Back in November 2015, the brand-spanking new version of Magento was released to the public. With the promise of a faster, sleeker, easier to use platform, many of us didn’t hesitate to make the switch. But for others, who would rather stick to what they know, the change would simply be a disruption.
Fortunately, there’s no immediate rush to take the plunge. So, if you’re happy with the original Magento platform – don’t fret! However, it might be in your interests to make the switch before it becomes obligatory. Read on as we take a closer look at the switch to Magento 2 and whether it’s necessary for your business.
Support will continue
While it’s widely believed that the support cut-off deadline was November 2018, that’s not actually true. Magento recently released a statement reassuring all Magento 1 users that they will continue to be supported until June 2020.
For those wanting to take advantage of this extension, Fluid Digital’s Magento support packages are ideal to keep you moving until you migrate to the latest version of the platform.
Do I need to move to Magento 2?
With all this in mind, do you need to upgrade your platform to Magento 2? Well, technically, no. Even after June 2020, there is no rule stating that you need to change your web platform. But without the safety net of support, it’s certainly the preferred choice.
It’s like finding out that your gas, water and electricity is going to be shut off in 18 months, for example. You don’t have to move out of your property, but chances are you’re going to want to.
Your Magento 1 ecommerce site will continue to work long after the June 2020 deadline, but how well it’s going to work remains unknown. Magento will stop working on the platform internally, meaning any flaw won’t be fixed and there will be no new features released.
So, whilst technically, you can continue using the platform, it’s not particularly appealing.
Making the switch
There is no rush to upgrade your website, but there’s also nothing holding you back. Magento 2 offers all the beneficial features of the original version, with many added extras. Even with the extended deadline for support, it might be worth biting the bullet and migrating to the latest version.
While switching ecommerce platforms will seem daunting to some, migrating to Magento 2 is easy than you might think, with the right support. Although the process is complex, the benefits of the upgraded platform far outweigh the hassle of migrating.
Magento 2, by default, runs much quicker than the original platform, with full page caching to make your site even faster. Developers have also made the check out process much simpler, with automatic email recognition to allow for a more streamlined process. All of these added bonuses are only going to work wonders for your bottom line, boosting your site’s performance and customer satisfaction.
So, you could see an increase in sales, more traffic on your site and an influx of returning customers – all with continuing support from Magento. Sounds good, right? Remember, there’s nothing stopping you from making the switch ahead of the deadline.
Migrating with Fluid Digital
Upgrading your platform without support from the experts can be difficult and could result in a poorly set-up website. Fluid Digital’s team of Magento specialists can take care of everything from initial research to supporting the running of the website, leaving you free to focus on what you do best. Get in touch with us today for more information about how we can help you make the change.
