With ecommerce solutions like BigCommerce and Shopify and similar alternatives , you have a SaaS solution that you can customize to fit your needs. You pay monthly to cover your hosting and access to the software, which handles all security and PCI compliance for you.
They're a great way to get to market quickly and cheaply if time and budget are a concern. And with BigCommerce , you have access to an open API that gives you the freedom and flexibility of an open-source platform without the hassle of managing the technical aspects.
The traditional eCommerce model has required the front-end (your storefront) to be tied directly to the backend (the transaction processing behind the scenes) in a single self employed database setup. While this approach might still be the best option for many small and medium-sized businesses, it can be a challenge for larger, enterprise-level companies. Its limitations present challenges if you need to launch multiple websites or expand your service area into new regions. That’s where MACH principles come in, so you can customize the eCommerce web development solution that best fits your business.
Microservices
As the name suggests, microservices are small services designed to handle a particular task, put together to create an application. Each microservice is independently developed, updated, deployed, and managed with different code.
API-first
APIs, which stand for application programming interfaces, are those that connect two or more applications/services to facilitate communication between them.
Cloud Native
Cloud-native applications leverage the cloud and SaaS to take care of the technology behind it and deliver it to consumers on a subscription basis.
Headless
Headless Commerce Architecture
Headless Commerce decouples the front-end presentation of a website from the backend business functions. It gives businesses more flexibility when creating the user interface and integrations needed for an online store.
Choosing the Right eCommerce Website Builder for You
PWC research shows that nearly 3/4 of consumers say customer experience is an important factor in their purchasing decisions . Still, about half of consumers say brands are doing well with that experience.
To ensure that your eCommerce business provides a stellar customer experience on your site, hire a developer with plenty of experience in eCommerce website design and development.
Most SaaS solutions today, and some of the open source solutions, like WordPress , have extensive directories of developer partners who are experts in the system, along with best practices. If you're working with a Shopify ecommerce site, check out our list of the best Shopify developers .
Consider your needs
Don't hire an eCommerce development company until you fully understand what you want and need from your own website. Only then will you know what skills you require from a developer.