Introduction to Leading Open Source eCommerce Web Application Magento

blogger

Magento is an open-source ecommerce web application created by Varien which was later re-christened as Magento Inc. It was launched on March 31st 2008 and it is built on the components of Zend Framework. Magento is available under the Open Software License version 3.0. The Magento Enterprise Edition (paid edition) which is aimed at larger companies was launched on 15th April 2009; this version provides a service agreement with Varien.

Those involved in eCommerce need an affordable, flexible design option when putting up their online stores. Magento was designed to meet this need. This open-source eCommerce solution is offered for free download and allows users to design, set up, and run their own eCommerce stores with great flexibility. Magento supports installation of modules through a web-based interface accessible through the administration area of a Magento installation. Modules are hosted on the Magento eCommerce website as a PEAR server. Magento formerly worked with osCommerce. They originally planned to fork osCommerce but later decided to rewrite it as Magento. Magento officially started development in early 2007. Seven months later on August 31, 2007, the first public beta version was released. On May 30, 2010 Magento mobile was released, it allows store owners to create native mobile storefront apps.

Magento uses PHP as a web server scripting language and the MySQL Database. The data model is based on the Entity-attribute-value model that stores data objects in tree structures, thus allowing a change to a data structure without changing the definition of the database. Any community member can upload a module through the website and is made available once confirmed by a member of the Magento team. Modules are installed by entering a module key, available on the module page, into the web based interface.

There are three categories of modules hosted on Magento Connect:
1. Core Modules
2. Community Modules
3. Commercial Modules

Core and Community modules can be installed from the administration area. Commercial module pages provide price information and a link to an external website. There are no limits to creativity with Magento. Magento is easy to install and at the same time easy to use. Magento is used in many websites and online stores and has been a one of the most used ecommerce web application since its release.

Magento Hosting and the Magento eCommerce Platform

blogger

Magento has been created for the ease of online dealers and other sellers so that they can manage their stores online. The very exciting and famous platform of e commerce brings several opportunities for the convenience of buyers and sellers over the internet. You can easily deal with the product and services online.

Magento also helps in creating search engine optimization friendly web stores. Magento hosting provides very convenient place for the online store user and it is also very useful for the ecommerce. Magento hosting has various tools offered for the convenience of the people. You can easily get all the marketing tools, SEO and catalog management services with the help of Magento. It is highly sophisticated administrative system provides good interface for the users. Magento can provide you 24 hours accessibility of your online stores.

Reliable Hosting

If you have to invest in co-location hosting, be sure your provider allows your potential customers to do online shopping 24/7. Your availability is an important determinant in the success of your venture. Customers can always rely on a functional store anytime. With the fast and reliable downloads, you have the assurance that your store will never be out of charge. When your site is working real time, it will mean more profit for you. The sophisticated software system, hardware and highly-qualified hosting experts are the key for the great service that you and your clients will enjoy.

User-Friendly Shopping Environment

One good feature of Magento hosting is the environment it creates for your site. Merchants and shoppers benefit from the improved cart experience. When customers enter your site and they see your open cart system, your products appear more appealing, and thus, the rate of conversion is higher. Because signing up can be a discouragement to some customers, Magento hosting allows the client to check out without the need to sign up. With multiple transactions in a single order, purchasing is a breeze. The unlimited webpage allows you to upload more information to help your clients make an informed decision. With a better shopping environment, you can boost your income in just few days after subscribing to Magento hosting.

The various features offered by magento are: –
order editing
multi currency support
comparison of products
guest checkout
free shipping option
order tracking and management
easy search options
manifold images per product