By Scaling an ecommerce business is no easy feat. As your company grows, so do the challenges—handling an increasing number of customers, managing complex operations, and delivering a smooth user experience. This is where enterprise ecommerce platforms come into play. Specifically designed for large businesses, these platforms offer the scalability, security, and flexibility needed to manage high traffic and large sales volumes across various channels.
But with so many options available, choosing the right platform can be overwhelming. Whether you’re upgrading from a smaller solution or building an ecommerce infrastructure that can grow with your business, picking the right platform is crucial.
In this post, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know when selecting an enterprise ecommerce platform—from key features to look for to a comparison of the top options available.
What Are Enterprise Ecommerce Platforms?
Enterprise ecommerce platforms are robust systems designed to handle the demands of large businesses with high transaction volumes, complex product catalogs, and multiple sales channels. These platforms go beyond basic ecommerce functionality, providing advanced features such as multi-store management, global scalability, and AI-powered automation.
If your business faces any of the following, an enterprise platform is likely the best solution:
- High transaction volumes (thousands of orders per day)
- Global expansion needs (multiple currencies, languages, and tax systems)
- A vast product catalog (hundreds or even thousands of SKUs)
- Integration requirements (ERP, CRM, and inventory management)
- Multi-channel or omnichannel sales (websites, marketplaces, physical stores, etc.)
Types of Enterprise Ecommerce Platforms
Enterprise ecommerce platforms vary in their approach, offering different levels of customization, flexibility, and support. Here are the main types you’ll come across:
- SaaS (Software-as-a-Service): Cloud-hosted platforms such as Shopify Plus and BigCommerce Enterprise that offer ease of use and automatic updates.
- PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service): Flexible cloud-based solutions like Salesforce Commerce Cloud that allow for custom development while managing infrastructure.
- On-Premise & Open-Source: Self-hosted platforms like Adobe Commerce (Magento) that give you complete control but require dedicated resources for development and maintenance.
- Headless Commerce: Platforms like CommerceTools that separate the frontend and backend, providing the highest level of customization and scalability.
Choosing the right platform depends on how much control, flexibility, and support you need.
Essential Features to Consider When Choosing an Enterprise Ecommerce Platform
Selecting the best platform for your business is a critical decision. Here’s a breakdown of the key features to look for when evaluating enterprise ecommerce solutions:
1. Scalability and Performance
Your platform must handle growth effortlessly without slowing down. It should provide the capacity to support increasing traffic and sales without compromising speed or user experience.
Key considerations:
- Can it handle high traffic without performance drops?
- Is it cloud-based, offering flexibility to scale as needed?
- Does it support multiple regions and have integrated content delivery networks (CDNs)?
2. Customization and Flexibility
Every business is unique, so your platform should allow you to customize everything from storefront design to backend workflows to match your specific needs.
Key considerations:
- Can you modify the storefront, checkout, and backend processes?
- Does it support third-party integrations, such as ERP or CRM systems?
- Can it allow for advanced custom development if needed?
3. Security and Compliance
Security is a top priority when handling large transactions and customer data. Ensure the platform is equipped with the latest security features and meets industry standards for compliance.
Key considerations:
- Is the platform PCI DSS compliant for secure payment processing?
- Does it offer fraud prevention tools and data encryption?
- Is it compliant with data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA?
4. Multi-Channel and Omnichannel Capabilities
Modern customers expect a seamless shopping experience, whether they are browsing online, shopping via social media, or picking up in a physical store. Your platform should support all these touchpoints to create a unified experience.
Key considerations:
- Does it integrate with various sales channels, including marketplaces, social media, and physical stores?
- Can it synchronize inventory in real time across all channels?
- Does it offer features like buy online, pick up in-store (BOPIS) and cross-channel returns?
5. Built-In Marketing and SEO Tools
A good enterprise ecommerce platform should not only process transactions but also help you attract and engage customers. Look for platforms that come with built-in marketing and SEO tools to improve your visibility and customer retention.
Key considerations:
- Does the platform support SEO features such as customizable URLs, metadata, and fast-loading pages?
- Are there built-in tools for email marketing, abandoned cart recovery, and customer segmentation?
- Can you manage promotions, discounts, and loyalty programs directly within the platform?
