
Let’s be real. WordPress has been around forever, and for good reason — it’s easy to set up, has a massive plugin ecosystem, and powers a huge chunk of the internet. But despite all that, WordPress kinda sucks. And while we still use it for certain clients or quick one-off projects, as an agency, we prefer Next.js by a long shot. Here’s why.

## Too Much Bloat, Right Out the Box

WordPress starts off heavy. Even before you add themes or plugins, the base install includes code you probably won’t use. Then add a theme, a couple of plugins, and suddenly your site is slow, clunky, and full of unnecessary scripts and styles. You end up spending more time trying to undo things than actually building features.

With Next.js, we start lean. Every line of code is there because we wrote it. No surprises. No bloat.

## Plugin Hell Is Real


WordPress plugins are convenient — until they’re not. One plugin update breaks another. A third one slows your site to a crawl. A fourth one hasn’t been updated since 2017 but is somehow still critical to your workflow.

Next.js apps don’t rely on a mess of third-party plugins for basic functionality. If we need something, we build it or choose a modern, well-maintained package — and we stay in control.

## Security Is a Constant Headache

Because WordPress is so widely used, it’s a huge target for hackers. Many vulnerabilities come from outdated plugins, themes, or even WordPress core. Unless you’re super disciplined with updates and security practices, you’re risking downtime or worse.

With a custom-built Next.js site, especially one deployed to platforms like Vercel, security is tighter by default. Static generation, serverless functions, and a minimal backend footprint means fewer attack surfaces.

## You Don’t Really Own the Experience

Even with pre-built WordPress templates, you’re often stuck working within the theme’s limitations. Sure, there’s a visual editor, but try going beyond the defaults — and suddenly you’re knee-deep in PHP, theme files, and hook documentation.

With Next.js, even when we use pre-built UI kits or components, we still have full agency. Want a complex animation, a headless CMS, or a fully custom checkout experience? No problem. You’re not locked in.

## Speed Matters — and WordPress Struggles

In 2025, nobody waits around for a website to load. WordPress can be optimized, yes — but it’s not fast out of the gate. You’ll need caching plugins, CDNs, image optimization hacks, and even then, results are inconsistent.

Next.js? Lightning fast from the start. Between static site generation (SSG), incremental static regeneration (ISR), and edge functions, we can deliver performance that WordPress simply can’t match.

## Poor Developer Experience

WordPress development is mostly PHP-based, often mixed with jQuery and outdated tooling. That’s not fun — or efficient. Debugging is slow. Modern practices like hot reloading or type safety? Forget it.

Compare that to working in Next.js with TypeScript, ES6 modules, and frameworks like Tailwind CSS — development is faster, cleaner, and way more enjoyable.

## It’s 2025 — Time to Move On

WordPress had its time. And yes, it still works in some cases — like blog-heavy sites or super budget-constrained clients. But for modern businesses that want speed, flexibility, scalability, and great user experience, WordPress feels like a step back.
## So Why Do We Still Use It Sometimes?

Some clients just need something simple and cheap, fast. WordPress is great for that. It’s also familiar to many non-tech users. If someone insists on being able to log in and tweak things with a page builder, and their needs are basic, we’ll deliver a clean WordPress site with as little bloat as possible.

But when we’re building something that actually matters — a brand’s main site, a product, a custom dashboard, or an AI integration — it’s Next.js every time.     


Why Wordpress isnt the go-to choice in 2025

Why Wordpress kinda sucks


# Why Sulta Tech is Moving from .co.za to .com

As we continue to grow and expand our reach, we’re excited to announce that Sulta Tech is moving our website from **sultatech.co.za** to **sultatech.com**. This change reflects our evolution as a company, our commitment to serving clients globally, and our focus on providing world-class enterprise software and digital solutions.

## Expanding Beyond South Africa

The move to a .com domain signifies our readiness to partner with businesses all over the world. While we’re proud of our roots in South Africa, Sulta Tech has already started working with international clients, and we see immense potential for growth on a global scale. A .com domain positions us as a globally accessible brand and helps remove any geographical limitations in our business identity.

## Why a .com Domain?

For a few key reasons, we feel the switch to .com will improve our brand and give our clients a better experience:

* **Professional Image**: A .com domain has global recognition and is often associated with established, trusted companies. This update makes our brand cleaner and more professional as we present ourselves to new clients worldwide.
* **Ease of Access**: A .com domain is often easier to remember and universally understood, which is essential as we reach clients in diverse regions. It reduces confusion and makes it simpler for new customers to find us online.
* **SEO Benefits**: With our move to .com, we’re aiming to improve our search engine rankings, particularly on international search engines. This will help us reach a wider audience and attract more visitors as we grow.

## Ensuring a Smooth Transition

To make the change as seamless as possible for our current clients and visitors, we’ll be setting up a permanent redirect from **sultatech.co.za** to **sultatech.com**. This way, if anyone visits our old domain, they’ll automatically be redirected to our new site, allowing us to maintain our search engine rankings and ensure that no one is left behind during the transition.

