<h4>If you use Adobe Commerce, you're probably aware of how scalable and versatile it is. It enables multinational companies to swiftly incorporate new technologies and engage customers at every touchpoint thanks to its modular core and headless features.</h4>
In the August update there were such aspects as improved performance and overall platform quality.
More than 20 vulnerability-related issues have been fixed in the updating Adobe Commerce 2.4.5 and over 290 quality fixes and enhancements for Magento Open Source. This allows business and data to remain absolutely safe.
Here you can find more information about the released update:
<a href="https://devdocs.magento.com/guides/v2.4/release-notes/open-source-2-4-5.html">Magento Open Source 2.4.5 Release Notes</a>
<a href="https://devdocs.magento.com/guides/v2.4/release-notes/commerce-2-4-5.html">Adobe Commerce 2.4.5 Release Notes</a>

Adobe Commerce 2.4.5 is now available to partners.

Adobe Commerce 2.4.5  

With its immense power and unparalleled flexibility, it has become the go-to platform for online merchants looking to make their mark on the digital marketplace. However, if you're hoping to build a truly remarkable online store that sets you apart from the competition, simply relying on Magento extensions and widgets might not be enough.
Picture this: what if the Colosseum in Rome was erected with the same components used in a modest dwelling - would it still have gained the grandiose and impressive reputation it holds today as an architectural masterpiece? Or if the Taj Mahal was just another plain white building instead of a breathtaking mausoleum, would it still be considered one of the most beautiful structures in the world?
The same principle applies to eCommerce. While Adobe Commerce is a powerful and flexible platform, relying solely on its extensions may result in an online store that lacks distinction and fails to leave a lasting impression on customers. To make your store different from others, it's important to decide whether to use Magento extensions or custom development. By choosing either option, you can add a special touch that sets your store apart.
Both options have their pros and cons, making it difficult to determine which is the best fit for your specific needs. That's why we're here to help, providing a comprehensive analysis of both categories so that you can make an informed decision about how to elevate your online store to new heights of success.
<h3>What does statistics say?</h3>
According to Statista, as of 2021, there were around 1.9 million live websites using Magento, one of the leading e-commerce platforms in the market. However, there is a divide between those websites that are built using custom Adobe Commerce development and those that use Adobe Commerce Extensions.
Custom Adobe Commerce development refers to the process of creating a Adobe Commerce website from scratch or building custom extensions that are tailor-made for the unique requirements of a business. This type of development requires a team of experienced developers who have the skills and knowledge to create a website that meets the specific needs of the business.
On the other hand, pre-built extensions or themes that are available for purchase and can be easily integrated into an existing Magento website. These solutions can be cheaper and faster to implement, but may not provide the same level of customization as a custom solution.
Looking at the data, it is clear that the majority of Magento websites are using Magento Extensions. This is likely due to the cost and time required for custom development, which may not be feasible for smaller businesses or those with limited resources. Additionally, Adobe Commerce Extensions offer a simpler and faster solution for businesses that don't require a high level of customization.
However, it is important to note that custom development can provide a significant competitive advantage for businesses that require unique functionality or have complex requirements. According to a survey conducted by Clutch, a B2B ratings and reviews platform, businesses that use custom e-commerce solutions are more likely to see an increase in revenue and customer engagement compared to those that use Magento Extensions.
In conclusion, while Magento Extensions are a popular choice for many businesses, custom development remains an important option for those that require unique functionality or have complex requirements. Ultimately, the decision between these two options depends on a business's specific needs, resources, and goals.
<h3>What Are The Magento Extensions?</h3>
The rush to bring a startup idea to fruition can be overwhelming, especially when the fear of someone else seizing the opportunity looms. The question of whether the niche has already been occupied may plague the mind, leading to the belief that a Magento Extension is the most efficient and cost-effective approach. However, at the risk of sounding contrarian, we argue that custom application development holds the key to unlocking greater benefits for businesses. Why settle for a generic solution when you can have a tailor-made application that caters to the unique needs of your enterprise?
