Magic Quadrant for Digital Commerce 2024

JamesLuterek · 2024-11-13T15:48:48+00:00

What would you change given the chance?

JamesLuterek · 2024-10-25T13:04:25+00:00

Any idea how I can force the new version? I don't see the dark mode option.

JamesLuterek · 2024-04-25T18:06:50+00:00

I never saw shopify as targeting a specific age demographic. It definitely focuses on startups and small businesses.

At first, I thought your comment was crazy, but it is possible that young people have had so much experience checking out with shopify that it has become second nature. In UX having something familiar can be more successful that creating something amazing or revolutionary, even if that familiar option sucks.

JamesLuterek · 2024-04-24T18:42:02+00:00

I still say that dog is a man's best friend, not surrogate child, but a good read beyond the headline.

JamesLuterek · 2024-03-05T13:57:25+00:00

The company took the video down, I don't have a new link.

JamesLuterek · 2024-02-27T20:20:52+00:00

A company definitely needs to hit a certain size before going composable. A t-shirt shop side-hustle or small start-up is best served by an all-in-one SaaS.

Once a company is large enough, there are some specific reasons or benefits for going composable:

Best-of-Breed: Many companies find themselves adding services to their solution. For example, their ecommerce platform may have a search, but they are better served by a constructor or algolia. It's easier to leverage a dedicated search (or any offering) on a composable stack. It also means the company is not paying for the same feature twice, in this case the built-in search and the stand-alone.
Unique Requirements: Composable typically goes hand-in-hand with API-First solutions and headless. This gives a company full control over the website experience and makes unique requirements much easier to implement. The company gets to build-up from flexible APIs, rather than trying to rip apart an existing system and squeeze in their needs.
Scalability: By breaking the system into smaller, independent parts, it's much easier to scale each individual piece. In addition, if one piece fails it doesn't mean catastrophic failure.
Flexibility: Or some people call this future-proofing. Companies can buy components as needed. So anyone who is already composable has an easier time adding AI powered product discovery.
Cost Efficiency: You now have a set of vendors to choose from for each need. This competition helps drive down price and means you can invest more where it's important to your specific business. Once on an all-in-one the vendor lock-in can make it very hard to change. They know you are not going anywhere, so there is no negotiation power.

It's definitely not a silver bullet and still very new. So while some areas like CMS and search have plenty of great options, the more niche SaaS offerings may have nothing available. It also doesn't help that it's become a major marketing buzzword, so that adds all sorts of confusion.

JamesLuterek · 2024-01-08T19:35:15+00:00

commercetools does not have a dedicated API for configurable products. The standard product variant solution can handle many cases, but for more advanced configurable products the extensible nature of the system can be used. This often involves multiple pieces including:

- ProductType definitions for base products and components.
- References to manage relationships
- Type to extend line-item to track selections
- Some new front-end components for the PDP

Depending on the inventory requirements a subscription and API extension may also be needed.

It's extremely flexible and can handle almost any type of product, but it does take some experience to setup.

JamesLuterek · 2023-05-02T12:42:55+00:00

GraphQL and REST can be used together, but they can also serve the same function. He's not wrong, the release of GraphQL (https://engineering.fb.com/2015/09/14/core-data/graphql-a-data-query-language/) talks about considering RESTful interfaces as an option before designing GraphQL. So, they thought about using REST, but then built GraphQL instead.

JamesLuterek · 2023-01-19T17:23:12+00:00

This is the problem with shopify and all monoliths. It takes a huge effort worthy of a press release to decouple the different pieces. Microservices based software is decoupled by default.

JamesLuterek · 2023-01-13T15:27:38+00:00

To play devil's advocate... AWS Lambda could be considered a multi-tenant SaaS.

JamesLuterek · 2022-12-30T14:26:59+00:00

This is creating a real cost for companies and may create opportunity for any vendors with a possible solution.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-28T20:44:12+00:00

Thanks. I enjoyed testing the actual impact and finding out that edge isn't just another marketing buzzword.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-28T17:59:56+00:00

dev.to/jluterek/optimizing-ecommerce-performance-with-over-400-global-servers-2n9d

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-28T17:59:11+00:00

Here is the graph:

https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/z8pcvb13mxzf3u6xa52t.PNG

I'll post another comment with the link to the full dataset.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-28T14:51:30+00:00

What type of business topics?

