Choosing the right eCommerce platform for your business is like choosing the foundation for a house where you plan to live happily with your family for a long time. If the foundation is strong, the house will stand firm and reliable. But if you rush, cut corners, or overlook your needs, problems will soon arise.
Saving money now can lead to significant expenses later on for modifications and fixing issues. Even with unlimited investment options, it's easy to make a mistake and spend money on something that won't lead to success.
So how do you make such a complex decision?
We've prepared a detailed answer for you: we'll break down all aspects and share which eCommerce platforms for enterprise companies are the best in 2024.
How is an Enterprise eCommerce Platform different from a "regular" one?
There are four main criteria:
- Scalability: Enterprise Platforms are designed to handle millions of transactions, thousands of customers, products, and orders. They must be able to manage sudden spikes during peak periods and ensure maximum performance of all systems.
- Multichannel Support: These platforms synchronize sales across various channels, including online stores, mobile apps, social media, physical stores, and more.
- Security: To protect customer data and financial transactions, Enterprise eCommerce Platforms adhere to high-security standards and comply with legal requirements (e.g., GDPR, PCI DSS).
- Greater Flexibility and Customization: For example, they offer the ability to implement complex discount algorithms based on machine learning or set up integration with CRM, ERP, or other internal systems.
Enterprise eCommerce Platforms are designed for large companies and corporations. They can support complex B2B scenarios, emphasize high performance, and offer many other advantages. However, there is just one drawback that might make their use impractical. But we'll get to that a bit later.
Types of Enterprise eCommerce Solutions Available
If you're looking for eCommerce software for a enterprise business, it makes sense to first understand what options are available. Let's classify them based on two criteria that we believe are the most important. The first of these is architecture.
Monolithic
Classic Approach: All system components (product management, order management, payments, user management, etc.) are integrated into a single block.
- Pros: Easy, centralized management of all functions.
- Cons: Limited flexibility, challenges with scaling, and difficulties in making changes.
- Examples: Magento (Adobe Commerce), Oracle.
Microservices
The system is divided into individual services, each responsible for specific functions (e.g., a separate service for the shopping cart, and another for product management).
- Pros: Better scalability, flexibility, and the ability to develop and update components independently.
- Cons: More complex management, requiring highly skilled developers.
- Examples: Shopify Plus, Salesforce.
Headless eCommerce
The external interface (Frontend) and the server-side (Backend) are separated from each other. This allows for the integration of various interfaces, such as websites, mobile apps, and IoT devices, with a single shared backend. Frontend developers can focus on improving UX/UI using tools like React, while the backend team works on APIs and business logic.
- Pros: High flexibility for creating unique interfaces, and the ability to implement different solutions.
- Cons: Requires separate frontend development, which can complicate the process.
- Examples: BigCommerce.
Headless often involves development costs. You'll need to decide whether to hire developers as employees or contract with a third-party team to build and maintain the system.
The second criterion for classification is the deployment method.
On-Premise (local)
The platform is installed on the company's servers, and all data is stored within the organization.
- Pros: Control over the system and data, unlimited customization.
- Cons: High infrastructure maintenance costs, require resources for server management.
- Examples: SAP (Hybris), Oracle.
Cloud-Based
Hosted in the cloud and accessible via the internet. No need for local servers.
- Pros: No need to manage physical servers, regular updates from the provider.
- Cons: Dependency on the cloud provider, potential limitations in customization.
- Examples: Salesforce.
SaaS (Software-as-a-Service)
They are provided as a ready-made solution on a subscription basis. The company uses available features via the Internet, while all infrastructure management and updates are handled by the provider.
- Pros: Quick implementation, low initial costs, regular updates.
- Cons: Limited customization options, dependency on the provider.
- Examples: BigCommerce, Shopify Plus.
PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service)
Developers can create custom solutions based on the chosen platform.
- Pros: Flexibility in customization and development, while some infrastructure management is handled by the provider.
