Modern web applications demand flexibility—mobile, web, and IoT clients require different data structures, while monolithic APIs often result in over-fetching or under-fetching issues. To solve this, developers turn to Backend for Frontend (BFF) or Headless CMS.
But if a CMS already handles business logic, integrations, and automation—do you even need BFF?
Let’s explore this using OneEntry Headless CMS, which goes beyond traditional CMS capabilities.
What Is Backend for Frontend (BFF)?
BFF is an API layer between clients and microservices, designed to adapt data for different platforms.
How BFF Works:
1️⃣ The frontend sends a request to the BFF.
2️⃣ BFF aggregates data from multiple services (CRM, payments, logistics), formats it for the specific client.
3️⃣ It returns an optimized response to the client.
Advantages of BFF:
✔ Optimized API calls – combines multiple requests into one.
✔ Flexible data structure – different payloads for web vs. mobile.
✔ Increased security – hides internal services and manages token validation.
Ideal for microservices-based projects, personalized APIs, and complex integrations (Netflix, Spotify, e-commerce, SaaS).
What Is Headless CMS and Can It Replace BFF?
A Headless CMS provides an API to serve content, but can it handle BFF’s responsibilities?
Traditional Headless CMS Features:
🔹 Stores and serves structured data via API.
🔹 Delivers content across multiple platforms (mobile apps, websites).
🔹 Manages user roles and permissions.
However, classic CMSs don’t aggregate data from multiple services or handle business logic, making them an incomplete replacement for BFF.
But OneEntry changes the game.
OneEntry: When CMS Can Replace BFF
Unlike traditional CMSs, OneEntry is a flexible platform with built-in business functions that eliminate the need for BFF in many cases.
🔹 Multilevel product catalogs → Custom product filtering, sorting, pinning, and grouping.
🔹 Image optimization → Automatic compression and preview generation.
🔹 User account management → Order tracking, purchase history, bonus programs, push notifications, and email campaigns.
🔹 Business process automation → Order management, logistics, payments, and notifications.
🔹 Accounting system integration → Basic plan uses low-code, while Standard and Premium plans offer full automation.
🔹 Low-code workflow automation → Example: rental services can automatically verify identity, process payment, and issue electronic access codes.
🔹 Pre-built business applications → E-commerce, food delivery, ticket sales, and education platforms with preconfigured data structures.
📌 All of these typically require BFF, but OneEntry provides them out-of-the-box.
*BFF vs. OneEntry Headless CMS: Feature Comparison *
When Should You Choose OneEntry Instead of BFF?
🔹 If you need a ready-made solution for e-commerce, SaaS, or services with user accounts.
🔹 If integration with payment systems, CRM, and accounting is critical.
🔹 If you want to automate processes without writing custom code (low-code tools).
When Might You Still Need BFF?
🚀 For high-load applications, where API optimization requires custom tuning.
🚀 For integrating with legacy systems, that can’t connect directly to the CMS.
🚀 When data aggregation is complex, involving multiple independent sources, including IoT devices.
Conclusion
📌 BFF is a powerful tool, but it’s not always necessary.
📌 OneEntry Headless CMS already performs many BFF functions, including automation, integrations, and custom API handling.
📌 For most business cases, OneEntry can replace BFF, simplifying architecture and reducing development time.
🚀 Does your next project really need a BFF, or does OneEntry already solve your challenges?
Top comments (0)