Commerce in 2024-2025 has become modular. Modern companies and organizations are actively using a more efficient and advanced composable/headless approach. This allows you to gain speed and flexibility, but at the same time, not lose stability. Today, there are three of the largest players. These are BigCommerce, SAP Commerce Cloud, and Salesforce Commerce Cloud. Next, we will compare all the presented platforms, focusing on enterprise settings.
Headless Commerce in One Paragraph (and a Diagram)
Before moving directly to the headless commerce comparison, it is important to understand how headless differs from a monolith. The main difference is that the frontend is separated from the backend. In this case, the frontend actively interacts with the system using the API and microservices. This provides free choice of the necessary UI, accelerated implementations, and support for omnichannel experience. As a result, it is possible to solve the most common problems, including UX cumbersomeness, complexity of updates and integrations, as well as slow releases.
[Monolithic store] ←→ UI/validations
VS
[Headless] ←API→ [Backend: catalog, prices, order] ←API→ (Web, Mobile, POS …)
For clarity, you can look at the diagram.
Next, you will look at a detailed comparison of 3 key platforms.
Evaluation Criteria You Should Care About
Several evaluation parameters are rightly considered the most significant.
- API performance and depth. It is important to consider the query limit indicators, as well as REST and GraphQL.
- Integration ecosystem. Particular emphasis is placed on ERP (SAP, Oracle), PIM, DAM, CDP, OMS.
- Customization speed. The efficiency of CLI, SDK, and developer experience is assessed.
- Scalability, security, standardization. Here, the emphasis is on PCI DSS and GDPR.
- Cost of ownership. Operating costs, licensing, and development are taken into account;
- Access to specialists, support, and speed of market launch.
Taking into account the presented criteria, a detailed comparison can be made.
BigCommerce Headless Snapshot
This platform has several features that are worth paying attention to.
- Advantages. It uses an open API type, offers insignificant licensing costs, and has a well-developed marketplace with applications.
- Disadvantages. Low depth of available B2B functions and weak integration with ERP, which is especially important for the implementation of large projects.
Optimally suited for developing D2C brands, as well as mid-market representatives who are moving to headless.
Among frontend startup projects, it is worth highlighting such solutions as Next.js + BigCommerce SDK, Hydrogen scripts, and integration with JAMstack.
Salesforce Commerce Cloud (SFCC) Headless Snapshot
In this case, it is also worth highlighting the key advantages, disadvantages, and optimal areas for using the platform.
- Advantages. The platform has a unified data layer through Salesforce, and also uses advanced AI plugins and personalization tools.
- Disadvantages. It takes quite a long time and requires a lot of time for implementation. In addition, for organizations outside the SF ecosystem, it is difficult to work with.
Optimally suited for companies that already use SF CRM and want to get a tight loop.
Among the main successful projects, it is worth highlighting the SF Commerce SDK, PWA Kit, SFRA, as well as integration with Commerce APIs.
SAP Commerce Cloud Headless Snapshot
The next platform in comparison has important advantages and some disadvantages that should also be taken into account.
- Advantages. A solid set of built-in functions relevant for B2B and B2C projects. In addition, it offers excellent scalability for large companies and organizations.
- Disadvantages. The learning curve is quite steep, and licensing and implementation may seem expensive.
It is worth adding that composable architecture is effectively supported here. This applies to the Spartacus storefront, GraphQL API, and MACH-stack compliance.
If you are planning to create a large corporate solution, then it is important to select a team of qualified specialists. On the SAP commerce developers page, you will get all the necessary information and contact.
Integration & Data Gravity: Who Plays Nicest with Your Stack?
Integration issues should be considered separately, as well as Data Gravity. Here, several aspects can be highlighted.
- Native connectors. With SAP Commerce, you can get direct connections to solutions such as ERP (SAP S/4HANA), OMS, and PIM.
- Middleware and iPaaS. You will have access to Boomim Mulesoft, and you will be able to use your integration layers to ensure full consistency of all data.
- Requirements for placement and compliance. When choosing a platform, be sure to consider the impact on regional data centers, as well as compliance with local standards or GDPR.
Cost, ROI & Time-to-Market Reality Check
Please note the following points.
- License, development, and support. SAP and SFCC are more demanding when it comes to licenses. BigCommerce has fewer contracts. But it requires building through the implementation and use of in-house developments.
- Hidden costs. Hidden costs may include team training, migration, and DevOps.
- Speed to market. BigCommerce has quick start kits available. To bring SAP and SFCC to market, you need to spend more time completing development and configuration.
Taking these factors into account, you can conclude and make a final decision.
Decision Framework: A Quick Checklist
You can draw intermediate conclusions about the use of the presented platforms depending on your goals and objectives:
- BigCommerce is perfect for those who strive for rapid development, create marketplaces, and D2C.
- SFCC will be an excellent solution if you already use Salesforce CRM or CDP, and also require personalization.
- SAP CC is suitable for those who need individual B2B logic, ERP integrations, and deep plans.
Now you can make a choice and start implementing the planned project.
Conclusion
The choice should not be made based on hype, taking into account the strengths and weaknesses, your needs, and financial capabilities.
Be sure to share your own migration stories and tell us what difficulties you encountered, what solutions you found, and how it all ended.