- Cons: Requires skilled developers, complex implementation.
- Examples: Magento Commerce Cloud.
Additionally, there are open-source platforms, which, like on-premises solutions, require installation on your own servers. There are also closed-source platforms, which are provided under commercial licenses on a paid basis.
Does your business need an Enterprise eCommerce Platform?
On one hand, "not reinventing the wheel" seems very logical. On the other hand, you need to be aware of all the drawbacks. And believe me, there are quite a few.
A professional IT department is required.
In most cases, maintaining and developing the platform requires "specially trained personnel." You won’t manage with your existing staff if you don’t yet have an IT department, or if your team includes developers who have never worked with the specific platform.
This increases operational risks and can be a key factor for companies whose budgets do not account for hiring and maintaining an IT team.
Long update cycles
Certainly, most providers of enterprise eCommerce solutions monitor market changes and adapt to them. However, don’t expect changes to occur quickly, as custom configurations, integrations, and system stability need to be considered.
In other words, if your project involves innovation, evolves rapidly, and requires cutting-edge solutions, off-the-shelf platforms may become a hindrance to your growth.
Staff adaptation
Clients often ask developers to make the UX/UI as similar as possible to the familiar interfaces already used within the company. This is a way to avoid costs associated with retraining key employees, conducting training sessions, and creating additional materials.
The more complex the platform, the harder it is to train staff, the more errors arise due to human factors, and the slower the time to market.
Risk of excessive functionality
No one wants to pay for features they don’t use. Your company might not need such a wide range of functions and could manage with simpler (and therefore cheaper) solutions.
Flexibility has its limits
Despite the risk of excessive functionality, there is another side to the coin. There are specific requirements that go beyond the capabilities of even the most flexible platform.
Sometimes, internal system limitations can hinder the implementation of unique business processes. You may need to create custom additional solutions or find workarounds.
Dependence on the provider
With enterprise-level eCommerce platforms, you don’t have full control over your infrastructure. What if your provider changes their business model? Or if the quality of their services deteriorates? Or if their fees rise to the point where it becomes a significant burden and negatively impacts your business?
A case, when an eCommerce Platform is Not the Best Solution
At first, I wanted to choose a ready-made solution. We found a development team, but during the process, it became clear: “This won’t work. This can’t be done. This can be done, but it will be expensive.” In the end, I realized that custom development was the only option for me. Only in this way will my product function fully, rather than limping along on makeshift solutions. (с) one of Wezom clients
And since we’ve brought it up, let’s take a closer look at this case.
Client: Miastoriia, a meat restaurant in the capital of Ukraine.
Here were the main tasks set for the team:
- synchronize the client application with third-party accounting software (which was not integrated into most Commerce Platforms and was difficult to integrate).
- set up fast automatic data exchange between the iiko platform for HoReCa and the application to manage inventory, stock levels, and orders.
- implement a customer segmentation feature based on their geographical location (for example, ready-made meals are only available for residents of Kyiv and its suburbs, while raw meat and semi-finished products can be delivered anywhere in the country in thermal boxes).
Custom development took only 5 months, a little longer than implementing a ready-made solution, and was not significantly more expensive. Some commercial subscriptions for enterprise eCommerce software can be 3-5 times costlier annually.
In this case, Enterprise eCommerce Platforms offered excessive functionality for a medium-sized business, making them inefficient. Custom development provided a solid, maintainable architecture, allowing the client to save money, enter the market quickly, and have control without relying on external providers.
You can read more about this Case here:
ТОР 7 Best Enterprise eCommerce Platforms
Disclaimer: Everything written below is our subjective opinion. To create this ranking, we surveyed the team of developers about which SaaS solution they would personally prefer and which eCommerce software for large business they would recommend to blog readers. The ranking participants are listed in no particular order. The numbering is used to indicate quantity, not "placement".
