What are the Different Types of B2B Ecommerce Platform?

1. SaaS Ecommerce

SaaS ecommerce model is provided on a monthly subscription basis. The software as a service model is highly flexible and based on cloud architecture.

SaaS ecommerce is available via the Internet. This means Internet connectivity to your laptop is the only requirement to use this B2B ecommerce software.

No Handling IT Infrastructure

In SaaS ecommerce, the server is hosted in the cloud. No investment in servers or any other infrastructure is needed to run this ecommerce platform.

SaaS ecommerce is increasing in popularity as it is easy to maintain. No spending money on costly hardware. The subscription-based pricing model is affordable and the best fit for businesses of all sizes.

The SaaS model is the most sought-after ecommerce model as it allows entrepreneurs to start their online business with minimum investment. Small businesses on a small budget can easily take their business online by adopting the ecommerce model.

Manage your Business without Headaches

From website customization to server maintenance, everything is provided via the Internet. With SaaS Ecommerce platform, you simply don't have to worry about technical aspects of running your online business.

Once you are connected to a reliable Internet service, running an online business is a smooth ride.

Considering the high level of flexibility and convenience SaaS ecommerce offers, major software companies are now shifting to SaaS.

Focus on Marketing

One of the biggest perks of using SaaS-based Business management solution is that it eliminates the headaches of website development and allows you to focus on increasing sales.

You don't have to waste time designing your website or maintaining a server. Just pay a reasonable monthly fee and your ecommerce provider will take responsibility for all your requirements.

Also, in many instances, SaaS ecommerce platforms come with drag and drop functionality making it very easy to design an online store.

2. Open Source Ecommerce

If you have the budget of setting up your own server and take care of its maintenance, choose open source ecommerce.

You will have to spend money on dedicated resources to use your open source ecommerce platform.

Coding Knowledge Needed

One of the biggest advantages of an open source ecommerce platform is that you have ready-access to the program's source code. In other words, it is available to the general public.

Open source systems have been developed through collaboration. One programmer will develop the platform's code while others will continue to improve it to get the best results.

Full Control over Customization

Users who have good knowledge of programming skills can always modify the source code to meet their unique requirements. Access to the program's code gives you complete control over customization.

Ability to modify platforms allows for endless creativity. Be it website design or development, you can be creative as much as possible.

Entrepreneurs with no coding knowledge should avoid using open source ecommerce. The cost of implementation and development can go over the rooftops if you hire programmers. People with appropriate development skills should only think of open source ecommerce platforms.

Compatibility Issues

Also, it can be difficult to migrate to a new version of open source ecommerce platform. The extensions that are connected to the previous version are unlikely to work on the new version. In other words, dealing with updates and compatibility can be a headache.

Also, with open source systems, you are incharge of security and PCI compliance, which is a cumbersome activity.

3. In-house Ecommerce Platform

This ecommerce solution has been exclusively designed for your organization. All your IT infrastructure such as servers are within the premises of your organization.

You have to exclusively hire on-site staff to design your site and to manage your day-to-day operations. The burden of managing your ecommerce platform rests entirely on your staff.

Opting for an in-house ecommerce platform is an expensive proposition as it requires a considerable investment of time, effort and money. In other words, building an ecommerce solution on your own requires heavy investment.

Why Choose SaaS Ecommerce?

Considering the different types of ecommerce platforms, one can definitely say that choosing SaaS ecommerce provides the easiest way to launch your ecommerce. From setup to launch, to ongoing support, the ecommerce provider takes care of everything.

Having a successful ecommerce website is all about getting higher returns on your investment. With SaaS ecommerce no special technical knowledge is required and moreover you can open and maintain your online business at minimum cost.

Arnaldo is content contributor wrote article on VAR business management, eCommerce, B2B business and trending topics.