During the past several years, many big-name companies — such as IBM and Oracle — have launched eCommerce platforms in hopes of making a name in the online retail space. As each competes for a piece of the digital marketplace pie, Magento stands out in the crowd.
What is Magento?
Magento is an eCommerce platform that allows online merchants to set up shop virtually and take advantage of the platform’s abundant features. Some of its competitors include Shopify, Bigcommerce and Opencart.
Since its initial launch in 2008, Magento has built an impressive portfolio of clients, including Nestle and Visa. Why do retail giants trust their eCommerce endeavors to Magento in favor of other platforms? Here are six appealing attributes that set it apart.
1. Magento is owned by Adobe
Magento was founded in 2008 and has switched hands a few times. It was purchased by Adobe in 2018 for $1.68 billion. Adobe has built a strong reputation as a trusted name in the tech sector and is known for its innovative solutions and continual evolution of cutting-edge functionality.
Since acquiring Magento, Adobe has implemented some major enhancements that many eCommerce developers are embracing. Adobe reported a 40% increase in Magento customers in the third fiscal quarter of 2019 (about a year after the acquisition).
Adobe has also seen a significant overall revenue increase since acquiring Magento. While Adobe’s total revenue is up 24% for the year, the Adobe Experience Cloud software that includes eCommerce rose 34% year over year.
2. Customization options preserve brand integrity
Most businesses strive to portray a unique image, but some eCommerce platforms have a streamlined look and feel that lack customized options. Magento incorporates an open, flexible architecture that allows its users to maintain their company’s vision.
Store owners enjoy a 100% tailored design using templates. Magento takes customization a step further by allowing users to assign unique designs to each product or category.
In addition, enhanced zoom-in capabilities allow shoppers to get a more intimate understanding of products. During the website development process, items may be listed in a grid or list format depending on preference.
3. It’s a feature-rich platform
Magento offers a long list of features (10 pages to be exact), and enterprise-level customers enjoy more exclusive options. It has gained ground as a practical eCommerce option worldwide because it offers international support and accommodates multiple languages, currencies and tax rates.
A complex site management system allows for control of multiple websites and Magento stores from one administration panel.
Many eCommerce users appreciate the marketing tools that Magento equips them with (including complex coupon features, categorized landing pages, product bundles and newsletter management – just to name a few).
Catalog and product browsing features offer convenience to online patrons (think product history and comparisons). The ability to shop with ease coupled with an engaging user experience makes visitors less likely to abandon their shopping carts.
Search engine optimization capabilities, front- and back-end security, analytics data and mobile responsiveness are also attractive system components.
4. Magento does more than host online stores
In addition to its online commerce solution, Magento offers an order management product that creates seamless cross-channel experiences with multiple brands, sites, stores, warehouses, etc. Its business intelligence product delivers insights to help boost business performance.
Because Magento operates on a life cycle mentality, it guides users through every step of the eCommerce process. In other words, it does not leave customers hanging after their sites are launched. Rather, the platform provides continued support and services for maximizing sales long-term.
Those who partner with Magento gain access to an assortment of digital tool extensions that help enrich the platform’s already-lavish features. For example, the WordPress Integrated Search extension by DCKAP lists products that are searched for as well as their related blogs. This allows site visitors to thoroughly explore products in the “know before you buy” online retail climate.
Magento also allows for integration with Customer Relationship Management systems, such as Salesforce. For example, add-ons from PowerSync allow for automatic updates between the two platforms.
5. Magento Open Source vs. Magento Commerce
Magento strives to accommodate merchants of all sizes. That’s why Magento Open Source and Magento Commerce are options that can be weighed depending on business needs.
Magento Open Source offers fewer features than Magento Commerce, but it meets all the needs of some users. The features that are included are:
- Integrated checkout, payment and shipping
- Mobile-optimized shopping
- Global selling
- Catalog management
- Extended functionality via app marketplace
- Instant purchase
- Site search
While the Open Source functionality has its limits, Magento stores can be enhanced with an assortment of extensions that are available on the Magento Marketplace.
6. Learning opportunities enhance Magento website development
Magento also offers educational opportunities allowing people to become Magento certified. Magento certifications can be acquired through Magento U.
For eCommerce developers, Magento training ensures they will be getting the most out of the platform’s diverse offerings. It also offers credibility for professionals who outsource eCommerce set-up and management services.
The comprehensive nature of Magento has placed it at the forefront of eCommerce development agencies. More than 200,000 online retailers rely on this platform to handle the complexities of their B2B and B2C commerce efforts.
Additional features will likely emerge as Magento continues to evolve as a leading enterprise-class eCommerce site. And with a tech giant like Adobe steering the platform’s future, expectations are high for ongoing advancements.
