The world of e-commerce is constantly evolving, and with it, the platforms that power online businesses. For years, Magento has been a leading name in the industry, known for its robust features and flexibility. But as technology advances and companies are acquired, names can change. So, what is Magento called now? The answer isn’t as straightforward as a simple name swap. It’s a story of evolution, acquisition, and the expansion of a product suite. Let’s delve into the details and explore the current identity of what was once known as Magento.

The Magento Transformation: From Open Source to Adobe Commerce

Magento’s journey began as an open-source e-commerce platform, quickly gaining popularity among developers and merchants due to its customizable nature. Its modular architecture and extensive feature set allowed businesses to create unique online stores tailored to their specific needs. However, the landscape shifted significantly with its acquisition by Adobe.

In May 2018, Adobe acquired Magento for a staggering $1.68 billion. This marked a pivotal moment, transforming Magento from an independent entity into a key component of Adobe’s Experience Cloud. The acquisition aimed to integrate Magento’s e-commerce capabilities with Adobe’s marketing, analytics, and advertising solutions, creating a comprehensive platform for digital experiences.

Following the acquisition, the Magento brand evolved. While the core open-source platform remained, Adobe introduced a new product called Adobe Commerce. This is essentially the enterprise-level version of Magento, offering advanced features, scalability, and support tailored for larger businesses. It’s also deeply integrated with other Adobe products like Adobe Analytics, Adobe Target, and Adobe Experience Manager.

Therefore, the answer to “What is Magento called now?” is multifaceted. While the open-source platform is still referred to as Magento Open Source, the enterprise-level offering is now known as Adobe Commerce. This distinction is crucial for understanding the current landscape and choosing the right platform for your business.

Magento Open Source: The Foundation Remains

Despite the acquisition and the introduction of Adobe Commerce, Magento Open Source continues to exist as a free and open-source platform. It serves as a foundation for many smaller to medium-sized businesses and developers who prefer the flexibility and control of an open-source solution. Here’s a closer look at Magento Open Source:

Key Features and Benefits

• Customization: Magento Open Source offers unparalleled customization options, allowing developers to modify the core code and create unique features.
• Community Support: A vast and active community of developers and users provides support, resources, and extensions to enhance the platform.
• Cost-Effective: As a free platform, Magento Open Source eliminates licensing fees, making it an attractive option for businesses with limited budgets.
• Scalability: While not as scalable as Adobe Commerce out of the box, Magento Open Source can be optimized to handle a significant amount of traffic and transactions.
• Flexibility: The platform’s modular architecture allows businesses to choose and implement only the features they need, avoiding unnecessary bloat.

Use Cases

Magento Open Source is suitable for a wide range of businesses, including:

• Small to medium-sized online stores.
• Businesses with specific customization requirements.
• Developers who prefer open-source solutions.
• Startups with limited budgets.

Limitations

While Magento Open Source offers numerous benefits, it also has certain limitations:

• Technical Expertise Required: Implementing and maintaining Magento Open Source requires significant technical expertise.
• Security: Businesses are responsible for ensuring the security of their Magento Open Source stores.
• Scalability Challenges: Scaling Magento Open Source to handle large volumes of traffic and transactions can be challenging.
• Limited Support: Unlike Adobe Commerce, Magento Open Source does not come with official support from Adobe.

Adobe Commerce: The Enterprise Solution

Adobe Commerce, formerly known as Magento Commerce, is the enterprise-level e-commerce platform offered by Adobe. It builds upon the foundation of Magento Open Source, adding advanced features, scalability, and support tailored for larger businesses. Let’s explore the key aspects of Adobe Commerce:

Key Features and Benefits

• Advanced Scalability: Adobe Commerce is designed to handle high volumes of traffic and transactions, making it suitable for large enterprises.
• Personalization: The platform offers advanced personalization capabilities, allowing businesses to create targeted experiences for individual customers.
• Integration with Adobe Experience Cloud: Adobe Commerce seamlessly integrates with other Adobe products, such as Adobe Analytics, Adobe Target, and Adobe Experience Manager, providing a comprehensive digital experience platform.
• B2B Functionality: Adobe Commerce offers robust B2B features, including customer-specific catalogs, pricing, and payment options.
• Security: Adobe provides security updates and patches to protect Adobe Commerce stores from vulnerabilities.
• Support: Adobe offers official support for Adobe Commerce, providing businesses with access to technical assistance and resources.
• AI-Powered Features: Adobe Sensei, Adobe’s AI and machine learning technology, is integrated into Adobe Commerce to provide intelligent recommendations, search, and personalization.
• Cloud-Based Option: Adobe Commerce is available as a cloud-based solution, offering increased scalability, security, and performance.

Use Cases

Adobe Commerce is ideal for:

• Large enterprises with high volumes of traffic and transactions.
• Businesses that require advanced personalization capabilities.
• Companies that need seamless integration with other Adobe products.
• B2B businesses with complex requirements.
• Organizations that prioritize security and support.

Cost and Licensing

Adobe Commerce is a commercial platform, and its cost is based on a business’s gross merchandise volume (GMV). The licensing fees can be significant, making it a more expensive option than Magento Open Source. However, the advanced features, scalability, and support offered by Adobe Commerce can justify the investment for larger businesses.

Adobe Commerce Cloud: The Fully Managed Solution

In addition to Adobe Commerce, Adobe also offers Adobe Commerce Cloud. This is a fully managed, cloud-based version of Adobe Commerce that provides even greater scalability, security, and performance. Let’s examine the key aspects of Adobe Commerce Cloud:

Key Features and Benefits

• Fully Managed Infrastructure: Adobe takes care of all the infrastructure management, including servers, databases, and security.
• Automatic Scaling: Adobe Commerce Cloud automatically scales resources to handle fluctuations in traffic and demand.
• Enhanced Security: Adobe Commerce Cloud provides enhanced security features, including DDoS protection and vulnerability scanning.
• Faster Performance: Adobe Commerce Cloud is optimized for performance, delivering faster page load times and improved user experience.
• Reduced IT Costs: By outsourcing infrastructure management to Adobe, businesses can reduce their IT costs and focus on their core business.
• Continuous Integration and Continuous Delivery (CI/CD): Adobe Commerce Cloud supports CI/CD, allowing businesses to deploy updates and new features more quickly and easily.
• Global Availability: Adobe Commerce Cloud is available in multiple regions around the world, ensuring optimal performance for customers in different locations.

Use Cases

Adobe Commerce Cloud is best suited for:

• Large enterprises that require a fully managed e-commerce solution.
• Businesses that need to handle high volumes of traffic and transactions.
• Companies that prioritize security and performance.
• Organizations that want to reduce their IT costs and focus on their core business.

Considerations

While Adobe Commerce Cloud offers numerous benefits, there are also some considerations to keep in mind:

• Cost: Adobe Commerce Cloud is the most expensive option, due to the fully managed infrastructure and advanced features.
• Customization Limitations: While Adobe Commerce Cloud offers customization options, they may be more limited than with Magento Open Source or Adobe Commerce on-premise.
• Vendor Lock-In: Using Adobe Commerce Cloud can create vendor lock-in, as businesses become reliant on Adobe’s infrastructure and services.

The Importance of Understanding the Magento/Adobe Commerce Ecosystem

Navigating the Magento/Adobe Commerce ecosystem can be complex, especially for those new to the platform. Understanding the different options available is crucial for making informed decisions and choosing the right solution for your business. Here’s why it’s important:

Choosing the Right Platform

Selecting the appropriate platform – Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, or Adobe Commerce Cloud – is essential for achieving your business goals. Consider factors such as your budget, technical expertise, scalability requirements, and integration needs when making your decision.

Optimizing Performance and Scalability

Regardless of the platform you choose, optimizing performance and scalability is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient customer experience. This involves optimizing code, configuring servers, and implementing caching strategies. For businesses looking to optimize their platform, professional Magento optimization services can significantly improve site speed.