Let's start by talking about Magento extensions.
Magento Extensions
If you're looking to add specific features to your Magento-powered online store, extensions might just be the perfect solution for you. These modules are small packages of code that can be quickly integrated into your store without any hassle. They are pre-built, readily available off the shelf, and operate in a plug-and-play fashion.
Given that a staggering 12% of all eCommerce sites are built on the Magento platform, it's no surprise that there is now a vast marketplace for extensions. With over five thousand of them covering everything from aesthetics to sales analytics and mobile functionality, extensions provide a quick and easy way to enhance the look and performance of your online store. So why not take advantage of this vast ecosystem of extensions and give your online store the boost it deserves?
Advantages of using extensions for your Adobe Commerce store are numerous. Firstly, extensions are a cost-effective solution, with prices ranging from $50 to $1000, making them an affordable option for smaller or newer eCommerce stores. Secondly, they offer immediate and practical use, with no need for extensive design or testing. Moreover, most extensions available on the market have already been updated, optimized, and thoroughly tested, which eliminates the risk of potential bugs and issues.
Extensions also come with their support system. In addition to detailed instruction manuals, most extension providers offer unlimited upgrades to their packages, ensuring that your store stays up-to-date and optimized.
However, as with any solution, there are some downsides to using extensions.
Firstly, despite the vast array of options available, there may not be an extension that fulfills your exact requirements. This may be acceptable for smaller businesses, but larger companies looking to provide the best possible online experience for their customers may find that extensions fall short.
Moreover, using too many extensions can slow down your store's performance. While most extensions are well-coded and self-contained, they may not work well with each other, causing issues and a decrease in site speed. To avoid this, it is best to use extensions sparingly, but this may also mean sacrificing some functionalities you were hoping to have.
If you find yourself feeling confused or worried about extensions, remember that there are always other options to consider. Custom development or a hybrid approach that combines extensions with custom coding could be the answer to achieving the exact functionalities and performance you desire.
Let's delve deeper into Magento custom development.
<h3>What exactly is custom software development?</h3>
While off-the-shelf software can help companies deal with specific standard processes, custom software development covers a wide range of digital projects and ultimately aims to help companies meet some of their more specific requirements. 
Where extensions are nearly ready to go once installed and configured without the need for a dedicated IT department, there are several steps to building a successful custom software solution. But if you have the time and a little more in your initial budget, the benefits of custom software development will definitely be worth the money.
By testing your prototype with end users, you can improve product functionality to get the best customer response and gain valuable insights to help you move forward. You will be able to identify potential bottlenecks and fine-tune the architecture of the solution before proceeding with full-scale development. Armed with knowledge and feedback, you can quickly scale your designs without recurring bugs.
Custom software development is a strategic investment that can have a significant impact on the success and growth of your organization. While Adobe Commerce Extensions may seem like a more convenient and cost-effective option, they often come with limitations that can hinder your ability to achieve your business objectives. Here are five compelling reasons why custom software development can be a game-changer for your company:
Performance Benefits
Custom development can provide your business with a perfect online store that meets your every requirement. Apart from specific functionality and appearance, custom development can also streamline code to perform tasks more efficiently. With code written specifically to meet your brand’s needs, your store will operate faster, and with more than 40% of online customers abandoning slow-loading sites, this can be a significant advantage.
Security and Protection
Data protection is an essential component of any software, especially when it comes to eCommerce. A data leak can quickly erode customer trust, which is hard to regain once lost. As a business owner, it's crucial to prioritize security and ensure that your customer data is safe and secure. 
