Magento

Magneto is an e-commerce platform written in PHP. Originally, the software was developed by Varien. The first release dates back to 2008. The purpose of the framework is to increase user involvement, to improve the orientation on the webpage, better conversion and generated earnings for shop owners.

Different platforms

Magneto offers two different platforms: Magneto Open Source and Magneto Commerce. The second one is available as a classical version or as a platform-as-a-service.

Magento Open Source

Magneto Open Source is an open-source platform. Developers can implement kernel files and expand the functionality by adding other developers’ plug-ins. It offers a basic platform for the eCommerce applications development.

Magento Commerce

Magneto Commerce has more functionalities than the Open Source variant. It is designed for bigger companies requiring technical support for the installation, use, configuration and bug fixing. It also exists in a platform-as-a-service variant.

The advantages of using Magneto

• Focused only on eCommerce. Magneto has built-in solutions for high volumes of online projects, loyalty programs or order payment methods. It isn’t a platform that has plug-ins for eCommerce, eCommerce is its primary focus.
• SEO Edge. SEO optimization is essential for eCommerce companies. It makes it possible to increase visibility in the online world and reduces the complexity of the search optimization.
• Scalability. This Framework is very friendly to developers enabling them to easily add pages and other features such as page connection or navigation. Since the Framework is written in PHP, it is very easily scalable. It saves money and simplifies planning. It can cope with significant seasonal fluctuations and achieves a faster server response even at maximum load.
• Supports management of more shops. Magneto allows simple management of more shops through a single administrative panel. Most eCommerce applications have stores in different languages while it may be appropriate to separate different types of products. Thanks to Magneto, these separate pages can communicate effectively.
• Security. Magneto protects user data.
• Community. Magneto has a big, growing and talented community.
• Architecture. Although architecture may seem somewhat exaggerated, the platform enables to solve most of important tasks. It supports the code reuse, sustainability and debugging.
• Extension. If Magneto can’t do something itself, it is very likely that somebody else has already solved a similar problem.

The disadvantages of using Magneto

• Problems with a high burden. In some situations it is possible that a high burden can cause significant problems, because Magneto runs on PHP.
• High price. For smaller business, the platform can be relatively expensive. The price include maintenance, update, functionality changes, plug-ins and other costs.
• Resource demand. While the platform is robust and scalable, it is also bulky and needs a significant amount of resources. It needs a large server which slows it down and intensive data inputs that need to be optimized. This then requires a significant investment.
• Installation and editing. The script isn’t too user-friendly and the installation can be very demanding for inexperienced users.

So when is it suitable to use Magneto?

Magneto is a good choice if you need to edit or add existing functionalities. Codes are open, so the customisation is relatively simple, especially compared with other SaaS platforms such as BigCommerce, Shopify or CS-Cart. It is possible to use Magneto as a trading platform, but it is necessary to recognize its limitations.