6. Integration with Business Systems
Your ecommerce platform should integrate seamlessly with other critical business systems such as inventory management, payment processing, and CRM.
Key considerations:
- Does it integrate with your existing ERP and CRM systems?
- Can it handle global tax calculations and payment gateway integration?
- Does it support advanced reporting and analytics tools?
7. Support and Maintenance
Reliable customer support and ongoing maintenance are essential to keep your ecommerce operations running smoothly. Ensure the platform offers solid support to address issues and help scale your business.
Key considerations:
- Is 24/7 customer support available?
- Does the platform offer dedicated account management?
- How frequently does the platform release updates and security patches?
Comparing the Top Enterprise Ecommerce Platforms
Here’s a look at some of the leading enterprise ecommerce platforms, covering their features, strengths, and pricing:
1. Shopify Plus
A fully hosted platform known for its scalability and ease of use, Shopify Plus is ideal for fast-growing businesses that want a simple, low-maintenance solution.
Key Features: Unlimited bandwidth, multi-storefront management, automation via Shopify Flow, and integration with social commerce platforms.
Pros:
- Easy to set up and manage
- Built-in automation features
- 24/7 priority support
Cons:
- Limited customization options
- High transaction fees if not using Shopify Payments
Pricing: Starts at $2,300/month.
Best For: Businesses looking for a scalable, user-friendly platform with strong multi-channel support.
2. BigCommerce Enterprise
BigCommerce is an API-driven platform with great SEO and customization capabilities. It’s ideal for businesses that need flexibility without the complexity of open-source solutions.
Key Features: API-first architecture, multi-storefront management, no transaction fees, and advanced SEO tools.
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Strong SEO and marketing tools
- B2B and B2C functionality
Cons:
- Fewer free themes compared to competitors
- Some advanced features require developer expertise
Pricing: Custom pricing based on business needs.
Best For: Brands looking for flexibility, scalability, and robust SEO capabilities without high transaction fees.
3. Adobe Commerce (Magento)
Magento offers unmatched customization and scalability, making it a great choice for businesses with complex needs and large product catalogs.
Key Features: Full code customization, AI-powered personalization, multi-store capabilities, and scalability for global operations.
Pros:
- Complete control over backend
- Strong B2B and B2C features
- Large extension marketplace
Cons:
- High development and maintenance costs
- Steep learning curve
Pricing: Starts at $1,999/month.
Best For: Enterprises needing deep customization and scalability with the resources to manage development and hosting.
4. Salesforce Commerce Cloud
Salesforce Commerce Cloud is an AI-powered platform designed for businesses that need advanced personalization and CRM integration.
Key Features: AI-driven recommendations, cloud-based scalability, omnichannel selling, and seamless integration with the Salesforce ecosystem.
Pros:
- Advanced personalization
- Strong integration with Salesforce tools
- Scalable infrastructure
Cons:
- High cost
- Requires technical expertise
Pricing: Starts at $295/month, with higher tiers based on sales volume.
Best For: Businesses looking for advanced AI-driven personalization and seamless CRM integration.
5. SAP Commerce Cloud
SAP Commerce Cloud is ideal for large enterprises that need robust ERP integration and advanced B2B/B2C functionality.
Key Features: Deep ERP integration, AI-driven insights, multi-channel sales, and scalable cloud infrastructure.
Pros:
- Strong ERP and CRM integration
- AI-powered analytics
- Ideal for complex B2B/B2C businesses
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
- High implementation costs
Pricing: Custom pricing based on enterprise requirements.
Best For: Large enterprises needing deep ERP integration and advanced AI-driven solutions.
Conclusion
The best enterprise ecommerce platform for your business depends on your unique needs, growth plans, and budget. Whether you prioritize ease of use, deep customization, AI-driven personalization, or ERP integration, there’s a solution that can scale with your business.
Shopify Plus and BigCommerce are great choices for businesses seeking flexibility and simplicity, while Adobe Commerce and SAP Commerce Cloud are better suited for companies requiring advanced customization. Salesforce Commerce Cloud shines for businesses looking for AI-powered personalization, and StoreConnect is a good pick for Salesforce users.
The key is to pick a platform that aligns with your growth goals and technical requirements—ensuring it supports your business as it scales.