Leveraging the Adobe Experience Cloud

If you’re using Adobe Commerce or Adobe Commerce Cloud, leveraging the Adobe Experience Cloud can provide significant benefits. Integrating your e-commerce platform with other Adobe products, such as Adobe Analytics and Adobe Target, can help you gain valuable insights into customer behavior and personalize the customer experience.

Staying Up-to-Date with the Latest Trends

The e-commerce landscape is constantly evolving, and it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies. This includes keeping your platform updated with the latest security patches and feature releases, as well as exploring new technologies such as AI and machine learning.

Key Differences Between Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, and Adobe Commerce Cloud

To further clarify the distinctions between the three platforms, here’s a table summarizing the key differences:

| Feature | Magento Open Source | Adobe Commerce | Adobe Commerce Cloud |
|—|—|—|—|
| **Licensing** | Free and Open Source | Commercial (based on GMV) | Commercial (based on GMV) |
| **Scalability** | Limited (requires optimization) | High | Very High (automatic scaling) |
| **Features** | Basic e-commerce features | Advanced features, B2B functionality, personalization | All Adobe Commerce features + fully managed infrastructure |
| **Support** | Community Support | Adobe Support | Adobe Support + infrastructure management |
| **Security** | Business is responsible | Adobe provides security updates | Adobe provides enhanced security features |
| **Infrastructure** | Business is responsible | Business is responsible (or can use a hosting provider) | Adobe manages the infrastructure |
| **Cost** | Low (no licensing fees) | High (licensing fees based on GMV) | Very High (licensing fees + infrastructure costs) |
| **Customization** | Highly customizable | Customizable | Customizable (but potentially more limited than on-premise) |
| **Integration** | Integrates with third-party tools | Seamless integration with Adobe Experience Cloud | Seamless integration with Adobe Experience Cloud |

The Future of Magento/Adobe Commerce

The future of Magento/Adobe Commerce looks promising, with Adobe continuing to invest in the platform and develop new features. Here are some key trends and developments to watch for:

AI and Machine Learning

Adobe is increasingly integrating AI and machine learning into Adobe Commerce, using Adobe Sensei to provide intelligent recommendations, search, and personalization. This trend is likely to continue, with AI playing an even greater role in e-commerce in the future.

Headless Commerce

Headless commerce is a growing trend that separates the front-end presentation layer from the back-end e-commerce platform. This allows businesses to create more flexible and personalized customer experiences across different channels, such as web, mobile, and IoT devices. Adobe Commerce supports headless commerce through its API-first architecture.

Progressive Web Apps (PWAs)

PWAs are web applications that provide a native app-like experience, offering features such as offline access, push notifications, and fast loading times. Adobe Commerce supports PWAs through its PWA Studio, allowing businesses to create engaging and performant mobile experiences.

B2B E-commerce

B2B e-commerce is a rapidly growing market, and Adobe Commerce offers robust B2B features to meet the needs of businesses selling to other businesses. This includes customer-specific catalogs, pricing, and payment options.

Sustainability

Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to consumers, and businesses are responding by adopting more sustainable practices. Adobe Commerce can help businesses track and reduce their environmental impact, such as by optimizing shipping and packaging.

Making the Right Choice for Your E-commerce Business

Choosing the right e-commerce platform is a critical decision that can significantly impact your business’s success. Whether you opt for Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, or Adobe Commerce Cloud, it’s important to carefully consider your specific needs and requirements. Here are some key questions to ask yourself:

• What is your budget?
• What level of technical expertise do you have?
• What are your scalability requirements?
• What integrations do you need?
• What level of support do you require?
• What are your long-term goals?

By carefully considering these questions, you can make an informed decision and choose the platform that’s best suited for your business. Remember to also consider factors such as security, performance, and ease of use. If you are considering migrating from another platform, researching a reliable Magento migration service can be beneficial.

