Open Source and SaaS eCommerce – Which Is The Most Premium eCommerce Platform

Are you confused about which platform can be excellent for your online business? We understand that it can be a confusing and daunting task, as there are a variety of options available online today. We have seen in the last decade that online shopping has seen tremendous growth, and thus the need for eCommerce platforms is at its peak. Therefore, business owners must evaluate specific metrics like architecture, pricing, functionality, and flexibility to identify the most suitable platform to achieve their goals. Well, when we think of building the best eCommerce website, open-source and SaaS eCommerce catch our attention.

Today, the growth of eCommerce businesses has helped the online business market. Thus, if you want to build an online business, make sure you know how to stand up for its survival and development in this market. Remember that your online store is the main attraction of your website. However, to make it adequate, choose the best platform. Open-source and SaaS are the two e-commerce platforms of the future, and both platforms have their pros and cons. Although there are many eCommerce options available, in this article we will give you an insight into these two eCommerce platforms. 

Well, before we get into its comparison, let’s first understand both platforms in more detail.

Open-Source Platform:

An open-source eCommerce platform is a software tool that helps build and manage a digital store. Open-source eCommerce platforms offer greater flexibility and can be customized. Developers can modify the code and add or remove features to build a unique eCommerce website that meets their business needs. In addition, these platforms usually offer a range of plugins, extensions, and themes that can further customize the platform.

Examples are Moqui Framework, Apache OFBiz, OpenCart, Magento, Zen Cart, and WooCommerce. 

SaaS Platform:

A SaaS eCommerce is an eCommerce platform. This platform offers a complete eCommerce solution that includes website hosting, software, and technical support through a web browser. SaaS eCommerce platforms are easy to use and require no technical expertise. It works best and is excellent for small and medium-sized businesses. They offer a range of features and functionalities, including product management, payment processing, order management, shipping, and more.

Examples are Shopify, Dropbox, Zoom, Hubspot, and BigCommerce.

Open Source and SaaS eCommerce: The Fundamental Comparison 

Let’s take a close look at Open-source and SaaS platforms and how they influence the e-commerce platform. 

1) Technical Aspects

Open-source:

Open-source are amazing, feature-rich options for e-stores. However, they have time and cost disadvantages in their technical work. Technical work like hosting, installations of the platform, PCI security compliance & software updates, maintenance of the backend interface, etc., needs proper guidance and monitoring of the open-source platform.

SaaS:

Using a SaaS platform, your hosting, software updates, installations, security, and setup are quick and easy.  Even a non-techie person can manage the online store with a click.

2) Costs and Expenses

Open-source:

Open-source platforms are generally free. Although it entails the cost of their hosting, development, customizations, integrations, security, and compliance which could cost up to thousands of dollars. But as an eCommerce platform, the expense is not much when you want to customize and develop the system.

SaaS:

SaaS follows a subscription-based business model. It means your business will have a monthly or yearly subscription plan. This SaaS pricing model is scaleable. But you can also upgrade or downgrade the plan depending on your needs. 

3) Setup & Installation

Open-Source:

Open-source provides the option of installation at zero expense. But when setting up the platform for an eCommerce site, you have to start from the beginning.

SaaS:

Most of its processes are explained and executed by the service provider. Moreover, the best part is that you can access a vast range of pre-designed themes, plugins, modules, and add-on libraries. However, you can also create your website by dragging and dropping features. 

4) User-friendliness and Flexibility

Open-Source:

Open-source platforms have greater flexibility and control. But they also can sometimes be more complex and require more technical expertise to set up and maintain. The integration process for these extensions might be slightly challenging and take longer without prior coding knowledge.

SaaS:

On the SaaS platform, there are many third-party application integration options. So anyone can incorporate them without any hassle and without knowing how to code. It is simple, but the ease of use and flexibility allow you to spend less time learning technical features.

5) Design and Customization

Open-Source:

Open-source supports the best design and customization functionalities when it comes to handling your eCommerce customization. Due to their comfortable and easy design and customization options, companies use open-source platforms more for their eCommerce.

SaaS:

SaaS eCommerce platforms have easy-to-use designs and are hassle-free to set up. Its comprehensive apps improve the functionality of your eCommerce cart, email marketing, and customer support. Thus, the capabilities of customizing features, plugins, themes, and performance are fixed.

6) Website Security and Compliance

Open-Source: 

Every eCommerce website’s security and PCI compliance are the most significant things that build trust. With an open-source platform, you can ensure the security of your website. You can pick your security tool to keep your eCommerce site safe and secure from threats.

SaaS:

On SaaS platforms, the service providers take care of the website’s security concerns. They will manage and look after the security for PCI compliance. They will release new security updates whenever required to keep your eCommerce site protected. 

7) Maintenance and Support

Open-Source:

Open-source eCommerce takes care of the administration and infrastructure of the platform, but you need to look out for all the software upgrades. 

SaaS:

Maintaining a SaaS platform for eCommerce needs effort from the service provider’s end. Regularly, you get software updates from the host and keep an eye out for any upgrades required. 

Conclusion

Deciding on the ideal eCommerce platform is a challenging task. But if you have less time and resources to handle and maintain software updates, then SaaS eCommerce is your best option. SaaS platforms can help you save money and effort, thus allowing you to focus on other essential things.

However, your decision to go for an open-source or SaaS eCommerce platform depends on your budget, special business needs, and resources. However, we advise you to use a futuristic platform that can help you run your online business smoothly. Also, if you need help understanding which eCommerce platform would be best for you in terms of meeting your business goals, we can help you out. 

So, what next? Just understand your needs and start your online store today!