June 04, 2024
Silicon Publishing Alternatives: What Are The Best DAM Connectors?
In today's world of content creation, efficiency is paramount. When you need to work fast, a reliable DAM connector can help bridge the gap between your favorite creative software and digital asset management system, allowing you to efficiently access and utilize essential assets within the program.
Silicon Publishing and CI HUB both provide DAM connectors, and in this blog, we will explore the features and benefits of both products so you have a clear understanding of which is best for you! This comparison is based on publicly available information as of June 2024 and is subject to updates.
Table Of Content
The Importance Of Connectors And How They Streamline Workflows
Integrated Applications for Seamless Workflows
Integration with DAMs and Cloud Storage
Product Information Management (PIM) Software
Integration With Work Management Tools
Stock Image Library Connections
Digital Rights Management Software
Why DRM Integration is Important
Website Integration
Streamlining Content Publishing
Security: ISO Certification
Feature Breakdown By Category Between CI HUB & Silicon Publishing
Single Sign-On Authentication (SSO)
Finding the Best Fit for Your Workflow
The Importance Of Connectors And How They Streamline Workflows
Having a connector helps you streamline your workflow. A connector makes all your content easily accessible, saving you extra time. These tools can reduce up to 40% of your workload by automating your data asset management.
For example, imagine you’re a graphic designer working on social media posts using Adobe Photoshop. Traditionally, you might need to:
- Exit Photoshop and search for the perfect photo.
- Locate the photo within your management system, potentially wasting time browsing folders or using search terms.
- Return to your design program and import the download page.
This whole process can be more time-consuming and disruptive. Here’s how a DAM connector within Photoshop can revolutionize your workflow.
You can effortlessly search for the image or file you need based on keywords or browse your DAM folders visually without leaving Photoshop.
When you locate the desired image, you can simply drag and drop it onto your Photoshop workspace and start working on it immediately.
Check out this video to see how easy it can be to access data from multiple DAMs, PIMs and cloud storage systems without interrupting your flow.
Integrated Applications for Seamless Workflows
A powerful connector should allow users to access digital assets from within both creative and productivity tools they already use, such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Figma, Sketch for design, Microsoft 365, Google Workspace, CRMs, and collaboration tools for business workflows. The value lies in letting users place, update, or preview assets without switching contexts or manually moving files.
Here is a comparison table showing which applications are integrated with CI HUB and Silicon Publishing connectors.
| Adobe | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
Photoshop
|
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Illustrator
|
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InCopy
|
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InDesign
|
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Premiere Pro
|
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After Effects
|
||
Lightroom
|
||
Express
|
| Microsoft | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
Outlook
|
||
SharePoint
|
||
Word
|
||
PowerPoint
|
||
Excel
|
| Google Workspace | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
Docs
|
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Sheets
|
||
Slides
|
| Other work apps | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
Salesforce
|
| Creative Design Platforms | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
Figma
|
||
Sketch
|
||
Canva
|
Choosing the Right Connector Based on Your App Ecosystem
Silicon Publishing’s connector is focused on enabling Adobe Creative Cloud users to link with DAMs and cloud storage systems.
In contrast, CI HUB supports a wider set of applications, not only creative tools, but also productivity suites, design systems, and business platforms.
If your team works primarily within Adobe apps and your asset ecosystem is centralized, a narrower connector might suffice. But if your workflows cross into Word/PowerPoint, Google Workspace, campaign systems, or design tools like Figma and Sketch, a broader connector will better support cross-team collaboration and consistency.
Integration with DAMs and Cloud Storage
Creative teams often work on multiple projects simultaneously with different storage needs. Some projects require secure, centralized storage offered by a DAM system, while others might benefit from the cloud-based accessibility of individual drives.
With the right connectors, you can choose the proper storage solution for each project while maintaining a smooth and efficient creative process. Here is a table showing all the integrations offered by Silicon Publishing and CI HUB to the most popular DAM and Cloud Storage systems.