## What This Means for Sulta Tech

With this new domain, we’re excited to strengthen our presence and position Sulta Tech as a name recognized not only in South Africa but also across borders. We believe this step will help us become a more cohesive and accessible brand that serves clients globally, and we’re looking forward to the new opportunities this will bring.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. We’re looking forward to continuing to serve you with excellence, now on **sultatech.com**.

Warm regards,  
**David**  
CEO, Sulta Tech


A look into Sulta Tech’s shift to a .com domain as we expand our reach beyond South Africa.

Why Sulta Tech is Moving from .co.za to .com


# Why We’re Saying Goodbye to Physical Product Sales

Hi everyone,

I wanted to personally reach out to announce an important change at Sulta Tech. As of the end of December 2024, we will officially stop all sales of physical tech products, including our Apple products, and focus solely on what we do best: building enterprise software and websites for businesses worldwide. 

## Our Start with Apple Products

If you’ve been with us since the beginning, you know that Sulta Tech was born as a reseller of Apple products. It was an amazing experience, and it helped us bootstrap our growth and build credibility in the tech space. Selling Apple products was our foundation and gave us the resources to evolve.

## Shifting Focus to Enterprise Software

As we grew, we started building custom software and digital solutions, and early this year, that work became the heart of Sulta Tech. We began delivering applications and websites to clients around the globe, helping businesses with tools that scale and drive growth. Software development has since become our primary revenue driver and the area where we excel, innovate, and build lasting relationships.

## Why We’re Moving Away from Physical Products

Simply put, we believe that a strong, consistent brand is the way forward. When people hear “Sulta Tech,” we want them to think of one thing: best-in-class software solutions that solve real business problems. Moving away from physical product sales lets us focus all our energy on software and digital products, giving our clients and partners a clear idea of who we are and what we bring to the table. You can view all of our [current offerings here](https://sultatech.co.za).

## Inspired by Other Successful Pivots

It’s inspiring to look at other companies that have pivoted and found success. Take IBM, for example. Originally known for hardware, IBM transitioned into a powerhouse in software and IT services, redefining itself in a way that solidified its place in the tech industry. Like IBM, we aim to build a strong, clear identity, one that’s tied directly to the value we bring through software and digital solutions.

## Looking Ahead

Our commitment to you, our clients, and the community is stronger than ever. By focusing solely on software and digital services, we’re excited to grow Sulta Tech into a brand that consistently stands for quality, innovation, and results in the world of enterprise software. This is the path forward, and we’re grateful to each of you who’ve been a part of this journey.

Thank you for your continued trust in Sulta Tech. Here’s to the next chapter!

Warm regards,  
**David**  
Founder, Sulta Tech


David shares Sulta Tech’s decision to stop selling physical products and focus entirely on enterprise software and digital solutions.

Why We’re Saying Goodbye to Physical Product Sales


# Is the Intel MacBook 2020 Still Good for Developers in 2024?

Back in 2020, the Intel MacBook Pro was one of the top choices for developers needing a powerful, reliable machine. Fast forward to 2024, and Apple has made significant strides with its own M-series chips, which raises a crucial question: **is the Intel-based MacBook Pro 2020 still worth using as a development machine?** Here’s our honest take.

### Performance: Still Usable, But Showing Age

The 2020 Intel MacBook Pro, particularly the higher-end models, still has adequate processing power for most development tasks. However, when compared to the Apple Silicon models, it does show its age in several ways:

* **Battery Life**: Battery life on the Intel models pales in comparison to the M1 and M2-powered MacBooks, which often last nearly twice as long.
* **Thermal Efficiency**: The Intel chip tends to heat up under load, leading to throttling and fan noise—issues that are almost nonexistent in M-series devices.
* **Speed**: Running complex build processes or emulating virtual environments is noticeably slower than on Apple Silicon, especially if your workflow relies on intense processing.

### Compatibility with Development Tools

Most major IDEs and development tools still run smoothly on the Intel MacBook, thanks to continued software support. However, it’s worth noting:

* **Docker**: While Docker works well, it’s slower than on M-series MacBooks, where native ARM support significantly improves performance.
* **Virtualization**: Running ARM-based virtual machines for testing can be challenging on Intel machines, as ARM emulation isn’t as smooth or quick.
* **Long-Term Support**: With Apple’s focus on ARM architecture, support for Intel MacBooks is likely to taper off over the next few years, which could impact compatibility with newer development tools.

### Battery Life & Portability

For developers who are often on the go, the battery life on the Intel MacBook may feel lacking in 2024. A fully charged Intel MacBook Pro from 2020 typically provides around 4–5 hours of heavy development, whereas the M1 and M2 MacBooks often exceed 10 hours. This might not be a dealbreaker, but it’s something to consider if you prefer working untethered from a power source.