Tips for Success with Magento/Adobe Commerce

Regardless of which platform you choose, there are certain best practices that can help you succeed with Magento/Adobe Commerce. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Invest in quality development: Hire experienced developers who are familiar with the platform.
• Optimize for performance: Optimize your code, configure your servers, and implement caching strategies.
• Prioritize security: Keep your platform updated with the latest security patches and implement security best practices.
• Provide excellent customer service: Respond quickly to customer inquiries and resolve issues promptly.
• Analyze your data: Use data to understand customer behavior and improve your marketing efforts.
• Stay up-to-date: Keep up with the latest trends and technologies in the e-commerce industry.
• Test thoroughly: Before launching any new features or updates, test them thoroughly to ensure they work as expected.
• Monitor your site: Monitor your site for performance issues and security vulnerabilities.
• Back up your data: Regularly back up your data to prevent data loss.
• Seek expert advice: Don’t hesitate to seek expert advice when needed.

Common Misconceptions about Magento and Adobe Commerce

There are several common misconceptions surrounding Magento and Adobe Commerce. Let’s debunk some of these myths:

• Misconception: Magento is too complex: While Magento can be complex, it’s also highly customizable and scalable. With the right expertise, it can be a powerful platform for businesses of all sizes.
• Misconception: Magento is too expensive: Magento Open Source is free, and Adobe Commerce offers a range of features and benefits that can justify the cost for larger businesses.
• Misconception: Magento is only for large businesses: Magento Open Source is suitable for small to medium-sized businesses, while Adobe Commerce is designed for larger enterprises.
• Misconception: Magento is outdated: Adobe continues to invest in Magento, and the platform is constantly evolving with new features and technologies.
• Misconception: Magento is difficult to use: While Magento can have a learning curve, it’s becoming more user-friendly with each new release.

Magento/Adobe Commerce Terminology

To help you navigate the Magento/Adobe Commerce ecosystem, here’s a glossary of common terms:

• Magento Open Source: The free and open-source version of Magento.
• Adobe Commerce: The enterprise-level e-commerce platform offered by Adobe.
• Adobe Commerce Cloud: A fully managed, cloud-based version of Adobe Commerce.
• Adobe Experience Cloud: A suite of marketing, analytics, and advertising solutions from Adobe.
• PWA Studio: A set of tools for building Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) on Magento.
• Headless Commerce: An architecture that separates the front-end presentation layer from the back-end e-commerce platform.
• Extension: A module that adds new features or functionality to Magento.
• Theme: A set of templates and styles that determine the look and feel of a Magento store.
• Module: A self-contained unit of code that provides a specific feature or functionality.
• API: Application Programming Interface, a set of rules and specifications that allow different software systems to communicate with each other.
• CMS: Content Management System, a software application that allows users to create and manage digital content.
• CRM: Customer Relationship Management, a software application that helps businesses manage their customer interactions and data.
• ERP: Enterprise Resource Planning, a software application that integrates various business processes, such as finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management.

Staying Informed: Resources and Communities

Keeping up with the latest news, updates, and best practices for Magento/Adobe Commerce is crucial for success. Here are some valuable resources and communities to help you stay informed:

• Magento Community Forums: A great place to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect with other Magento users.
• Adobe Commerce Documentation: Official documentation from Adobe providing detailed information about the platform.
• Magento Blogs: Numerous blogs dedicated to Magento, offering tips, tutorials, and insights.
• Magento Conferences and Events: Opportunities to learn from experts, network with peers, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends.
• Social Media Groups: Join Magento-related groups on platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook to engage in discussions and share information.
• Magento Stack Exchange: A question-and-answer site for Magento developers.
• GitHub: Explore Magento-related repositories on GitHub for code examples and open-source projects.

Conclusion: Embracing the Evolution of E-commerce with Adobe Commerce

In conclusion, while the name “Magento” still holds significance, it’s essential to understand that the enterprise-level solution is now known as Adobe Commerce. This evolution reflects Adobe’s acquisition and integration of the platform into its broader Experience Cloud ecosystem. Whether you choose Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, or Adobe Commerce Cloud, understanding the nuances of each platform is crucial for making the right choice for your business. By staying informed, investing in quality development, and optimizing for performance, you can leverage the power of Magento/Adobe Commerce to achieve your e-commerce goals and thrive in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Embrace the change, adapt to the latest trends, and unlock the full potential of your online store.