It is no longer news that Magento will end its support for the Magento 1 eCommerce software on June 2020, roughly three years after releasing version 2.
However, it is still news that only a fraction of the total number of eCommerce stores have made the switch to Magento 2 since the announcement.
Random statistics suggest that just over 11,000 e-commerce stores out of the more than 250,000 stores running Magento have made the switch the Magento 2 or higher versions.
With June 1, 2020, now less than 410 days away, it is inevitable that several others will make a move. Will you be one of them?
While you ponder over that, here are some reasons why you should migrate from Magento 1 to 2 right away and not wait till deadline day.
Why Migrate to Magento 2 Now
1. Security Vulnerabilities on Magento 1
When Magento ends support for Magento 1, there will no longer be security patches and fixes for eCommerce stores still using that version of the software. Also, at the end of 2018, PHP 5.6 which is used to install security updates for Magento server software will cease to exist.
Therefore, insisting on staying on Magento 1 means you’re deliberately exposing your site to hackers and at the same time endangering your customers. We’re sure you don’t want that so you should make migrating to Magento 2 priority.
2. Module Updates
The second issue with insisting on running Magento 1 still has to do with vulnerabilities. With Magento 2 coming into the picture, module and extension developers will focus on developing add-ons for the new version.
In other words, many Magento 1 modules will become outdated while existing ones will have limited support. Since modules are crucial to your site’s functionality and your ability to roll out new features, migrating to Magento 2 is your best bet to giving your customers the excellent service they deserve.
3. Scarcity of Magento 2 Developers
At the time of writing this article, there are 307 Magento solution partners in the U.S with further statistics showing that more than 92,000 Magento stores exist in the U.S. These numbers show that the longer you wait to switch to Magento 2, the more difficult it will be to find a partner to support your migration.
Even worse is the fact that a complete Magento 2 migration would usually take anywhere between 3-7 months depending on the size of your eCommerce store. Therefore, waiting till the end of 2019 before initiating the process of porting to Magento 2 meaning that you’re putting an extra load on the partner you hire for the project.
Related: Magento 2 Migration Facts and Statistics
Do you know what it means?
You will spend more money and reduce your chances of getting the best results. In the end, you can avoid these ugly experiences by deciding to migrate to Magento 2 right now.
Having considered the reasons why you should migrate to Magento 2. You may want a quick overview of what you will gain by doing so, other than the risks we mentioned above.
Benefits of Moving To Magento 2
1. Seamless Upgrades
Almost in the same way that staying on Magento 1 makes it difficult for you to implement patches and install upgrades, the new Magento 2 software ensures you enjoy a seamless experience.
Since your Magento store often requires these upgrades to function well, having the ability to install them with a few clicks allows you to keep your store up-to-date without breaking a sweat.
2. No Conflict With Third-Party Modules
Magento 2 features well-defined APIs that serve as an interface to any third-party module you wish to install on your Magento store.
With this in place, there is no chance that code changes within the module will have any negative impact on the external modules. Also, you can customize and enhance modules without conflict, an experience that is common on Magento 1.
3. Improved User Admin Panel
There is no doubt that the admin interface of Magento 1 was one of the primary reasons why the eCommerce system needed an upgrade.
It was difficult for merchants who had no technical experience to find their way around the backend, and this adversely affected their store’s performance.
The birth of Magento 2 defeated that difficulty. If you migrate to Magento 2, you can expect a cleaner and more user-friendly interface.
With the numerous drag-and-drop features available, merchants can carry out both fundamental and extensive functions without needing the services of a Magento support team now and then.
4. A Simpler Checkout Process
Are you tired of checking your site’s stats and seeing an increase in the number of abandoned carts?
Then you really should consider moving to Magento 2. While the native checkout process on Magento 1 involves six steps, Magento 2 has only two, meaning that customers can complete orders with more ease and speed.
That means more money for your business, and you’re already missing out by sticking with Magento1.
5. Improved Performance and Mobile Usability
Merchants who have made a move to Magento 2 agree that the upgrade offers 20x faster performance given that scripts used to run the store is optimized for speed.
More speed translates to more sales and higher search engine ranking which in turn boosts the performance of your business over time.
Also, while Magento 1 websites have to undergo a lengthy process to deliver an impressive mobile experience to a customer, Magento 2 merchants can get the desired results with a few steps.
Despite all these Magento 2 benefits mentioned so far, another reason some may still decide to run Magento 1 is that they believe switching to Magento 2 is challenging and time-consuming.
Is Moving To Magento 2 Challenging and Time-Consuming?
The simple answer is No.
If you choose the right partner for your Magento 2 migration, then you can enjoy a stress-free switch to the higher version which your business needs to get ahead of competitors.
Magento developers at Magento IT Solutions ensure that your site never goes offline or experience several glitches during the migration process. The move will also be completed within the shortest time possible, a factor determined by the size of your store.
Speak with us today, and we promise to make your switch to Magento 2 a seamless and exciting experience.