| Silicon Publishing | CI HUB | |
Acquia DAM (Widen)
|
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AdmiralCloud
|
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Adobe Experience Manager
|
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Asset Bank
|
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Box
|
||
Brandfolder
|
||
Brandmaster
|
||
Bynder
|
||
Canto
|
||
Celum
|
||
Censhare
|
||
Cierto
|
||
Cloudinary
|
||
Dash
|
||
DemoUp Cliplister
|
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Dalim
|
||
Dropbox
|
||
Eyebase
|
||
Extreme Reach
|
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Fylr Integration
|
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Fotoware
|
||
Frontify
|
||
Google Drive
|
||
Google Photos
|
||
HyperCMS
|
||
ImageShop
|
||
Intelligence Bank
|
||
Kadanza
|
||
Keepeek
|
||
Mars
|
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Marvia
|
||
Media Valet
|
||
NetX
|
||
Nuxeo
|
||
OMN
|
||
OneDrive
|
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Opentext
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||
Optimizely
|
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Papirfly
|
||
Picturepark
|
||
Pixelboxx
|
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Sharedien
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Sharepoint
|
||
Sitecore
|
||
SiteFusion
|
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TeamNext
|
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Terentia
|
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Tenovos
|
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Veeva Vault
|
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Visual Processing Japan
|
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Webdam
|
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Workdocs
|
||
Yawave
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Choosing the Right Connector for Your Storage System
The range of DAMs and cloud storage systems supported by a connector is a key pillar of its usefulness. A connector that only links a handful of storage solutions limits flexibility, especially as your asset infrastructure evolves.
If your projects rely on a mix of centralized DAMs and distributed cloud drives, you’ll want a connector that offers broad coverage and one that continues to expand. In that light, a limited set of integrations may suffice for a fixed stack, but if your storage landscape is diverse or changing, a connector with a growing library of supported systems will better future-proof your workflows.
Product Information Management (PIM) Software
PIM systems specialize in maintaining structured product data. Integrating a PIM system with a connector ensures that marketing, e-commerce, and design teams can pull the most accurate and up-to-date product details directly into their creative or publishing tools.
Here is a table showing a comparison of integrations for product information management software between CI HUB and Silicon Publishing.
| Silicon Publishing | CI HUB | |
OMN
|
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Pimcore
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myview xom
|
Choosing the Right Connector for PIM Workflows
At present, Silicon Publishing does not appear to offer native PIM integrations through its connector.
On the other hand, CI HUB supports connections to several PIM platforms, allowing users to combine product data and digital assets seamlessly within their preferred design or document environments.
If your workflow involves managing large catalogs or frequent product data updates, selecting a connector that supports PIM integration will ensure smoother, more consistent publishing across all sales and marketing channels.
Integration With Work Management Tools
The need for collaboration between creative teams, marketing departments, and project managers has made work management tools essential to modern workflows. These platforms connect teams, track progress, and ensure projects stay aligned across multiple stakeholders. According to industry forecasts, the global market for work management software is expected to reach $15.08 billion by 2030, underscoring how vital integrated task management has become for creative operations.
Connecting work management systems with creative or productivity tools allows users to access assigned assets, check project status, or upload deliverables, all without leaving their primary workspace. Such integrations help reduce manual coordination, improve visibility, and speed up approvals.
| Silicon Publishing | CI HUB | |
Asana
|
||
Workfront
|
Choosing the Right Connector for Project Collaboration
Currently, CI HUB provides integrations for Asana an Workfront, enabling users to view, attach, and manage creative assets directly within these platforms.
In contrast, Silicon Publishing has not publicly announced any direct integrations with work management tools.
If your team relies heavily on task or project management software, choosing a connector that integrates with these systems can help you maintain version control, streamline reviews, and centralize collaboration across departments.
Stock Image Library Connections
Access to high-quality imagery is vital for designers, marketers, and content creators who work across multiple projects and platforms. Integrating stock image libraries directly into creative tools removes the need to switch between browsers or external websites, helping teams stay focused on the design process.
A connector that links stock libraries with creative software enables users to search, preview, and drag-and-drop images into their workspace instantly. This not only speeds up production but also ensures all assets used in a project remain properly licensed and version-controlled.
Below is a table showing which stock image providers are currently supported by each connector.
| Silicon Publishing | CI HUB | |
Adobe Stock
|
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Gettyimages
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iStock
|
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Shutterstock
|
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Unsplash
|
Choosing the Right Connector for Image Access
Some connectors now integrate directly with leading stock image libraries, providing in-app access to millions of high-resolution images from providers such as Adobe Stock, Shutterstock, and Getty Images.
At present, Silicon Publishing does not list any public integrations with stock image platforms.
For creative teams that rely on stock imagery daily, selecting a connector with built-in stock library access can significantly reduce time spent on asset sourcing and improve overall creative efficiency.
Digital Rights Management Software
As organizations produce and distribute more creative assets, maintaining brand consistency and copyright compliance becomes increasingly important. Digital Rights Management (DRM) software helps ensure that every image, video, or design asset used across campaigns is properly licensed and aligned with brand guidelines.