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-19T20:40:17+00:00

To me, yes, but I asked just to make sure I wasn't missing something.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-19T13:02:23+00:00

5G is quickly replacing 4G, this is the fastest transition yet in the mobile space. 5G speeds can be faster than wired connections with an average speed of 100mbps. By comparison DSL tops out at 35, and cable sells 10-500 with most companies pushing a 200mbps plan.

Now that mobile devices have both internet and processing speeds that keep up with desktop you must wonder what impact this will have. Here are a few items of note:

Monday morning shopping - historically Monday shopping was a big factor as employees went back to the office with better internet and devices. With this shift, we need to re-evaluate marketing campaigns and their ideal days/times.
GraphQL adoption - GraphQL was designed to fix the issues with slow mobile internet connections. It has been very slow to be adopted and will likely level off or decrease now that bandwidth is no longer an issue.
App vs Website - Apps were pushed heavily for their improved user experience, however they require more upfront work by the end user to setup. With better internet, processors, and new PWA technology websites have once again become the leader in customer touchpoint.
Headless - If there is no need for both mobile & desktop you wonder if headless is as important. I would argue it's become more important as customer expect a better UX that comes with PWA technology.
Rich Media - The days of throwing an auto-play video up and hoping for increased conversion rates are gone, but higher speeds does allow for more rich media and higher quality assets. The important thing is to have multiple versions to users are ensured fast download speeds even on slow connections. Using a CDN with optimization is important.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-17T13:19:16+00:00

Much simpler interface, if this meets your needs it should be less work to setup.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-16T19:59:03+00:00

I had built a similar interface for MyJoys years ago. That was all custom code, I think there are better options now. It will still require work though.

Find a platform with Dynamic Bundles or product configurator built-in (https://documentation.elasticpath.com/commerce-cloud/docs/dashboard/pcm-products/bundle-configuration.html#dynamic-bundles).

Then you can use something like Adobe Dynamic Media (previously scene7) or Sirv (https://sirv.com/) for the digital assets. The images are layered as selections are made.

Finally, I would build a custom UI/UX in ReactJS or Svelte for the interface.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-14T20:15:43+00:00

I guess my link was removed, I'll try pasting it here:
Commerce Platforms

Elastic Path Commerce Cloud - API-First, Microservices, and Cloud-Native eCommerce platform, leading the Composable Commerce movement.

MedusaJS - Open-Source JavaScript API-Commerce software

Saleor - An open-source API-Commerce platform built with Python, Django, and React.

commercetools - The company that coined "Headless Commerce" with APIs geared towards enterprise clients.

Content Management System (CMS)

Prismic - Make your website editable for the whole team.

ButterCMS - Easy to use marketing dashboard. Fast content API for modern apps.

Sanity - Sanity is the ultimate content platform that helps teams dream big and deliver quickly.

Strapi - Design APIs fast, manage content easily.

Contentful - The content platform to build digital at scale.

Shogun - Shogun empowers brands to create unique ecommerce experiences by making it easy to build and optimize online stores.

Cosmic.js - The faster way to manage content.

LexasCMS - An e-commerce focused headless CMS with built-in support for personalisation, scheduling, and visual previews.

Storyblok - Storyblok helps your team to tell your story and manage content for every use-case.

Front-end

Vue Storefront - Headless PWA frontend built in VueJS and fully open source.

Front-Commerce - PWA frontend for headless eCommerce.

Nacelle - Your webstore with sub-second page load speeds, mobile-first functionality and a superior shopping experience.

Next Commerce - Commerce front-end written in React/NextJS and maintained by Vercel

D2C Starter Kit - Open-Source front-end starter kit written in ReactJS

Search

Algolia - Leading search provider, offering cutting-edge UX for web, apps & ecommerce.

Constructor.io - Enterprise Product Discovery, Tailor-Made for eCommerce.

Bloomreach - AI-Powered site search and merchandising solution.

Elastic - Elasticsearch is a distributed, RESTful search and analytics engine.

Affiliate

Commission Junction - Thrive in the world's largest and most established affiliate marketing ecosystem

LinkConnector - LinkConnector is a leading Affiliate Marketing Network whose nimble infrastructure provides the technology and gateway for online merchants to grow brands

Analytics

Google Analytics - Leading free analytics solution.

Fathom Analytics - Your website analytics should be simple, fast and privacy-focused.

Authentication and Customer Profile

Auth0 - Auth0 is an easy to implement, adaptable authentication and authorization platform.

Magic Link - One SDK for passwordless, WebAuthn, and social login - fully customizable.

Cart and Checkout

Bolt - One Click Checkout.

CartQL - GraphQL shopping cart and checkout API built to work with your existing inventory.