### Software Updates and OS Compatibility

Apple’s commitment to supporting its Intel models has remained strong. macOS updates have continued to be available, ensuring that Intel MacBook users aren’t left out of new features and security improvements. However, some macOS features optimized for Apple Silicon, such as better energy efficiency and hardware-accelerated ML tasks, aren't available on the Intel version.

### Final Thoughts: Should Developers Still Use the Intel MacBook 2020 in 2024?

For developers focused on general-purpose coding or front-end development, the Intel MacBook 2020 remains viable. However, for tasks that require heavy processing, long battery life, or virtualization, upgrading to an M1 or M2 MacBook could be worth the investment. 

In short:
* **Pros**: Compatibility with current dev tools, decent performance, and continued macOS support.
* **Cons**: Battery life, thermal efficiency, and reduced future-proofing.

While the Intel MacBook 2020 still has life left, the performance and efficiency gains on Apple Silicon devices make them a strong choice for the future of development.


A comprehensive review of the Intel-based MacBook Pro 2020 and its viability for development work in 2024.

Is the Intel MacBook 2020 Still Good for Developers in 2024?


# What’s New in Next.js 15: A Developer's Guide

Next.js 15 has just launched, bringing exciting enhancements and tools that make building web applications faster, more flexible, and easier than ever. Here’s a quick look at some standout features in this release, along with a code example to get you started.

### Key Features in Next.js 15

#### 1. **Optimized Server-Side Rendering (SSR)**
   With Next.js 15, SSR performance is improved through intelligent bundling and a lighter runtime. Pages load faster, and the framework better manages resources, which is perfect for data-heavy applications.

#### 2. **Enhanced Route Handlers**
   Next.js 15 introduces new, customizable route handlers, making it easier to manage complex routing and API requirements within the application. The new configuration options allow developers to create more powerful, dynamic routes.

#### 3. **Automatic Type Generation**
   This version automatically generates types for API responses, making it easier to catch type mismatches early in the development process when working with TypeScript. Type-safe APIs mean fewer bugs and a smoother developer experience.

#### 4. **Improved Image Component**
   The new Image component in Next.js 15 is more performant and flexible, supporting various modern formats out of the box and optimizing images better than ever for different screen sizes.

### Code Example: Using Enhanced Route Handlers

To demonstrate one of these new features, here’s an example of how the enhanced route handlers work in Next.js 15:

```javascript
// src/app/api/hello/route.js

import { NextResponse } from 'next/server';

export const GET = async (request) => {
  return NextResponse.json({ message: 'Hello, Next.js 15!' });
};

export const POST = async (request) => {
  const data = await request.json();
  return NextResponse.json({ receivedData: data });
};  ```

In this example:

*   The `GET` route handler sends a JSON response with a simple message.
*   The `POST` handler processes incoming JSON data and sends it back, showcasing a clean and efficient way to handle HTTP requests in Next.js 15.

### Conclusion

Next.js 15 is packed with features that make it an even better choice for modern web applications. With improved SSR, powerful routing options, automatic type generation, and a revamped Image component, this release empowers developers to build scalable, high-performing applications more effectively.

We’re excited to implement these features at Sulta Tech and can’t wait to see how Next.js 15 shapes the web development landscape!


Explore the latest features and improvements in Next.js 15, from enhanced performance to powerful new tools for developers.

What’s New in Next.js 15: A Developer's Guide


# Why Sulta Tech Switched to Next.js

At Sulta Tech, we are always on the lookout for technologies that enhance both our development speed and the user experience. After exploring several frameworks, we made the strategic decision to transition to Next.js, a move that has been instrumental in leveling up our projects. Here’s why Next.js stood out for us:

### 1. Performance at Scale
Next.js’s built-in server-side rendering (SSR) and static site generation (SSG) options allow us to serve pages faster and deliver a better experience to end users. By loading only essential code, Next.js helps us build scalable, responsive apps that load quickly on any device.

### 2. SEO-Ready Out of the Box
SEO is a key focus for many of our clients, and Next.js delivers with SSR and SSG, making pages easily crawlable by search engines. With optimized metadata handling, our clients’ content has a better chance of reaching its intended audience.

### 3. Developer Experience
Next.js aligns well with modern JavaScript standards and makes TypeScript integration seamless. The ease of routing, API handling, and component-based structure lets us create robust applications more efficiently.

### 4. Built for the Modern Web
Next.js's compatibility with React, its support for hybrid rendering, and its deployment options via platforms like Vercel allow us to deliver versatile applications. This flexibility means we can tailor our solutions precisely to our clients' needs.

Switching to Next.js has been a game-changer for us, enabling us to offer high-quality solutions that empower our clients to stay ahead in a digital-first world. We’re excited to continue building on this foundation and explore new ways Next.js can drive results for our clients.


Exploring the reasons behind our shift to Next.js and the benefits it brings to our projects.