Magento was launched on the 31st of August, 2007, and was planned to become a sub-product of the OS-commerce platform. However, its functionality turned out to be vast, which encouraged a new platform release. In 2008, Magento gained huge popularity and in 2009, its core team introduced an Enterprise edition of the Magento platform.
Initially, both the versions were almost similar with the Enterprise edition made available for those who required technical support with installation, usage, troubleshooting, and more. Over time, the platforms emerged to be different from each other. Even the names of both platforms are no longer the same. Magento Community is now called “Magento Open Source”, and Magento Enterprise Edition was renamed “Magento Commerce,” which further merged with Adobe Cloud solution to get called – Adobe Commerce and Adobe Commerce Cloud (a version that includes Magento cloud hosting).
Cloud solutions further offered two plans – Starter and Pro. Magento offers the first one as a decent alternative option for the Shopify eCommerce portal development platform, whereas the Pro version came on the radar of large enterprises. The Pro plan offers high control over the server environment and in-depth analytics.
Although the free and paid versions have the same core files, Adobe Commerce’s built-in features and annual price ranges were highly impressive.
Magento Open Source is a base source code and is free to download. The officially licensed version is Adobe Commerce. However, our business customers often hesitate while choosing the right Magento 2 versions for their website.
Therefore, in this blog, we have curated a list of key differentiators that can ease your decision of choosing the right Magento version for business purposes.
Table of Contents
The key differentiators of Magento 2 versions
Business size
Magento Open Source is an ideal choice to kick-start your online business. Especially, if you are an SME or start-up looking for a scalable eCommerce platform but can’t afford to pay the license fee.
The Magento Open-Source platform provides a basic set of features mandatory to initiate a small online store and test Adobe’s functionalities before upgrading. On the other hand, large-scale enterprises or B2B operations should choose Adobe Commerce. Its advanced functionalities, security, and integrated capabilities help accelerate sales quickly. The Commerce platform is well-designed to handle large amounts of traffic and transactions to scale up your business growth.
Now, let’s know the major differences between Magento Open Source and Adobe Commerce to find out which version suits your business size.
Magento Open Source
Magento Open Source or the Magento Community Edition is an open-source eCommerce platform. It is a free edition of the Magento platform, which means any human can access its code, edit it, and host it for individual purposes. It has become an ideal choice for SMEs, new retail merchants, and start-ups, thanks to its amazing features at less expense.
Although the Magento Open Source comes with basic features, developers can extend its functionalities by adding third-party extensions, plug-ins, and modules to configure adjustments and meet business preferences. However, it is advisable to hire a certified Magento developer who can download, set up, and implement the Magento Open-Source platform as per your eCommerce requirements. Some of the amazing features of this free platform include:
- Catalog management
- Mobile optimized shopping
- Site search
- Integrated payment, checkout, and delivery
- Instant purchase
- Page Builder (available from Magento 2.4.3 release), a unified native CMS tool
- Global selling
Magento/Adobe Commerce (On-Premise)
Magento Commerce on-premises refers to a paid version of the platform with extensive eCommerce abilities including advanced tools and features available in Magento Open Source. It is an Enterprise software that you can buy and host – in the cloud or hosting service, after all, it requires a dedicated team for technical support, maintenance, and troubleshooting. Some of the amazing features of Adobe Commerce include:
- Page builder: This unique feature in Magento Enterprise development services allows merchants to create web pages without any coding challenges. It offers predefined templates and elements, which you can drag and drop to create a customized web page.
- B2B Module: It is helpful for permission-based hierarchies, personal catalogs, requisition lists, negotiations, company credit systems, and more
- Enhanced Marketing Tools: The tools include customer segmentation, detailed reports on customer activities, email notifications, abandoned cart functions, and payment pages.
- Customer Engagement Features: The platform offers amazing options to increase customer engagement like reward points, gift cards, gift registries, returns, and store credits.
- Advanced Payment Integration: To enhance customer transaction safety and security, Adobe Commerce offers solutions like Braintree, PayPal, CyberSource, Worldpay, and more.
- Content Staging: It helps schedule content updates, preview content changes from the admin panel, and help the website manage its content hassle-freely.
- Improved Import/Export: Merchants can schedule imports and exports for daily, weekly, and monthly data transfers for easy business processes.
Magento/Adobe Commerce Cloud (Hosted)
Adobe Commerce Cloud refers to a Platform as a Service (PaaS) solution hosted on Magento’s custom AWS/Azure-based cloud hosting infrastructure, which means no servers, no networks, and no cybersecurity hassles.
These amazing offerings by the Adobe Commerce Cloud platform provide businesses with a flexible and scalable end-to-end eCommerce platform to optimize the commerce experience throughout the entire customer journey.
Some of the amazing features of Abobe Commerce include:
- Page builder and content staging
- Customer segmentation and personalization
- Product recommendations
- Quick purchase
- Visual merchandising
- Business intelligence capabilities
- Integrated B2B functionalities
- Inventory management
- Cloud infrastructure
Summary
Magento Open Source is a cost-effective solution for businesses looking for flexibility and customization, but will not leverage the B2B functionality and Cloud environment offered by the Magento license. However, seeking benefits offered by Magento Commerce can help you achieve yearly revenue growth of more than $5 million.
Are you looking for expert assistance in Magento multichannel inventory management solutions? We are here to help.
FAQs
What are the different Magento versions?
Magento offers two distinct versions, which include Magento Open Source and Magento Commerce/Adobe Commerce.
Which version of Magento is best for business?
Magento 2 Commerce is the best version for eCommerce business app development.
Why should I pay for the Magento Open Source when it’s free?
Magento offers Magento Open Source, which is free for download. However, users need to pay for web development, web hosting, and additional integration costs to launch and maintain and website hassle-freely.
