Magento has been a forerunner amongst the popular eCommerce platforms. Launched in 2008, it now stands as a code strong ecommerce software powering more than 250,000 online stores. Built specifically for ecommerce, it is a modern cloud-based platform with an open-source ecosystem. Be it B2B, B2C or hybrid, it goes beyond basic ecommerce functionalities offering a user-friendly shopping experience, along with in-store, marketplace, and email.
The latest version Magento 2 was launched in 2015 with major improvements in speed, flexibility, admin interface, API integration, mobile responsiveness, and overall performance. Fast forward to 2018, comes a news regarding the official Magento support for original Magento platform (known as magento1) going down in 2018, creating a sense of panic among the store owners running stores on Magento 1. In the wake of the situation, Magento releases a statement stating an extension in the support till June 2020. while this put a calm to the state of urgency for the need for Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration, it also reestablished the trust in the Magento being a user-centric company.
However, the official timetable seems nebulous as Magento promised to provide support for Magento 1 indefinitely and sunset it with a notice period of 18 months to the users. The official Magento website states “We understand that many of our Magento 1 merchants need additional time to make the transition to newer versions of Magento. To that end, our software support policies ensure that those customers have the time and confidence to upgrade when it is right for their business.” Considering the marketplace scenario, it seems to be a right strategy given the fact that there aren’t many qualified Magento developers to handle the initial timetable. Further, given the urgency to move to Magento 2 and scarcity of first-class migration services, many migrations could really fail. This might also force the merchants to abandon Magento and move to a new platform altogether.
That being said, is it really something to rejoice or just a momentary sigh of relief? Is the fact that you can simply keep working with your present version of Magento a remission from the need to migrate or a bait that will leave merchants with a damaging sense of contentment? We believe it’s the latter. Now is the right time to migrate to Magento 2. Not doing so would put your store at a risk of being technologically dormant, something no eCommerce store can really afford. Considering the present scenario, here are 5 compelling reasons, why now is the right time to find a solutions partner and plan the migration of your store to Magento 2:
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Performance-
Magento 2 will improve your overall site performance. With one second of delay leading to as much as 7% of cart abandonment, an optimized eCommerce store is imperative.
Better Insights-
Magento 2 provides deeper insights into your store’s performance. With an improved reporting mechanism, it allows you to effectively analyze your store. You can target the right audience, improve your marketing strategy and offer more streamlined products.
Technologically Adaptive-
Today’s omnichannel selling environment calls for an adaptive approach and Magento 2 fits the bill. Buyers now are going beyond desktops and are using mobile devices and even voice-activated devices for a quick and easy shopping experience. Magento 2 not only aligns with the modern times but also evolves for a personalized experience.
Test of Time-
Magento 1 no doubt will be receiving support but will no longer receive upgrades. In other words, Magento 1 is now an obsolete technology. With hackers and their tools becoming more sophisticated, one has to consider, if the original version will stay safe and secure. Also, lack of innovation will deem your store to be technologically stagnant, something you would obviously not want your future business to be.
Support-
One cannot expect Magento to support two platforms forever. Sooner or later the 18 months notice will be issued. When the time comes, there will be a rush to roll in a quality solutions partner. Would you then be getting ample time to search a certified expert and plan the migration? And considering the law of supply and demand, the price of services may not be what it is today.
Procrastinating is natural, but nevertheless, one cannot risk the future of one’s business. Even Magento states ”While we’re committed to supporting the success of all merchants, the time to upgrade to Magento Commerce 2 is now. Magento Commerce 2 delivers superior cloud-hosted performance at scale, freedom from IT bottlenecks with creating, scheduling, and launching compelling content, and true business intelligence capabilities.”
In essence, the prime reason to migrate to Magento 2 is superiority. All the upgrades, innovations, security improvements etc. will be issued for Magento 2 and not Magento 1. In a nutshell, while Magento 1 will become technologically obsolete, Magento 2 will be getting better and better. the right step here would be to select an expert solutions provider to safely migrate your store to Magento 2, someone, you can trust to escort the migration with integrity and expertise.
