Why Madrona
A platform built specifically for cultural heritage - not adapted from generic software or constrained by decades-old architecture.
How Madrona compares
| Feature | Legacy CMS | Madrona |
|---|---|---|
| Deployment | On-premises servers you maintain | Cloud-hosted, we handle infrastructure |
| Updates | Annual upgrade projects, downtime required | Continuous updates designed to avoid scheduled downtime |
| Getty Vocabularies | Manual import, periodic refresh | Native integration, real-time suggestions |
| IIIF Support | Add-on or third-party tool | Built-in image serving and manifests |
| Audit Trails | Limited or module-specific | Complete field-level history for everything |
| Integrations | Custom development or expensive add-ons | Data integration included during implementation |
| User Interface | Desktop-era design | Responsive web application |
| Mobile Access | Limited or none | Full functionality on any device |
| Pricing Model | Per-seat + maintenance + modules | All-inclusive, scales with institution |
The cost of staying put
Legacy systems aren't just outdated - they carry hidden costs that add up every year.
Less time on administration
Replace manual data reconciliation across multiple systems with one shared data layer.
Faster cataloging
Getty vocabulary autocomplete and bulk operations are designed to accelerate cataloging workflows.
No IT infrastructure to manage
Cloud-hosted platform eliminates server maintenance, backups, and upgrade cycles.
Full data portability
Export capabilities in standard formats mean you're never locked in. Your data remains yours.
Legacy system costs you might not see
Madrona
All-inclusive annual subscription
Madrona
Cloud-hosted, no infrastructure to manage
Madrona
Automatic updates designed to avoid scheduled downtime
Madrona
Data integration handled during implementation
Madrona
Intuitive web UI, minimal training needed
Madrona
Automation built in
What makes Madrona different
Built for cultural heritage, not adapted
Madrona was designed from day one for cultural heritage workflows. We didn't retrofit enterprise software or bolt on cultural heritage features - we started with what institutions actually need.
Cloud-native architecture
No legacy code from the 1990s. Madrona is built on current technology that enables real-time collaboration, mobile access, and data integration across systems.
Standards-native
Getty vocabularies, IIIF, and linked data are built into the foundation - not checkboxes, not add-ons. JSON-LD export is suitable for CIDOC-CRM mapping.
Transparent pricing
One subscription includes the full platform, unlimited users, and data integration during implementation. No per-seat fees, no module upsells, no maintenance surcharges.
No lock-in
Full data export in standard formats, complete audit trail access, and API availability. Your data remains yours, and you can leave whenever you want.
Continuous improvement
Regular updates with new features, performance improvements, and security patches - all included in your subscription. No annual upgrade projects.
Ready to see the difference?
Schedule a demo to see how Madrona compares to your current system.
Request a demo