Having the right platform can make or break an eCommerce business. That’s why we recommend Magento – a powerhouse among online selling platforms, chosen for its versatility, scalability, and robust features. As a leading Magento development agency, we can answer the question, “What is Magento eCommerce?” and explain why it’s our top choice for businesses looking to maintain a strong online presence.
Understanding Magento eCommerce
Magento is an open-source eCommerce platform that provides merchants with a flexible online shopping system, as well as complete control over the design and functionality of their online stores. Launched in 2008, Magento has since evolved into one of the most popular eCommerce platforms globally, powering millions of online stores across various industries. Explore our portfolio which highlights some of the businesses we support on Magento.
Is Magento the Same as Shopify?
Merchants often question whether Magento is similar to or better than Shopify. While both platforms serve eCommerce businesses, they cater to different needs. Shopify is known for its user-friendly interface and simplicity, making it ideal for small to medium-sized businesses. On the other hand, Magento is renowned for its scalability and customisation capabilities, making it a preferred choice for larger enterprises, businesses with complex requirements or those looking to future-proof their online store. For a deeper dive, check out our comparison of Magento vs Shopify.
Is Magento a Good eCommerce Platform?
Absolutely - that’s why it’s our bread and butter! Magento offers a plethora of features and benefits that make it a top choice for eCommerce businesses of all sizes. Here are some of the top reasons why Magento stands out against the competition:
- Scalability: Whether you're a startup or a global enterprise company, Magento scales effortlessly to accommodate your business's growth.
- Customisation: With its modular architecture and extensive customisation options, Magento allows businesses to tailor their online stores to meet their unique requirements and branding needs.
- Robust Feature Set: From complex inventory management to powerful marketing integrations, Magento boasts a comprehensive suite of features designed to enhance user experience and drive sales.
- Community Support: Being open-source, Magento benefits from a vibrant community of developers and enthusiasts (including our own developers!) who contribute to its ongoing development and provide support to users.
- Integration Capabilities: Magento integrates with a wide range of third-party extensions and services, enabling businesses to enhance their store's functionality and streamline operations with out-of-the-box features.
Is Magento Free for eCommerce?
While Magento Open Source (formerly known as Magento Community Edition) is free to download and use, there are associated costs with hosting, development, and extensions. For businesses seeking additional features and support, Magento Commerce (formerly Magento Enterprise Edition) is available as a paid solution with advanced capabilities and dedicated support. Here at Develo, we can advise the right level for your business and ensure you’re not paying for features you don’t need or missing out on important functionality.
The Journey of Magento
We’ve been a dedicated Magento agency since 2011, just 3 years after its inception. Since then, Magento has undergone significant transformations, particularly with the release of Magento 2, which introduced a host of new features and improvements aimed at enhancing performance, security, and user experience. Furthermore, Magento's acquisition by Adobe in 2018 has allowed for seamless integration with Adobe's suite of marketing and analytics tools.
The Future of Magento: Hyvä Themes
Magento continues to innovate and evolve to meet the ever-changing demands of the eCommerce industry. One noteworthy development is the emergence of Hyvä – a front-end technology stack for Magento designed to revolutionise the way online stores are built and maintained. By leveraging modern technologies such as React and GraphQL, Hyvä aims to deliver unparalleled performance and flexibility to Magento merchants.
Frequently Asked Questions about Magento
Is Magento suitable for small businesses? While Magento's robust features suit businesses of all sizes, very small businesses may find other platforms more cost-effective and easier to manage. Get in touch to discuss whether Magento is right for you.
Can I migrate my existing store to Magento?
Yes, Magento offers migration tools and services to help businesses seamlessly transition their existing stores to the Magento platform.
Is Magento secure?
Magento prioritises security and regularly releases updates and patches to address vulnerabilities and protect against cyber threats.
Can I integrate Magento with my existing ERP or CRM system?
Yes, Magento offers robust integration capabilities, allowing seamless integration with various enterprise resource planning (ERP) and customer relationship management (CRM) systems. Explore our PunchOut Connection, designed to make integrations even smoother.
Does Magento support multi-store functionality?
Yes, it allows businesses to manage multiple online stores from a single Magento installation. This is designed for businesses operating in multiple regions or catering to different target markets.
So what is Magento eCommerce? It’s more than just a platform – it offers a comprehensive solution that allows businesses to succeed in the digital marketplace. With complete flexibility, scalability and a powerful feature set, Magento continues to be the platform of choice for ambitious online merchants seeking to elevate their eCommerce presence. If you’re looking to establish your online presence or are a seasoned enterprise aiming for digital dominance, Magento has you covered - get in touch to discuss our Magento services.
Looking for a Magento Expert?
Rebecca Ebdon-Taylor
Project Manager & Marketing Lead
Rebecca is a Project Manager and Marketing Specialist who has been working in eCommerce since 2012 and has been with Develo since 2022. She became certified in Digital Marketing in 2015. Rebecca enjoys the diversity of digital marketing, no two days are the same and the evolving nature of marketing means she is always learning something new! Outside of work she can be found walking her cocker spaniel or playing netball!
Develo is a leading Magento agency and eCommerce web development company based in Birmingham, in the UK, serving clients globally since 2010. Our Blog covers topics around the array of services we offer including Magento web development, Hyvä themes development, Adobe Commerce, PunchOut catalogues, ERP integrations and much more. To speak to a friendly member of the team about your next project, contact us here.
