There are endless options available for businesses seeking to add or update their eCommerce presence.
The bottom rung in commercial software is a licensed solution that is installed on the site owner’s server and configured. This option also requires developer assistance and necessitates custom design and coding work as well. It is usually template based, offering a few basic designs as starting points for customization. The software developer may offer limited support, often for a fee. When there are upgrades or new features available, it can be expensive to implement them, and the reinstallation of the new version may wipe out any customizations or design changes. Depending on the software, this may result in the need to start over to implement those customizations and designs again.
In both of the above cases, there are a number of hidden costs associated with the solutions:
- Software (if not open source)
- Hosting
- Installation/Implementation
- Customizations
- Design
- Ongoing maintenance
- Website updates (especially if coding is required)
- Upgrades
- Electricity if hosted in-house
Software as a Service offers a hosted solution for a subscription fee. This model allows website owners to forego the hassles and expenses of hosting and managing their eCommerce software. However, there are some common misconceptions about SaaS and exactly what it means.
Software as a Service is:
- Just software – a stand-alone program that has a base feature set and does what it does. Customizations are usually additional, and costs can add up quickly.
- Not always well supported.
- Unpredictable.
Platform as a Service (PaaS) offers a new level of quality, stability, service. Because the eCommerce Platform provider is the host, the designer, the developer, and the consultant, these efforts are streamlined and there are no unexpected charges.
- In-house designers and developers working with the system they know intricately produce stronger, more consistent results.
- Because the best PaaS solutions are always customized for each business, there are no fees for custom development (which can grow infinitely with a software-based solution and may never actually provide the desired level of stability and functionality).
- Updates and upgrades are smooth, do not overwrite customizations, and will never cause incompatibilities.
- Ongoing maintenance is manageable and completely within your control with simple field and content editing that does not require the assistance of a developer.
- Services originate from a single source, which serves as the hub of business and back office operations.
The eCommerce Platform is unmatched when quality, consistency, and professionalism are paramount. With this deep level of control over the single, incorporated solution, efficiency is realized and the investment is predictable, without unexpected charges or ongoing issues that necessitate additional services.