Are You Ready To Upgrade To Magento 2?

Magento has been a game-changer for online retailers. If you are one of the many businesses that rely on Magento, you know just how important it is. You are probably also uncomfortably aware of the looming deadline. At the end of June 2020, Magento 1 is going to reach the end of service.

If you use Magento 1 and haven’t done anything yet, it is time to start considering your options. Even though the end of service date was pushed back once, it doesn’t look like that’s on the cards this time. Many retailers put off acting on this deadline for a variety of understandable reasons, so you are not alone. However, with the deadline looming, you should make sure you have all the facts about what is going to happen.

End of Service – What Does It Mean?

At the end of June, Magento 1 will no longer be getting security updates. The software will still work. However, Magento will no longer be plugging the holes that hackers poke in the security systems.

The upshot of this is that your data and your customers’ data will no longer be secure. This will open you up to a whole host of problems. If you are running on an insecure platform, you will most likely quickly lose your payment processor. If you are subject to a significant data breach, it could soon signal the end of your business. So, you need to make a switch. Fortunately, with Magento 2, there is an option to migrate to a safe, secure platform that you already know well.

Benefits Of Magento 2

Moving to Magento 2 offers a range of benefits, for both you and your customers. The first most obvious benefit is the added security. Even before Magento 1 runs out, Magento 2 is a more secure platform. There is a range of built-in security features that will keep your store safe.

Magento 2 will offer a better experience to your customers. Your site will run faster and be more user friendly for shoppers. There is mobile integration which is vital these days. You can also integrate a broader range of popular and frankly useful extensions.

On your end of the system, there are more data analysis tools and a better admin interface. With any eCommerce business, data is vital. With Magento 2, you can get in-depth reports into the three most important areas – Orders, Customers and Products.

How To Switch

It is tempting to think of moving to Magento 2 as a simple upgrade. However, it’s more complicated than that. Magento 2 is a very different system than Magento 1. It is better to think of it more in terms of migrating or re-platforming. You won’t need to start from scratch, but you will need to prepare, and you should find a web developer to help you make the move.

The first step is to start planning. It would be best if you had a clear idea of what you want to keep, what you want to change, and when you are going to open your new storefront. You will need to alert your customer to the change, as there will be some downtime involved. Getting the right team to handle your migration is vital. Once you have moved everything, make sure to test, test and re-test some more before you go live.

It may sound like a headache, but sticking with an insecure platform is bad for business. Make the change today and have peace of mind that you’ll be protecting your business and your clients.

If you need help migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2, get in touch today.