What are the best enterprise ecommerce platforms?

What is an enterprise ecommerce platform?

An enterprise ecommerce platform is a robust, scalable solution designed specifically to support large businesses. It enables companies to manage their online stores while handling complex requirements such as massive traffic, multi-location inventory, and global operations. Unlike standard ecommerce platforms, enterprise platforms can accommodate thousands of transactions, extensive product catalogs, and the ability to integrate with critical systems like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM (Customer Relationship Management), and WMS (Warehouse Management Systems).

For example, a global retail brand managing several regional storefronts and offering products in multiple currencies would benefit from an enterprise platform that seamlessly integrates with their internal systems, ensuring consistency across regions. Moreover, enterprise platforms come with enhanced features like personalized shopping experiences, custom checkout processes, and better security measures to handle sensitive customer data, making them ideal for large-scale ecommerce operations.

Why choose an enterprise ecommerce platform over standard solutions?

While small and medium-sized businesses often rely on standard ecommerce platforms such as Shopify, WooCommerce, or Squarespace, enterprise-level companies require more advanced solutions to handle their size and complexity. Here’s why enterprise platforms offer better functionality:

1. Scalability: Enterprise platforms are designed to handle huge volumes of traffic and transactions, especially during peak seasons like Black Friday or Cyber Monday, where a standard platform might crash under pressure.
2. Customization: Large businesses have unique needs that cannot be met by one-size-fits-all solutions. Enterprise platforms offer customizable features, allowing businesses to modify everything from the website design to backend operations.
3. Global functionality: Selling across multiple regions requires a platform that can handle different currencies, languages, and tax laws. Enterprise platforms come with built-in support for these functionalities, making it easier to operate in various countries.
4. Advanced security: With large-scale operations, security is critical. Enterprise platforms offer enhanced data protection through compliance with industry standards like PCI, fraud detection, and data encryption.

Ultimately, choosing an enterprise ecommerce platform ensures that large companies won’t outgrow their technology infrastructure as they expand.

Key features to look for in enterprise ecommerce platforms

Enterprise ecommerce platforms offer a wide range of features, but here are the key functionalities that businesses should prioritize:

Scalability

The ability to scale is vital for businesses experiencing growth or fluctuating traffic. Enterprise platforms, often cloud-based, can easily expand to accommodate more users, products, and transactions. For instance, during high-traffic events like holiday sales, these platforms can adjust resources dynamically, ensuring that your website remains functional and responsive.

Customization

Enterprise platforms should offer businesses control over every aspect of the ecommerce experience, from the design of the storefront to the checkout process. Magento Commerce, for example, provides deep customization options, allowing developers to tailor everything from the website’s visual elements to its integrations with other software systems.

Security

Security is paramount when handling thousands of transactions daily. Features such as SSL encryption, two-factor authentication, and PCI compliance are essential for protecting customer data. Salesforce Commerce Cloud is well-known for its enterprise-level security measures, making it a popular choice for businesses concerned with data protection.

Integration capabilities

A key benefit of enterprise platforms is their ability to integrate seamlessly with other business systems, such as ERP, CRM, and supply chain management tools. Oracle Commerce, for example, is designed to work with Oracle’s suite of business tools, making it an ideal choice for companies already using Oracle software for other parts of their operations.

Multi-channel support

Many large businesses don’t just sell on their own websites—they also sell on marketplaces like Amazon and eBay, as well as through social media platforms. An enterprise ecommerce platform should offer tools to manage these various sales channels from one central dashboard, providing a unified view of customer activity and inventory.

How enterprise ecommerce platforms improve scalability

Scalability is one of the defining benefits of enterprise ecommerce platforms. When your business experiences rapid growth, such as opening new markets or launching new products, your platform needs to be able to scale with you.

Enterprise platforms, such as Shopify Plus and BigCommerce Enterprise, leverage cloud-based technology, which allows them to adjust server capacity based on demand. This ensures that your website remains fast and responsive, even during peak traffic times. Additionally, many enterprise platforms provide performance optimization tools like CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) and load balancing, which distribute traffic evenly to prevent server overload.