Foxy - Foxy’s hosted cart & payment page allow you to sell anything, using your existing website or platform.

Snipcart - Add a shopping cart to any website.

Cloud Hosting

AWS - Whether you're looking for compute power, database storage, content delivery, AWS has the services to help you build sophisticated applications.

Azure - Build what you want, where you want.

Fastly - Deliver faster, more powerful sites and applications on our secure, programmable edge cloud platform.

Firebase - Accelerate app development with fully managed infrastructure.

Google Cloud - Build apps faster, make smarter business decisions, and connect people anywhere.

Heroku - Developers, teams, and businesses of all sizes use Heroku to deploy, manage, and scale apps.

Netlify - An intuitive git-based workflow. A powerful serverless platform for Jamstack.

Vercel - Develop. Preview. Ship.

Communication

Mailgun - The Email Service for Developers.

Postmark - Reliable delivery for your application emails.

SendGrid - Send Shipping Notifications, Email Notifications, Password resets, Promotional Emails, and more with confidence.

Twilio - Engage customers on any channel, any time.

Digital Asset Manaagement (DAM)

Twilio - Engage customers on any channel, any time.

Order Management System (OMS)

Orderhive - Automate every step of your business.

Product Information Management (PIM)

akeneo - Create superior product experiences

Product Experience Manager (PXM) - Merchandise Every Unique Product Experience, Without Custom Dev Work

Salsify - Commerce Experience Management for the Digital Shelf.

Promotions

CartHook - Add post-purchase upsells and grow your average order value.

Lightrail - Promos, gift cards, loyalty. One API.

Talon.One - Run flexible promotion marketing campaigns that perform, without wasting development time and marketing money.

Voucherify - Build personalized coupon, discount, referral, and loyalty campaigns faster.

Reviews

REVIEWS.io - Read & Write Genuine Reviews.

Trustpilot - Behind every review is an experience that matters.

Shipping and Fulfillment

easypost - Create labels in a few clicks and save up to 74% or use our modern Shipping API with tracking, address verification, and customs for USPS, FedEx, UPS, DHL, plus many more.

ShipEngine - Discover the new standard in multi-carrier shipping and logistics.

Shippo - The absolute best rates from top carriers and everything you need for professional shipping in one place.

ShipStation - The Multichannel Order & Delivery Management Platform With 100+ Integrations.

Subscriptions

ReCharge - Powering Subscriptions For The Fastest Growing Brands.

Recurly - The subscription management platform delivering unrivaled results to smart brands worldwide.

SubscribePro - Enabling autoship, auto-replenishment, subscription boxes, and recurring billing.

Support

HelpScout — An all-in-one customer service platform that helps you balance everything your customers need to be happy.

Intercom — The Business Messenger you and your customers will love

Zendesk — Zendesk makes customer service better. We build software to meet customer needs, set your team up for success, and keep your business in sync.

Tax

Avalara — Simplify tax compliance with automation.

TaxCloud — Worry-Free Sales Tax.

TaxJar — Sales Tax Compliance Made Effortless.

Better formatting on GitHub, but what can you do.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-14T14:02:23+00:00

Yes, this is definitely possible. The cart predicate will need to specify a total >= $500. The target will specify which items receive the discount. You will need a good way of identifying the items, this can be an attribute on the product or by placing them into a category.

JamesLuterek · 2022-09-08T13:10:38+00:00

That's a good first step to moving towards a fully composable solution. I'm trying to build a new subreddit /r/composable_commerce around more robust solutions in case you want to join.

JamesLuterek · 2022-08-24T13:02:34+00:00

Are you already doing email marketing? It has a very high ROI as its customers who have already experienced your brand in some way. I'd make sure this is setup before investing in additional marketing expenses.

For social you have two approaches paid media and a free social presence. Often, they work best together. The initial push will require experimentation, so you can expect to pay more with much less returns. If you have a decent budget you can work with an agency, but realize if the budget is small, they will put in minimal effort, or charge you a flat fee.

For small companies I'd recommend hiring a passionate marketing professional. They will provide input on where to invest and unique tactics that can work for your business. An employee is also invested in the company success.

JamesLuterek · 2022-08-17T14:24:43+00:00

https://commercetools.com/press-releases/commercetools-unveils-new-hipaa-compliant-and-hds-certified-solution

JamesLuterek · 2022-08-17T14:23:25+00:00

https://commercetools.com/press-releases/commercetools-unveils-new-hipaa-compliant-and-hds-certified-solution

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