Custom Adobe Commerce development provides several security methods that you can incorporate to safeguard your eCommerce store and customer data. Here are some of the most common security methods available in custom Magento development:
<ul>
<li>Multi-factor authentication: Multi-factor authentication is a security method that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification to access their accounts. This method makes it more challenging for attackers to gain access to sensitive data.</li>
<li>Data encryption: Data encryption is a security method that encodes data into a cipher so that only authorized parties can access it. Data encryption can protect sensitive information like customer names, addresses, and credit card information.</li>
<li>Security patches: Security patches are updates that address security vulnerabilities in software. Regularly installing security patches is essential to keeping your eCommerce site secure and protecting customer data.</li>
<li>SSL certificates: SSL certificates are cryptographic protocols that ensure secure communication between web browsers and servers. An SSL certificate provides a secure connection, protecting sensitive data like passwords and credit card information.</li>
<li>Firewalls: Firewalls are network security systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined security rules. Firewalls can block malicious traffic and prevent unauthorized access to your eCommerce site.</li>
</ul>
These security methods are just some of the ways that custom Magento development can enhance your eCommerce store's security. By implementing these measures, you can safeguard your store against potential security breaches and build trust with your customers.
Scalability
Every business wants to grow, and with growth comes an increase in customers and sales volume. Magento Extensions may work well initially, but it may not be scalable enough to accommodate the evolving needs of a growing business. To ensure that your software solution can keep up with your business's growth, it's important to plan ahead and opt for a solution that can be easily scaled.
Transparent Development and Support
When purchasing Magento Extensions, the assumption is often that technical support is included in the package. However, it's important to understand the limitations of such support, which may not be sufficient for complex customizations or adaptations to the software. This is where transparent development and support come into play. It's crucial to work with a development team that is open and honest about the development process and provides clear communication throughout. Additionally, it's important to have access to ongoing technical support to ensure the software solution remains functional and secure.
Cost-effective in the long run
Although the initial expenses associated with custom software development may surpass those of purchasing Magento Extensions, it can prove to be a more economical choice in the long term. When acquiring an off-the-shelf product, you essentially rent it, and the recurring subscription fees can accumulate rapidly. Conversely, with custom software, you possess the solution outright and exert greater control over its maintenance and updates. As a result, you can steer clear of costly ongoing fees and attain a superior return on investment over time.
Long-term support and maintenance
When you purchase Magento Extensions, you rely on the vendor to provide ongoing support and maintenance. However, if they choose to discontinue a product or fail to deliver necessary updates, you could be left with outdated and unusable software. On the other hand, with custom software development, the responsibility for ongoing support and maintenance lies with the software development company. They can offer updates and fixes as needed, ensuring that your software remains up-to-date and secure.
Simplified integration
Implementing new software solutions can be a daunting task, particularly in large and fragmented organizations. Custom software development simplifies the integration process by providing a solution that is tailored to your unique business requirements. This means that all required integrations are built into the project, making it easier for teams to adopt the new software. Custom software development can also help bridge communication gaps between departments, facilitating better collaboration and ultimately driving business growth.
However, before jumping headfirst into custom development, it's important to consider the potential downsides.
Custom development also requires more time to design and test compared to ready-to-use extensions. It's worth noting that if you choose custom development, the developer may need to be involved in the ongoing operation of your site, which could require some adjustments to your management structure.
If the cost and time investment of custom development is a concern, you could explore the option of purchasing Magento extensions and customizing them to fit your needs. This approach can provide tailor-made functionality at a more affordable price point. However, it's important to note that you may need to pay for ongoing maintenance to ensure the extension continues to work properly and evolves with your business needs.
Choosing the right approach ultimately boils down to the overarching strategic direction of the project. Creating a visually appealing and well-designed online store requires a significant investment. For small businesses venturing into eCommerce, starting with extensions may be a wise first step. However, for others, custom development might be the best option.
Custom web development offers unique adaptive capabilities that cater to the specific needs of a particular market niche. From user interactions to efficient workflows for staff, third-party integrations, and profit-boosting strategies, a custom website will deliver exactly what your business needs. Choosing to have your website built from scratch frees you from the limitations of pre-made solutions, giving you the freedom to make your site stand out from the crowd.