Back-end scalability is equally important. Enterprise platforms integrate with WMS and ERP systems, allowing businesses to scale their logistics, inventory management, and order fulfillment processes in line with demand. For example, a global brand can use a platform like Magento to manage multiple warehouses and sales channels from one centralized system, ensuring efficient order processing and real-time inventory tracking.

How to choose the right enterprise ecommerce platform for your business

Choosing the best platform involves assessing your specific business needs and future growth plans. Here’s what to consider:

Business size and complexity

The larger and more complex your business, the more sophisticated your platform needs to be. For example, a company with multiple brands operating in different countries needs a platform like Oracle Commerce that can manage multiple storefronts, currencies, and tax regulations seamlessly.

Customization needs

Does your business require a custom checkout process, unique user journeys, or personalized customer experiences? If so, a platform like Magento Commerce would be ideal, as it allows full control over the ecommerce experience. On the other hand, if your business needs a more plug-and-play solution with moderate customization, Shopify Plus or BigCommerce Enterprise could suffice.

Budget

Enterprise platforms vary in cost, with some offering lower upfront fees but charging more for additional features or support. Shopify Plus operates on a subscription model, making it a cost-effective option for businesses that want scalability without heavy customization. Meanwhile, platforms like Magento or Oracle Commerce may involve higher initial costs due to the need for custom development but offer greater flexibility in the long term.

Support and maintenance

Having access to reliable support is essential. Platforms like Salesforce Commerce Cloud offer 24/7 support, ensuring that any issues are resolved quickly. If you plan to build a heavily customized platform, you’ll need access to dedicated developers or third-party agencies for ongoing support and maintenance.

Comparing the best enterprise ecommerce platforms in 2024

Now, let’s explore the top enterprise ecommerce platforms in 2024 and what sets them apart:

Shopify Plus: Is it the right choice for large enterprises?

Shopify Plus is the enterprise version of Shopify, offering a powerful and scalable solution for high-growth businesses. It’s known for being user-friendly, with a fast setup time and a fully managed service, which means Shopify handles all the technical aspects like security, server management, and software updates.

Shopify Plus excels in multi-channel selling, enabling businesses to sell across platforms like Amazon, Facebook, Instagram, and even brick-and-mortar locations using Shopify’s POS system. With unlimited bandwidth and the ability to handle up to 10,000 transactions per minute, it’s ideal for businesses that require a reliable, scalable platform.

However, Shopify Plus may be limited in terms of customization. While it offers a wide range of apps and integrations, businesses looking for full control over the backend might find it restrictive compared to open-source solutions like Magento.

BigCommerce Enterprise: Balancing customization and performance

BigCommerce Enterprise is a strong contender for businesses that need more flexibility than Shopify but don’t want the complexity of an open-source solution. It offers advanced customization features, allowing businesses to modify their online store without needing deep technical knowledge.

BigCommerce stands out for its multi-channel selling capabilities, SEO-friendly architecture, and robust API options, which make it a popular choice for businesses looking to integrate their ecommerce store with other software. Additionally, it supports headless commerce, enabling companies to use different front-end technologies while managing their ecommerce operations from a unified back-end system.

While BigCommerce provides a high level of customization and performance, it may not offer the same depth of control as Magento or the seamless CRM integration of Salesforce Commerce Cloud.

Magento Commerce: A powerful but complex platform for global brands

Magento Commerce is widely considered one of the most flexible and powerful enterprise ecommerce platforms available. It’s an open-source platform, meaning businesses have complete control over the design, functionality, and integration of their online store. This makes it ideal for businesses with complex needs, such as managing multiple storefronts, currencies, or customer segments.

Magento’s flexibility also extends to its ability to support both B2B and B2C models, making it a versatile solution for companies operating in multiple industries. However, the downside is that Magento requires significant technical expertise to implement and maintain. Businesses without in-house development teams will likely need to hire external agencies to manage their Magento store.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud: A complete solution for customer-focused businesses

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is a cloud-based platform that integrates seamlessly with Salesforce’s suite of CRM tools, making it ideal for businesses focused on providing a personalized customer experience. The platform allows businesses to create tailored shopping experiences by leveraging data from Salesforce CRM, giving them the ability to personalize content, product recommendations, and promotions based on customer behavior.

