Candyspace Launches First Optimizely SaaS Website in EMEA for CFM International
Introduction
On September 30, 2025, Candyspace, a leading digital product agency and Gold partner of Optimizely, announced the launch of a new website for CFM International, marking a significant milestone in the digital landscape of the aerospace industry. The site, cfmaeroengines.com, is notable for being the first commercial deployment of Optimizely's SaaS-based, headless content management system (CMS) in the EMEA region.
The Partnership
CFM International, a renowned manufacturer of aircraft engines, selected Candyspace as its digital partner to redesign its website on Optimizely’s newly released SaaS CMS. Candyspace's extensive knowledge in headless and microservice technologies positioned it perfectly to transition the CFM website from legacy systems to a robust and future-proof solution. This migration not only solves existing technical challenges but also aligns with CFM's goals for digital transformation.
Key Features of the Website
The new CFM website leverages Optimizely's advanced platform capabilities designed to elevate user experience and performance:
1. Flexible Architecture: Optimizely's SaaS CMS is uniquely structured, separating backend content management from the frontend experience. This architecture allows CFM’s website to achieve high performance through its partnership with Vercel for optimal frontend hosting.
2. User-Friendly Content Editing: Unlike other headless CMS platforms that may complicate content management for marketing teams, Optimizely’s SaaS solution provides a leading-edge content editor experience. The "Optimizely Visual Builder" combined with an interactive live preview facilitates intuitive WYSIWYG content editing, enabling CFM's marketing team to craft engaging experiences without relying heavily on developers, thus streamlining content creation and accelerating time-to-market.
3. Scalability and Security: Designed for enterprise scale, the Optimizely SaaS CMS guarantees growth potential and robust scalability. Optimizely Graph is pivotal in delivering omnichannel content efficiently, enhancing security while minimizing maintenance efforts through automatic scaling and updates.
Benefits for CFM International
The newly redesigned website, cfmaeroengines.com, promises rich interactive experiences, real-time updates, and advanced data-driven storytelling. With over 250,000 visitors annually, the site offers an engaging user interface, straightforward event booking, and seamless news integration across devices. This digital environment represents CFM International’s commitment to leading the aerospace industry's digital transformation.
Candyspace’s Contribution
As an Optimizely Gold Partner, Candyspace played a crucial role in executing the project with exceptional product strategy, user experience (UX) expertise, and advanced technical skills. Tom Thorne, Managing Director of Candyspace, emphasized the significance of this launch as a key achievement, representing the first implementation of Optimizely’s SaaS CMS outside North America. He expressed pride in providing CFM International a platform designed for speed, agility, and performance.
Optimizely’s Innovative Approach
Optimizely continues to redefine the CMS landscape for modern enterprises. They have been recognized in various analyst reports for their flexible architecture and decoupled functionalities, along with a comprehensive suite for personalization and experimentation. The introduction of their new SaaS solution empowers marketing teams with the creativity and independence necessary for rapid response while reducing technical burdens and enhancing DevOps agility, a transformation reflected in its mid-2024 launch.
Future Collaborations
Candyspace and Optimizely are committed to partnering further to offer innovative SaaS and headless CMS solutions to global brands. Their goal is to modernize content, enhance experimentation programs, and personalize digital experiences across industries.
Conclusion
CFM International, a 50/50 joint venture between GE Aerospace and Safran Aircraft Engines, stands as a leading aircraft engine manufacturer with a track record of over 50,000 engines delivered globally. Meanwhile, Candyspace, a comprehensive digital products agency, focuses on designing, developing, and optimizing websites, mobile apps, and e-commerce platforms for ambitious companies investing in growth and digital transformation. Optimizely strives to improve marketers' lives through its holistic marketing operating system, Optimizely One, which combines industry-leading solutions for content management, marketing, experimentation, and personalization.