Top Cloud-Based PIM Software – 2024 Guide

The evolution of PIM in the cloud era

Traditionally, PIM solutions were deployed on-premises, often requiring a significant share of upfront capital and IT resources.

This changed with the advent of cloud computing, which offers businesses a much more practical PIM solution. Without the need for physical infrastructure, cloud-based PIM systems enable benefits such as:  

• Enhanced scalability by eliminating the need for new hardware and storage to match business growth
• Unmatched flexibility to manage vast amounts of product information across multiple sales and marketing channels
• Streamlined accessibility with a single source of always-updated data shared across internal teams
• Integration with Digital Asset Management (DAM) systems for better product content management

No longer tethered to physical hardware, cloud-based PIM supports today’s globalized business environment. Teams operating across time zones and borders can collaborate and operate with agility, enabling brands, manufacturers, and retailers to stay competitive and customer-centered.

Top cloud-based PIM solutions in 2024

Looking for the best PIM software that’s cloud-based for your business? Consider these leading providers and their capabilities. 

inriver

Recognized as a representative vendor and customers’ choice by independent research firm Gartner, inriver is a market-leading cloud-based PIM solution. Designed to meet the needs of brands, manufacturers, and retailers seeking to advance their omnichannel strategy, inriver’s full-circle suite includes Digital Shelf Analytics (DSA), data pool connectivity, and unlike other solutions, fully extensible data models.

Akeneo

Known for its open-source PIM solution, Akeneo provides a flexible, community-driven product information management system. While its open-source nature offers a dynamic product, the lack of DSA could limit its potential for data-driven improvements. Akeneo PIM includes supplier onboarding, but since it does not use Global Data Synchronization Network (GDSN) standardization, there is the potential for data inconsistencies with integrated partners.

Pimberly

Setting itself apart with an emphasis on scalability and automation, Pimberly’s cloud-based nature allows businesses to manage product information without significant infrastructure investments. Like Akeneo, the absence of DSA and data pool connectivity could be limiting factors for brands with omnichannel strategies or extensive partner integrations.

SalesLayer

SalesLayer is appreciated for its intuitive and straightforward interface, making it accessible for businesses seeking an easy-to-use PIM system. Although SalesLayer leverages AI integrations such as with OpenAI, these features do not encompass Natural Language Generation (NLG) for the creation of dynamic product descriptions or other written product content.

Salsify

A strong contender in the cloud-based PIM space, Salsify leverages key features such as: 

• Large-scale data import and export 
• DSA support 
• GDSN standardization

As with SalesLayer, the lack of NLG support means Salsify is more suited for mass data management rather than content enrichment. While the platform enables multiple channels for syndication, manufacturers and retailers managing complex product relationships may have difficulties without an extensible data model.

Stibo 

With a cloud-based platform recognized for master data management capabilities, Stibo excels in data transparency and integrated partner compatibility. With both data pooling and GDSN support, Stibo’s strength lies in enabling data consistency and compliance. Commerce platforms leveraging Stibo may miss brand portal functionality, requiring additional software or another dedicated space for branded digital content.

Syndigo

A well-rounded platform for product information management needs, Syndigo is outfitted with features such as:

• DSA
• NLG 
• Data pooling
• GDSN compatibility

The one unfortunate drawback is a lack of a fully extensible data model. Data relationships cannot be customized with full precision, offering a standard storage framework that, while possibly suited for mid-size businesses, could fall short when scaling beyond its initial scope.

Future trends in cloud-based PIM software

As the world of commerce continues to evolve, so too will the capabilities of cloud-based PIM software. Features that were once cutting-edge are the new normal, such as: 

• Automated translation
• Content syndication
• Supplier onboarding
• AI integration

In the future, experts predict an increased emphasis on sustainable technology, particularly through cloud-based platforms that minimize wasted resources. With the European Union introducing Digital Product Passports (DPP) from 2026, enterprises will need elastic and fully extensible data models to capture the relevant sustainability data at every touchpoint to support regulatory requirements.

inriver: The cloud-based PIM software to help you win in 2024

By choosing the right PIM software, companies can streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

The inriver platform stands at the forefront of this evolution—not just as a cloud-based PIM, but as a visionary platform for all your product information needs. With its fully extensible data model and cutting-edge closed-loop functionality, inriver empowers brands to build, manage, and enrich product narratives that resonate with customers and outshine competitors.