After its initial released in 2007, Magento 1 continued to release impressive and regular updates for online retailers, helping to improve the quality of online stores across the web. But since mid-2014, Magento’s priority shifted to the Version 2 framework and, although it comes paired with a number of enhancements better suited to the selling environment, it meant that the end of M1 was in sight.
What the End of Magento 1 Means for You
As of June 2020, Adobe will no longer provide support for the Magento 1 program. This comes from a shift to newer and stronger software, specifically – Magento 2. The upgraded CMS comes with incentives of better site performance, mobile-friendliness and better checkout experiences.
With Adobe now focusing its full efforts on M2, it means there will be no more updates, extensions and security fixes for those on the old platform. While you’ll still be able to sell goods through Magento 1, we would like to stress that this can come with a host of issues further down the line and website owners should start to think about switching to a new platform. Here’s why:
1. Security Stops – Your Store Will Be at Risk
With the removal of security fixes, your store will be at risk. Updates often bring extra measures against the latest viruses and cybersecurity threats. Without them, you, your site and your customers are left vulnerable to hackers which could be devastating for your business and reputation.
2. Unsupported Extensions
With Magento 1 no longer receiving regular updates, you might find that many of the extensions your store uses could become difficult to manage, non-functional and potentially invalid altogether.
3. Increased Monthly Maintenance
It may have previously been simple for web developers to provide routine updates to your website software, but with an out of date system, support is likely to take much longer. With more holes appearing every day, you run the risk of driving up your monthly costs.
4. Google Rankings
It’s also important to consider how Google and other search engines will begin to see your website. As algorithms can detect you’re using an out of date platform, this may put you below your competition. If organic traffic is a large source of revenue for your business, you’ll need to think about the long term damage of sticking with M1 – the reduced sales could have a greater financial impact than the cost of a new website altogether.
Where to Go From Here
We’ll admit that the prospect of re-platforming is a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s where to go from here:
Review your Current Systems
It might be that you’re just moving to M2 out of necessity, in which case you can begin the process of carrying out the move. Either way, it’s a good time to review what’s currently working for you and what’s not. A platform move can be a great time to innovate, improve processes and assess what different solutions are on offer.
Choose a New Platform
Depending on your requirements for your website, it’s worth considering what other alternatives have to offer and which best suits your business size and model.
Although they all have pros and cons, competitors like WooCommerce, Prestashop and Shopify all have the capabilities to improve upon your Magento 1 website.
Site Build and Migration
Here’s where you can hand your project over to a team you trust. You’ll need to review your site design, functionality and migrate all your data over too.
Now that you have an idea of where to go from here, chances are you’ll need an expert team to help implement the changes you want to see.
Our web designer and developers can work with you to build an online store equipped with forward-thinking features to help you generate sales and revenue. Get in touch with us today to see how Echo can help.
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