Magento 2 – Is it worth switching to the new version?    

Magento

Magento

All small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that currently still rely on version 1.x of Magento are confronted with an extremely complex task. The question to be clarified in a timely manner is whether a switch to Magento 2.x is the next logical step, or whether a completely different e-commerce solution should possibly be introduced. Because a lot changes with Magento 2. Magento 2 is a completely redesigned webshop software that has nothing to do with its predecessor purely technically.

The question of the target group of Magento 2

Magento Ecommerce has become so popular in the last 10 years because the software was a solution for both small and large e-commerce platforms. The online shop software was designed and used as an all-rounder. Simply every shop operator could use Magento and was satisfied with the solution. It was precisely this approach and these characteristics that contributed to Magento’s fabulous triumphal march.

With Magento2, however, the target group is now changing. Magento 2 is designed as an enterprise solution and Magento, or Adobe, addresses exactly this segment. Even if there is still a free open source version, Magento or Focus Adobe on the lucrative enterprise segment. Magento 2 is no longer intended as an all-purpose weapon of e-commerce.

This fact must be taken into account when deciding to migrate to Magento. Because the claim of an enterprise eCommerce solution has numerous consequences, which can be fatal for small and medium-sized online shops.

The time pressure

Even if the end of Magento 1.x support has been postponed several times in the past, a further postponement of the date is unlikely. The official end of support was in 2020. Until then, webshop operators ought to have replaced the existing solution.

Even if there is no change to alternative webshop software, planning the migration must begin one year earlier at the latest, as always depends on the complexity of the project. Otherwise, there is a risk of not getting ready in time and thus having to work with a webshop that no longer has up-to-date security patches and updates. Such companies as Dinarys can provide you with professional help in switching.

The differences between Magento 2 and Magento 1.x

Since Magento 2 is a completely redesigned webshop software, there are many differences compared to its predecessor. The technological substructure has been completely changed. As a result, there is no backward compatibility with already developed extensions, modifications or designs. Therefore, when switching to Magento 2, you cannot avoid a new development of these components.

But the way Modifications to Magento 2 are also made differs from its predecessor. If it was very “easy” to work with Magento 1, there are high qualitative hurdles in Magento 2. As a result, changes cannot be made quickly. Modifications must be planned or designed. These are then developed and tested with the help of shopware developers. Magento is based on other enterprise solutions, which significantly increases the quality of the software.

But it is precisely this new type of development that often contradicts the requirements of smaller online retailers. They want fast and cost-effective adjustments and are willing to accept qualitative problems. With Magento 2, this is no longer possible, which inevitably significantly increases the project costs. The same applies to the ongoing support costs.

Is Magento 2 the right solution?

The new version differs from its predecessor in many respects. The question now is how to find out whether it is worth switching to the current release of Magento. The following questions help with orientation, even if there is no claim to completeness.

What requirements exist?

Before you can think about migrating to Magento2 or another solution, the requirements must first be clear. What does the new online shop have to be able to do? Which current functions are no longer needed? Are there any features that are currently missing but necessary?

A blind migration to another solution makes no sense. A structured approach that first creates clarity about all requirements makes sense. The requirements must be prioritized and weighted.

Does Magento 2 suit your own requirements?

On the basis of the collected requirements, it can be clarified relatively quickly whether Magento 2 is the right solution. But be careful: Only if your own requirements are clearly and fully defined can a precise check be carried out. Shop operators can compare with the latest version of Magento, for example, on the basis of a Magentato workshop or training, or based on literature such as “Magento 2: The Comprehensive Handbook”.