy as possible.

• Habitat: This is a working Sitecore project built on the Sitecore Experience Platform utilizing Helix design principles and recommendations. The project serves as an example and shows how Helix's principles are applied, and allows developers to experience a project that is aligned with these principles. In addition, it saves the developer from having to create modules from SCRATCH, as well as PROVIDES an excellent basis for developing additional modules and extending existing ones.

Sitecore and Drupal are incredibly powerful content management systems (CMS), but each has unique features/functionalities that are better suited to different types of businesses.

Drupal vs Sitecore:

Templates essentially PROVIDE a schema for content, and schema gives definition and structure to content. Generally, templates are items that provide structure and behaviour for other items. The following types of templates are available in Sitecore for different purposes:

• Data Templates: These are used to SPECIFY how data should be entered. Specifically, they determine which field sections, field types, and field names should be INCLUDED in each item.
• Branch Templates: This ALLOWS you to create a set of items instead of just one. Each branch template contains a branch template definition item, which can consist of a SINGLE item, a hierarchy of items, or multiple hierarchies of items.
• Command Template: You can insert items through logic rather than by using a predefined structure. The data template and branch template use predefined structures, but command templates refer to Sitecore UI commands that invoke wizards or logic to create new items.

SITECORE CMS UTILIZES three SQL Server databases listed below:

• Core: This database CONTAINS all Sitecore settings, such as a large configuration file for the Sitecore UI. When customizing Sitecore, such as when adding APPLICATIONS to the Sitecore desktop, it can be used.
• Master: All versions of the CONTENT are stored in this database. Here, business users edit/modify the content.
• Web: Here you can find the most recent or latest version of published content that has reached the final stages of its workflow.

WordPress and Sitecore are popular content management systems (CMS), but each has unique features/functionalities that are better suited to DIFFERENT types of businesses.

WordPress vs Sitecore:

The sea WATCHTOWER picture shows up because you are logged into the Desktop (the developer tool) rather than the Content Editor (the editor tool). Click the button labelled "SITECORE" in the lower/bottom LEFT corner of the screen and click "Log Off". This will take you BACK to the Sitecore login screen. You can now login as usual: click the "Content Editor" button and enter your login information. Then click the "Login" button.

All of the content on your WEBSITE can be managed and edited using the Content Editor (CE). User roles, local security settings, and any customizations on a Sitecore installation can influence the appearance and functionality of the Content Editor. CE user INTERFACE generally consists of three main SECTIONS or areas that can be customized according to your preferences. These are

• Ribbon: The area where you can ACCESS all the features of the Content Editor.
• Content Tree: An area in which all items are arranged and organized. All items within your Sitecore installation are displayed in the Content Tree.
• Content Area: This is where you can edit or make changes to your items.

In Sitecore, an item represents any kind of information that makes up a WEBPAGE, including text, layouts, media files,  and so on. Every item has a name, a unique ID (Identity), and a template defining the fields the item contains. Additionally, items may have multiple language versions. To edit, create, and INSERT items, you can use either the CONTENT Editor (for managing and editing items on the website) or the Experience Editor (for editing items visible on the web page). Before you can edit an item in the Content Editor or Experience Editor, it MUST be in the editing state. If you want to ensure that no other content authors work on the same item simultaneously, you can lock the item before you BEGIN.

In order to HELP you better understand the benefits of Sitecore, here are some of the platform key features: 

• Personalized CUSTOMER Data: Everything about customers, from their interactions to behaviours to data, is tracked and stored in order to provide insights to help the team deepen engagement and increase revenue.
• Sitecore Experience Database (xDB): By integrating all of your customer experience data (including data from CRM and non-Sitecore-based systems), the Sitecore xDB creates a single store for the entire experience. Finally, you can see the entire journey of every individual customer all in one place (single repository).
• Sitecore Experience Profile (xP): When xDB collects customer experience data, Sitecore XP creates an individual profile of each customer. The information in these profiles will help you to better understand your customers, such as what products they buy, what they click on, and how long they spend on your website.
• Multi-language and Multi-Site Content SUPPORT: Expanding globally brings many challenges, but delivering a consistent brand experience to new customers and employees is among the most crucial. Sitecore provides multilingual support to help you reduce your time-to-market and stay competitive, wherever you are. 
• Marketing automation: Marketers can easily build automation campaigns that deliver real-time, automated responses in response to the actions visitors TAKE on a site. For example, when a customer completes a purchase, an automated response email expressing appreciation for the purchase is sent.
• Sitecore Federated Experience Manager (FXM): Wouldn't it be great if you didn't have to switch all your websites to Sitecore? Sitecore FXM lets you extend certain Sitecore features to non-Sitecore sites, ensuring that your customers have a seamless, positive experience across all of your websites (and ensuring accurate customer data is captured).