For years, Magento (now Adobe Commerce) has been a go-to choice for mid-market and enterprise Ecommerce brands seeking flexibility and customisation. Since the acquisition, Adobe has struggled to know what to do with its open source version of Magento, and they have tried many strategies to make it a viable proposition.
They have now finally decided that there is no place for the open source version in their suite, announcing that it will be moving to a closed source model, leaving many customers facing a stark choice - stick with Magento but prepare to pay an unpredictable license fee, or take control and switch platforms now to something reliable with transparent pricing models, and lower costs of ownership.
Adobe’s recent announcement to move towards a cloud-first, closed-source model is a game-changer and not necessarily in a good way for many businesses.
What this means for Magento/Adobe Commerce users
Adobe Commerce’s transition to a fully closed-source, cloud-based architecture means that businesses currently using Magento Open Source or Adobe Commerce will face significant changes, including:
- Loss of customisation – A closed-source model means less flexibility and fewer customisation options, which have long been Magento’s biggest strengths.
- Higher costs – The new cloud-first model will likely come with increased licensing fees, ongoing costs, and reduced control over hosting.
- Vendor lock-In – Companies will be forced into Adobe’s ecosystem, limiting their ability to choose hosting providers and manage their own infrastructure.
- Uncertain future for Magento Open Source – While Adobe has stated that Magento Open Source will continue to exist, its future development and support are now in question.
"As businesses face the reality of other platforms' shift to a closed-source, cloud-first model, many brands realise they can no longer afford to wait. Shopify provides an immediate solution, offering the flexibility, scalability, and low total cost of ownership that brands need to thrive. With the support of Candyspace, the transition to Shopify is not just seamless - it’s a strategic move to future-proof your ecommerce operations. Brands that act now can escape the rising costs and limitations of legacy platforms, unlocking growth and efficiency without compromise." says Matthias Kleven, Head of Partnerships, Northern Europe at Shopify.
Why brands should act now
Many brands that relied on Magento Open Source or an on-premise Adobe Commerce solution will now find themselves priced out of the new Adobe model. If your business falls into this category, now is the time to evaluate Shopify as a scalable, cost-effective alternative.
1. Shopify plus offers lower total cost of ownership
With Adobe Commerce shifting to a high-cost cloud solution, Shopify provides a far more predictable and manageable cost structure. Instead of massive licensing fees and unpredictable hosting costs, Shopify offers a fully managed SaaS platform with transparent pricing.
2. Faster time to market
Unlike Magento/Adobe Commerce, which requires lengthy development cycles, Shopify enables brands to launch and iterate quickly. With its extensive app ecosystem and built-in features, businesses can move fast without relying on expensive development teams.
3. Focus on growth, not maintenance
One of the biggest drawbacks of Magento has always been its technical complexity and maintenance burden. With Adobe Commerce now becoming a fully managed cloud solution, many brands may feel they have no choice but to comply. Shopify removes the headaches of infrastructure management, allowing teams to focus on growth, conversion optimisation, and customer experience.
4. Flexibility without complexity
Magento has always been known for its flexibility, but at the cost of high development overhead. Shopify bridges the gap by offering a powerful platform that integrates seamlessly with leading eCommerce tools while keeping things simple and easy to manage. Additionally, Shopify’s extensive app marketplace provides brands with an affordable way to extend capabilities without the need for significant customisations, ensuring they can scale efficiently while controlling costs.
5. Migration has never been easier
Migrating from Magento/Adobe Commerce to Shopify is now a well-trodden path, with tools and partners that can streamline the process. Shopify’s ecosystem includes pre-built integrations, data migration tools, and certified experts to make the transition smooth and risk-free.
The time to replatform Is now
Adobe’s move to a closed-source, cloud-first model is a clear sign that they are prioritising enterprise customers with deep pockets. If you value cost efficiency, agility, and control, now is the time to explore Shopify Plus as a future-proof solution.
Tim McMillen, Director of Ecommerce at Candyspace says:
"At Candyspace, we specialise in helping brands navigate the complexities of migrating from legacy platforms like Magento to Shopify. With our extensive experience, we ensure a seamless transition that empowers businesses to unlock the full potential of Shopify's powerful ecosystem. Moving to Shopify offers scalability, flexibility, and significant cost savings, all while enabling brands to focus on what matters most - growing their business and enhancing customer experiences. We're here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a successful replatforming that positions your brand for long-term success."
The Ecommerce landscape is evolving rapidly. Staying ahead means making proactive decisions before you’re forced into a model that doesn’t fit your business. Don’t wait until your hand is forced - start your migration journey today.
If you're considering a move from Magento, get in touch for a replatforming consultation - our team can help you make a smooth, strategic switch to Shopify.
