Understanding OpenText Exstream: Classic vs. Cloud Native (CN)

OpenText Exstream has long been a go-to solution for organizations crafting personalized, omnichannel customer communications. But with the release of Exstream Cloud Native (CN), particularly the recent 24.2 version in 2025, there’s a fresh twist to this CCM powerhouse. So, what sets the classic Exstream apart from its Cloud Native sibling? Let’s break it down.

The Classic Exstream

The traditional OpenText Exstream is a robust, battle-tested platform, often deployed on-premise or in managed cloud environments. It’s designed for high-volume, event-driven transactional communications—think invoices, statements, and contracts—integrated tightly with ERP and CRM systems. Its strength lies in its stability and extensive feature set, including dynamic templates, interactive editing, and multi-channel delivery (email, web, print). However, it’s typically tied to a more rigid infrastructure, requiring dedicated servers and IT oversight for scaling or updates. This makes it a solid choice for enterprises with established workflows and a preference for control over their environment.

Enter Exstream Cloud Native (CN)

Exstream Cloud Native, exemplified by the 24.2 release, takes a modern leap forward. It’s not just a rehash—it’s a reimagining built for agility and scalability. New features like the PDF Design Import Tool simplify migrations from legacy systems, while integration with OpenText Experience Aviator brings generative AI into the mix for rapid content creation. The revamped UI enhances customer journey management, and performance boosts in design tools and high-output print capabilities keep it competitive. But the real game-changer? Its architecture.

Cloud Native: It’s About Kubernetes, Not Just “The Cloud”

Here’s a key point: “Cloud Native” doesn’t mean Exstream CN has to run in a public cloud like AWS or Azure. Instead, it’s engineered for a Kubernetes environment, a container orchestration platform that can live anywhere—public clouds like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, or even on-premise setups like OpenShift. Kubernetes handles the heavy lifting of deployment, scaling, and management, using containers to package Exstream’s components (think microservices for document generation, rendering, or delivery). This means you get resilience (automatic pod restarts), scalability (spin up more pods as demand spikes), and portability—all without being locked into a specific cloud provider.

For the tech-savvy: Exstream CN leverages Kubernetes’ declarative configuration (e.g., YAML manifests) to define resources like deployments, services, and persistent volumes. It’s stateless where possible, with external databases (e.g., PostgreSQL or MongoDB) handling persistence, ensuring flexibility whether you’re running it on a local OpenShift cluster or AWS EKS. Compare that to classic Exstream, which might rely on a monolithic setup with tighter coupling to its host OS and hardware.

Why It Matters

Classic Exstream is your reliable workhorse—great for keeping the lights on in established, often on-prem setups. But Exstream Cloud Native is the future of customer communications management. It’s not just about where it runs—Kubernetes flexibility is a perk—but what it enables: faster innovation with AI-driven content, seamless migrations, and a platform that evolves with digital demands. Whether you deploy it on-prem or in the cloud, CN positions you to deliver smarter, more agile customer experiences. Classic holds the fort; Cloud Native redefines the battlefield.