1. Shopify Plus
One of the most popular eCommerce resources with ready-made templates and all-in-one functionality. It is distinguished by incredibly rapid growth: more than 2,200 stores are opened on the platform every day. The Plus version offers extensive capabilities for handling large volumes of data, management, and integration with other corporate systems.
What We Like Best
- Mobile-Friendliness: adaptive themes ensure a smooth experience on mobile devices. With the BuildFire tool, you can essentially create separate mobile apps for Shopify.
- Easy Integration: seamless connection with third-party systems via API and a comprehensive ecosystem of apps.
- Custom Interface: ability to build a custom interface using a headless stack based on React.
- Analytics: detailed reporting and analytics capabilities.
The Downsides
Despite access to customization, the platform is still constrained by Shopify's architecture. This means it is clearly not suitable for very specific or complex projects. In 80% of cases, additional development and/or assistance from external specialists or agencies will be required.
How Much?
Starting at $2,000 per month, plus additional costs for themes, apps, and integrations, along with a percentage of sales.
2. Adobe Commerce (Magento)
A monolithic platform with flexible settings and open source. Adobe acquired Magento for $1.68 billion in May 2018, which significantly influenced its development trajectory. By that time, Adobe already had a strong developer community that had addressed most of the needs for third-party integrations.
It supports an unlimited number of products and complex catalogs, and processes thousands of transactions per hour. It is considered ideal for large retailers (clients include Coca-Cola, Ford, T-Mobile).
What We Like Best
- the product can be hosted in the cloud or on-premises.
- features AI capabilities for personalized search and recommendations.
- allows for the creation of simple pages without coding.
Adobe is known as a leader in creative design software development. Therefore, any solutions related to this area will be absolutely unique.
The Downsides
Magento requires deep knowledge in web development and server management, which can be a barrier for companies without technical personnel. We recommend this Enterprise eCommerce Platform to those who have a fully equipped IT department.
How Much?
Adobe does not publicly disclose its pricing plans. According to our information, the license starts at $22,000 per year for small businesses. For large enterprises, the cost can reach several hundred thousand dollars depending on the configuration and additional services.
3. Salesforce Commerce Cloud
A cloud platform with a wide range of enterprise eCommerce solutions for both B2C and B2B. Previously known as Demandware. It positions itself as: "The #1 AI-powered CRM system."
What We Like Best
- in-depth and quality analytics based on cloud data.
- AI in workflows
- many ready-made storefront templates
- support for global, multi-brand, and multi-site management
- integrated commercial applications: includes built-in apps for sales channels and marketing (Salesforce CRM, Marketing Cloud, and Service Cloud).
The Downsides
If you have already invested in products that are not related to Salesforce, you will definitely encounter difficulties integrating them. Salesforce is advisable only if you choose it as an entire ecosystem and if its functionality and capabilities meet all the needs of your business.
How Much?
There is no universal pricing model. The cost of services will be assessed based on factors such as the chosen functionality, order volume, and even customer engagement. This often results in higher operational costs than companies initially expected. However, on the flip side, it ensures that you only pay for what you actually need.
4. BigCommerce Enterprise
Founded in 2009, it quickly grew to become a major player in the eCommerce market. It positions itself as a provider of flexible solutions for all types of businesses, from small to large.
What We Like Best
- ideal for multi-frontend brands: allows management of multiple frontends from a single backend.
- flexibility in technology choices: easy integration due to support for headless architecture.
- good SEO tools: provides robust tools for search engine optimization.
- 24/7 support: offers round-the-clock assistance.
The Downsides
To fully leverage the platform's potential, integration with additional applications will be required. This is normal, but with BigCommerce, it leads to complete dependency. In our opinion, the application ecosystem is lacking.
How Much?
On the website, you'll find a "Pricing" tab, but when you expand it, you'll discover that "there is no universal pricing plan." The Pro plan costs $299 per month, which is generally in line with the average market price. From this, we can infer that the enterprise eCommerce software from BigCommerce will likely be priced similarly to other companies.
