Open Source vs. Open SaaS

In the world of ecommerce, the choice between open-source and open SaaS platforms can significantly impact your business's success. There are fundamental differences between Adobe Commerce, an open-source solution, and BigCommerce, an open SaaS platform. Before deciding which platform will suit your needs best, it’s essential to understand what each option brings to the table. So many people go with one platform without researching all features, which unfortunately leaves them in the position of having to make their business fit the platform, or worst yet, have to re-platform or migrate. These are costly mistakes to make– financially and otherwise– so we’re here to help you make the most informed decision possible.

A Fundamental Distinction

At first glance, the terms "open source" and "open SaaS" might sound like technical jargon, but they represent a foundational difference in how ecommerce platforms are built and managed. As both an Adobe Partner and a BigCommerce Partner, we have firsthand experience with the diverse needs of businesses and understand that there's no one-size-fits-all solution.

Adobe Commerce: The Open Source Option

Adobe Commerce, with its open-source nature, offers unparalleled flexibility. Every line of code– and there are a lot– in the platform is customizable, allowing for seamless modifications, easy module installations, and complete control over the ecommerce environment. It's like working with a set of Legos, where you can build, modify, or replace any piece as needed.

However, this flexibility comes with a trade-off. Adding new functionality often requires altering the existing codebase, and this can introduce complexity and technical debt. Without stringent coding practices and regular testing, it's easy for a custom-built solution to become unwieldy and challenging to maintain over time.

BigCommerce: The Open SaaS Approach

BigCommerce, on the other hand, provides a more stable, open SaaS (Software as a Service) platform. The core of the platform remains locked down and off-limits, ensuring native performance, security, and PCI compliance. Instead of modifying the core code, developers can access the platform's API points to customize specific functionalities.

This approach reduces the burden of maintenance, as the core features, security, and performance are managed by BigCommerce. The merchant can focus resources on improving the customer experience, rather than spending a considerable amount on regular maintenance and upgrades.

Pros and Cons of Each Approach

Adobe Commerce (Open Source)

Pros:

• Unparalleled customization: You have full control to modify every aspect of your ecommerce site.
• Ideal for highly customized business processes and unique requirements.

Cons:

• Expensive and regular upgrades: Maintaining customizations often requires costly and time-consuming upgrades.
• Performance and stability can suffer with a heavily customized codebase.
• High maintenance budget for bug fixes, security upgrades, and PCI compliance.
• Heavy technical debt can accumulate over time.

BigCommerce (Open SaaS)

Pros:

• Native performance: BigCommerce manages core features, ensuring high performance and stability.
• Minimal maintenance: Reduced costs and effort related to regular maintenance, security, and upgrades.
• Focus on optimization: Resources can be directed towards improving the customer experience and increasing conversion rates.
• Highly secure and PCI compliant: BigCommerce takes responsibility for core security and compliance.

Cons:

• Limited core customization: Some core features are off-limits for direct modification, but extensive customization is possible through API points.

In the vast majority of cases, BigCommerce's open SaaS approach is an advantageous choice. It offers native performance, streamlined maintenance, and a clear focus on improving the commerce experience. With fewer bugs, faster performance, and significant cost savings, migrating to BigCommerce often results in a 5% to 10% increase in conversion rates, potentially leading to substantial revenue growth.

However, for the few businesses with highly specialized needs requiring extensive customization, Adobe Commerce's open-source flexibility may be the better choice. But keep in mind that Adobe is also working to address some of the issues related to customization with solutions like App Builder.

Ultimately, the decision between open source and open SaaS should align with your business's unique requirements and objectives. By understanding the core distinctions between these platforms, you can make an informed choice that sets the stage for your ecommerce success.

How BigCommerce reduces friction in the customer journey.

This one aspect could net your website $1.5MM in additional yearly revenue (given a $20MM annual turnover).

Potential customers are easily frustrated. Every time you release changes to production, there is a (potentially even high) probability that something in the customer journey will break.

BigCommerce's SaaS approach significantly reduces the number of touch points. Out of the box, this could be seen as 1000 to 0. While the end product's touch points will be more than 0, the same increase can be said for Adobe Commerce.

In the long term, BigCommerce is more stable. The likely effects are not only conversion rate increases but also a significant ongoing reduction in maintenance costs.