Magento is a trusted open source ecommerce platform brand around the world. When it launched its platform as a service (PaaS) Enterprise Cloud edition of Magento 2 in 2016 it was no surprise that Adobe paid attention.
In May 2018 Adobe acquired Magento to complete its data and intelligence platform with the goal of providing behavioural insights based on customer interactions. The move allowed ecommerce to become part of the Adobe Experience Cloud for real-time data collaction, personalisation and delivery.
In 2019 Adobe launched the software as a service (SaaS) Commerce Cloud as a fully managed cloud-based version of the Magento platform, allowing integration with other Adobe tools such as Analytics Cloud, and Advertising Cloud. The intention was to ‘close the last mile’ in the Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) offering, providing Magento support for users with a managed version that continued to provide access to most of the thousands of extensions, developers and partners in the Magento eco-system.
Are Magento 2 and Adobe Commerce the same?
Magento 2 provides an ecommerce solution that is mobile friendly and can be easily upgraded. There are currently two options: Magento Open Source or Magento 2, which is the free equivalent of the Magento Community edition (CE), and Adobe Commerce which was formerly known as Magento Enterprise edition (EE) or Magento Commerce.
Magento 2 is available under an Open Software License so businesses and developers can modify and customise the software to suit their needs. In contrast, Adobe Commerce is a premium paid-for ecommerce solution with on-premises and cloud-based options. Adobe Commerce Cloud is centrally managed from a single user interface.
In November 2018, it was announced that support for all versions of Magento 1 would end in June 2020, including security patches and any future quality fixes. This move meant that ecommerce companies using Magento 1 had to migrate to Magento 2 or another ecommerce platform to maintain secure systems and applications. According to providers such as PayPal failure to upgrade would mean companies no longer met Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS).
Who chooses Magento 2?
Magento 2 remains popular with developers who can access and update the core code to create ecommerce sites without paying license or development fees. As a result, there is a wide range of extensions available in the Magento marketplace.
Adobe partners with the Magento support community through the Magento Association, which is a global network of developers and online businesses.
Magento 2 continues to offer the basic features and functionality that have been so popular with smaller businesses since 2008. Out of the box there is a ‘what you see is what you get’ (WYSIWYG) page builder, site search, integrated checkout, payment, and shipping, optimisation for mobile devices, catalogue management and access to the marketplace of extensions for customisation.
However, as with other open source offers, while the platform itself is free, there will be costs for hosting, extensions, themes, customisations, and ongoing upgrades and maintenance. There are free extensions available in the Marketplace but many businesses are likely to pay for premium extensions to provide the features, functionality, updates, and support they are looking for. Popular extensions enhance payment processing, content management, customer support, marketing, and security.
If your business is growing quickly it’s important to be aware that Magento 2 supports a single database, which means you could face performance issues if you have requirements for multiple websites and storefronts.
Who chooses Adobe Commerce?
Adobe Commerce is more focussed on the needs of larger businesses and, while powered by Magento, is highly scalable and offers a wide range of additional features. These include reusable dynamic blocks for page design, visual merchandising, content staging and preview, product recommendations, live search, business to business (B2B) functionality, a business intelligence dashboard, marketing and loyalty tools and buy online pick up in store (BOPIS).
Adobe Commerce Cloud provides enhanced security features and faster page loading speeds along with onboarding assistance and around the clock technical support.
Commercial confidence in the cloud
One of the significant advantages of Adobe Commerce Cloud is that its cloud hosting is optimised for global availability. This allows users to provide fast page loading using a Content Delivery Network (CDN).
Users also benefit from performance monitoring tools, a web application firewall (WAF), enhanced security and distributed deprivation of services (DDoS) protection, payment card industry (PCI) compliance, easy deployment, and streamlined updates and testing.
Overall, a single suite of products optimised for the cloud is an attractive option for many expanding businesses. The scope of Adobe Commerce means many complex requirements can be supported. AEM provides a common tool to manage user experience, content and ecommerce transactions.
Trusted partners
Williams Commerce has extensive experience working as a Magento agency and with Adobe Commerce. We have created successful ecommerce sites with Magento since 2011 and are Adobe Gold Partners. We are proud of more than a decade of collaboration and have an established and fully certified team of Magento developers now working with Adobe.
We understand how to get the best from Adobe Commerce, powered by Magento, and other Adobe products for your retail, business-to-business, and direct-to-consumer ecommerce operations. We help our customers make the most of built-in ecommerce functionality to minimise customisation.
Speak with one of our experts to find out more.