5. Oracle Commerce Platform
Another platform among notable enterprise-level eCommerce platforms. ATG Web Commerce was acquired by Oracle in 2010 and is now one of the leading platforms for large-scale eCommerce. It is widely used by major retailers and international corporations and allows for the creation of complex, multi-layered online stores.
What We Like Best
- many built-in features don’t need any additional costs
- easy data and process synchronization: seamlessly integrates with various systems, including Oracle ERP and CRM.
- advanced machine learning algorithms: utilizes cutting-edge algorithms for personalized content and recommendations.
The Downsides
Requires complex configuration and significant initial investment. Some problems are difficult to solve even with technical support.
How Much?
License costs can start at $500,000 per year, which includes basic support and maintenance. Additional services and customization can be more expensive.
6. SAP Commerce Cloud (Hybris)
A platform from SAP with ERP system integration and a multitude of features for both B2B and B2C segments. It offers high scalability and supports complex business models. It provides advanced capabilities for managing customer experiences across all channels, from online to offline.
What We Like Best
- partner ecosystem
- omnichannel approach
- multilingual and multicurrency support
- advanced AI algorithms effective for analyzing customer behavior.
The Downsides
The main criticism of this enterprise eCommerce software - cost. Additionally, some users face difficulties integrating old inventory management systems. If your company's IT systems are outdated, SAP Commerce Cloud may not be suitable for you.
How Much?
For large enterprises, the annual license cost can reach several hundred thousand dollars.
7. Wix eCommerce
Wix made it onto this list for two reasons:
- It was named one of the Best Enterprise E-Commerce Platforms of 2024 by Forbes.
- We needed one more point because the author of the article doesn't like the number 6.
But to be frank, Wix is not a great option for enterprise businesses. It's an excellent website builder that finds its fans among small entrepreneurs. It is too vulnerable to attacks (partly due to its popularity), and it is slow (in our opinion). It lacks the scalability required for large businesses.
For the same reason, WooCommerce didn’t make our modest ranking. Although the site claims it is a platform, we can only see it as a plugin for WordPress. It is an excellent choice for those looking for a flexible, functional, and cost-effective system for creating an online store. But it is definitely not the option we would recommend in a ranking of eCommerce platforms for enterprise companies.
How to choose eCommerce software
For scalability and global commerce, solutions like SAP Commerce Cloud or Oracle offer robust support for large operations. Companies seeking customization and integration should consider Adobe Commerce, while Salesforce or Shopify Plus are ideal for dynamic, customer-focused needs.
In 2024, platforms that ensure high security and comply with international standards (like GDPR or CCPA) will be prioritized due to rising cyberattack risks. There is also growing demand for eco-friendly practices, making platforms that help reduce carbon footprints and optimize logistics advantageous.
Consumers expect seamless shopping experiences across various channels. Platforms that integrate these channels for a unified experience will lead the market.
AI and machine learning are crucial. Assess if your chosen solution offers personalized customer experiences, uses AI for trend analysis, evaluates marketing effectiveness, and adjusts prices dynamically to manage stock levels and competition.
A Final Advice
Which one of Enterprise eCommerce Platforms is the best? Certainly, it’s the one that best matches your company's needs. However, as experience shows, finding the perfect solution is about as likely as spotting a unicorn. You will inevitably have to make some trade-offs.
When choosing a ready-made solution, consider not only scalability, integration capabilities, support level, and cost. More importantly, evaluate whether you are willing to relinquish full control over your infrastructure and rely on external providers.
We are often asked, "How to Create An Online Marketplace Like eBay?" The key is that eBay wasn’t built on a ready-made platform; it was a custom development.
Choosing a right platform with too many limitations might mean that you’ll need to switch it out in five years. Opting for eCommerce software with custom modules, features, and processes can result in paying for capabilities that you may not use.
If you have more specific requirements or budget constraints, we’re ready to offer practical recommendations. Contact our representative, and we’ll help you find the best solution for your needs.