Salesforce Commerce Cloud is particularly strong in marketing automation, allowing businesses to create targeted campaigns and manage customer journeys across multiple touchpoints. However, it may not be the best choice for businesses that don’t require advanced CRM features, as its strength lies in the deep integration with the Salesforce ecosystem.

Oracle Commerce: Advanced integrations for complex businesses

Oracle Commerce is a top-tier platform designed for businesses with highly complex ecommerce needs. It offers advanced integration capabilities, making it ideal for companies that need to connect their ecommerce platform with a wide range of business systems, such as inventory management, customer service, and accounting.

Oracle Commerce excels at managing large product catalogs and complex pricing structures, which is especially valuable for B2B businesses. The platform also offers AI-driven product recommendations, allowing businesses to personalize the shopping experience for each customer.

However, Oracle Commerce can be expensive and requires significant technical resources to set up and maintain. It’s best suited for businesses with the infrastructure to manage a highly customized, integrated ecommerce platform.

Composable commerce: Is it the future of enterprise ecommerce?

Composable commerce is an emerging trend in the ecommerce world, where businesses build their ecommerce stack using a combination of best-of-breed solutions rather than relying on a single monolithic platform. This approach allows companies to choose the specific tools and services they need, integrating them into a flexible, customized ecommerce solution.

Composable commerce offers maximum flexibility, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changes in the market or new customer demands. It’s particularly appealing for companies with highly specific needs or those looking to innovate rapidly. However, managing multiple systems can add complexity, especially for businesses without a dedicated IT team.

Pricing considerations for enterprise ecommerce platforms

Enterprise ecommerce platforms come with a wide range of pricing structures, depending on the features, scale, and level of support you need. Some platforms, like Shopify Plus, operate on a subscription model, where you pay a monthly fee based on your transaction volume. Others, like Magento or Oracle Commerce, require significant upfront development costs but may offer lower ongoing fees if hosted and maintained internally.

It’s important to account for both the initial setup costs—such as licensing, development, and implementation—and the long-term costs, which may include hosting, maintenance, and support. Be sure to factor in the cost of third-party integrations, customizations, and any additional tools you may need to achieve your business goals.

Common challenges in implementing enterprise ecommerce platforms

Implementing an enterprise ecommerce platform is no small task, and businesses often face several challenges during the process. One of the most common issues is the complexity of the platform itself. With more advanced features come longer implementation times and a steeper learning curve for employees.

Data migration can also be a significant hurdle. Moving product catalogs, customer data, and transaction histories from one system to another requires careful planning and execution to avoid losing valuable information or experiencing extended downtime. This is especially critical for businesses transitioning from a smaller platform to an enterprise solution.

Additionally, businesses should be prepared for potential disruptions during the implementation process. While most platforms strive to minimize downtime, there’s always the risk of technical issues or delays that could impact sales. Having a solid implementation plan in place and working closely with your platform provider can help mitigate these risks.

Final thoughts on choosing the best enterprise ecommerce platform

Choosing the right enterprise ecommerce platform is one of the most important decisions a growing business will make. It’s essential to consider both your current needs and your long-term goals when evaluating platforms. Whether you prioritize scalability, customization, or integration capabilities, the platform you choose should align with your business’s strategy and growth plans.

Platforms like Shopify Plus and BigCommerce Enterprise are ideal for businesses looking for ease of use and scalability, while more complex solutions like Magento or Oracle Commerce provide the flexibility needed for businesses with unique or intricate requirements. Newer trends like composable commerce may also offer exciting opportunities for businesses that want a more flexible, future-proof solution.

Ultimately, the best enterprise ecommerce platform is the one that fits your specific business model, operational complexity, and long-term objectives. By carefully considering your options and evaluating key features, you can choose a platform that will support your growth and success for years to come.