The rapid evolution in e-commerce has caused all the merchants and brands to shift towards online business. Various e-commerce solutions have been proposed in recent years that range from WordPress WooCommerce plugin to other dedicated SaaS options. The primary decision which every business has to make while shifting towards online platforms is whether they should go for open-source e-commerce or SaaS e-commerce platform. This article will cover all the aspects that must be kept in the eye while choosing between both.
The Basics
SaaS stands for software as a service. The basic idea of SaaS is to host an online store on the server of another company. This company manages all the technicalities to run the store BigCommerce, Shopify Shopify Plus, and Zoey are the most popular names in this industry. While in open-source e-commerce the store owner or management it self is responsible to install the platform on a server, tackle the technical aspects like hosting, security and run the entire store. WooCommerce plugin, OpenCart and Magento are doing the best of this kind.
Potential Benefits of SaaS Ecommerce
Quick Setup
Unlike other software, there is no need to install or download anything from scratch. As it's a cloud-based service so you're just required to sign up and create an account. An online store is established this way and it can be used or customized using a web interface or browser.
User Friendly
In generic circumstances, SaaS platforms are built and developed in such a way that all the complexity and limitations are thrown out of the box. This characteristic creates a win-win situation for both the newbies and non-tech merchants.
Cons of using SaaS platforms
Minimum Control and customization
SaaS platforms don't allow to have complete access to the code of the software so the users can't modify anything anywhere. Users are limited to use the tools as they are provided and go with the flow.
Highly Expensive
The SaaS platforms are thought to be so cheap but the mess starts when you have to install a minimum of ten to fifteen other apps to support the business and these apps require a monthly fee.
Potential Benefits of Open-Source Ecommerce
Full Access
As open-source platforms are openly available to everyone so anyone can create a customized shopping store by having complete access to the code. It's the best option for you if you like customization for free!
Community Support
Depending on the premium or free plans, you can get your queries resolved by the entire community of developers and the rest of the users.
Cons of Open-Source Ecommerce
More Technical
Open-source platforms are easy to use but one must have a developer in his team who can understand and tackle the code to accomplish the tasks.
Regular Maintenance
It is such a tough task to keep the software updated, tackle security risks, maintain the speed of your application or website. This is not possible until and unless every task is managed on regular basis.
Ending Note
After a brief analysis of the pros and cons of both the Open-Source and SaaS e-commerce, here a question arises that which one is unique for your business? The solution is simple! If you're okay with minimum customization, your key focus is on scaling the business. SaaS is for you. But if you're a developer yourself or have one with you and you need more customization and you can't afford paid software. You can go blindly go for Open-Source platforms. Here is another better solution. Zoey is an innovative e-commerce platform that makes a hybrid of both SaaS and open-source platforms to improve the business and shopping experience. Visit their website to learn more.
The best way to predict the future is to create it. With the tech expertise that we have at Bizmia, the stage is set for greater things. Let's talk about how we can make you materialize the future that you have envisioned.
Bizmia provides insights and commerce technology designed to enable its Partners to serve their customers across channels.