Integrating DRM systems within creative and productivity tools gives teams direct visibility into usage rights, expiration dates, and approval status. This prevents the accidental use of unlicensed or outdated content and promotes responsible asset usage across departments.
Below is a table outlining current DRM integrations supported by each connector.
| Silicon Publishing | CI HUB | |
Fadel
|
Why DRM Integration is Important
By connecting directly with a DRM platform such as Fadel, teams can verify asset rights without leaving their design or document environment. This integration simplifies compliance checks, minimizes legal risks, and ensures that only approved materials are used in production workflows.
Currently, Silicon Publishing does not list any DRM integrations as part of its connector offering.
Website Integration
Connecting digital asset systems directly to website platforms allows teams to manage and publish brand-approved visuals and content more efficiently. A website integration ensures that images, videos, and documents pulled from the DAM or cloud storage remain current, licensed, and optimized for web use.
Some connectors now extend this capability through dedicated plugins, allowing content creators to browse, select, and insert assets directly into web pages without leaving their CMS interface.
Below is a table showing current website integration availability.
| Silicon Publishing | CI HUB | |
WordPress
|
Streamlining Content Publishing
The WordPress connector enables a direct bridge between asset libraries and website content. Teams can quickly locate, insert, and update approved media, reducing the time spent switching between systems and ensuring that every published asset aligns with brand and licensing requirements.
At this time, Silicon Publishing does not offer a dedicated WordPress integration.
Security: ISO Certification
Data security is a critical factor when choosing any enterprise connector. ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that a platform follows internationally recognized standards for protecting information, managing risk, and ensuring operational integrity.
CI HUB’s ISO 27001 certification offers assurance to businesses that prioritize secure asset handling and compliance. It reflects a structured approach to data protection and customer trust.
While Silicon Publishing includes built-in security features, it does not currently list a documented ISO certification, which may be a key consideration for organizations with strict compliance requirements.
Feature Breakdown By Category Between CI HUB & Silicon Publishing
A connector’s true value lies not only in how many integrations it supports, but also in how many functions it brings together under one platform. Modern creative workflows require advanced features that simplify collaboration, enhance security, and improve efficiency across teams.
The most effective connectors provide capabilities that extend beyond storage and design integration, including print management, AI-driven automation, digital rights governance, and enterprise-level authentication.
Here is a breakdown of the additional features offered by Silicon Publishing and CI HUB:
| Customer DAM Adapters | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
PureRed Filemaker & MS SQL
|
| File Synchronization | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
| Print Services | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
Cloudprinter
|
| Gen AI Connections | Silicon Publishing | CI HUB |
Dream Studio
|
Bringing It All Together
While both connectors simplify creative workflows, their scope differs. Silicon Publishing continues to focus primarily on creative-centric connections within Adobe Creative Cloud. CI HUB, on the other hand, has expanded into a broader ecosystem that connects creative, productivity, and enterprise tools through one unified platform.
For teams seeking scalability and cross-department collaboration, a connector with multi-category support offers more long-term flexibility and alignment with evolving digital operations.
Single Sign-On Authentication (SSO)
Single Sign-On (SSO) allows users to access multiple connected systems through one secure login, improving both convenience and data protection. By centralizing authentication, organizations can reduce password fatigue, minimize login-related errors, and maintain better control over user permissions across all connected tools.
Integrating SSO with a connector ensures that creative teams can access their digital assets, design software, and cloud systems without repeated logins. This creates a smoother, faster, and more secure workflow while maintaining compliance with enterprise security policies.
The CI HUB connector supports SSO integration, allowing businesses to connect existing identity providers for streamlined access management within their creative and productivity applications.
At present, Silicon Publishing does not list any public SSO capabilities as part of its connector offering.
Finding the Best Fit for Your Workflow
This guide has compared the features and integrations of the DAM connectors offered by Silicon Publishing and CI HUB. Both solutions bring value to creative and marketing teams seeking smoother access to digital assets across their daily tools.
While Silicon Publishing delivers solid functionality within Adobe Creative Cloud and supports key DAM systems, CI HUB stands out for its broader ecosystem. It connects not only to multiple DAMs, PIMs, and cloud storage platforms but also to work management tools, stock image providers, DRM systems, and website CMS platforms, all from a single interface.
For organizations seeking a connector that unifies creativity, productivity, and collaboration, adopting a platform with an expanding range of integrations provides long-term scalability and stronger workflow alignment.
If your goal is to simplify creative operations and strengthen asset accessibility across teams, explore how CI HUB can streamline your end-to-end process.
Article by
Michael Wilkinson
Marketing & Communications Consultant of CI HUB