By utilizing optimized functionality, custom web development results in a high-performance website that's tailored to your needs. Custom web development ensures that your site's features are optimized for the best possible user experience. Additionally, custom development provides you with more opportunities to improve your site's performance and keep it running smoothly.
One of the most significant benefits of custom web development is the limitless potential for growth. While basic, non-customized websites built using a standard template or platform with minimal features and functionalities may be suitable for startups, they lack the scalability necessary for long-term growth. Custom development allows for flexibility and scalability, ensuring that your website can grow alongside your business and adapt to the changing demands of your industry.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
In today's highly competitive business landscape, it's critical to have a technology infrastructure that is aligned with your strategic objectives. Custom software development can offer a unique solution to enhance the efficiency, security, and scalability of your business. By investing in a custom software solution like Magento custom development, you'll be able to tailor your technology infrastructure to your specific needs, which can give you a competitive edge. By prioritizing customer satisfaction and delivering an exceptional shopping experience, you can build brand loyalty and boost revenue.
It's important to note that every solution, whether it's Magento Extensions or custom, has its pros and cons. While custom software development can be a more expensive investment upfront, it can provide significant long-term benefits in terms of efficiency, scalability, and security. On the other hand, Magento Extensions are often more affordable and easier to implement but may not offer the same level of customization. With the right approach, custom Magento development can be a game-changer for your business, enabling you to optimize your technology infrastructure and deliver exceptional customer experiences that drive growth and success.
Ultimately, the decision on which solution to choose rests with you and your business. By prioritizing customer satisfaction, you can build brand loyalty and boost revenue, regardless of the software solution you choose. So, take the time to weigh your options carefully and make a decision that aligns with your strategic objectives, giving your business the competitive edge it needs to succeed.

In the vast world of eCommerce, Magento is undoubtedly a towering presence. 

Why Choose Custom Development?

With the fast-paced and dynamic nature of technology-driven businesses, it's sometimes impossible to achieve workable and scalable growth with an in-house staff. This typically means that the only long-term solution is to seek resources from outside sources. In this post, we'll go over the differences between the three types of outsourcing: offshore, nearshore, and onshore. We will dwell on the nearshore outsourcing in detail and talk about its advantages.
<h3>What’s The Difference Between Offshoring, Nearshoring and Onshoring?</h3>
Outsourcing is a broad word used to refer to transferring specific business operations or projects to a third-party company located anywhere in the world, whether it's two blocks away from your headquarters or on the other side of the globe.
An example of outsourcing would be a Munich-based digital agency collaborating with a Hamburg-based software development company to develop the former's website.
Companies may choose to outsource for a variety of reasons. Lower expenses are sometimes regarded as the most important motivator, however this isn't the complete explanation. Lack of locally qualified people, access to a global talent pool, the opportunity to scale quickly, faster delivery times, and the elimination of the need to spend time and money on recruitment are all pull factors that are luring organizations big and small towards outsourcing.
<h3>Offshoring Definition</h3>
Offshoring involves delegating certain company tasks to a third-party vendor based in a different country. We're talking about a time differential of at least 5–6 hours here. 
We'd term it offshore if a digital marketing agency in Munich paired with a Chinese software development company.
India, the Philippines, and China are popular outsourcing destinations for both the United States and Western European countries. Offshoring can also be defined as corporations situated in the United States that outsource to Eastern European countries such as Romania, Poland, Ukraine or Russia.
<h3>Nearshoring Definition</h3>
Nearshoring entails delegating certain company operations to a third-party provider based significantly closer to your home – usually in the same time zone or within a few hours. 
Nearshoring is exemplified by a Munich digital agency collaborating with a Russian development company.
Companies in the United States frequently outsource to Mexico, as well as many other Central and South American countries such as Argentina, Brazil, and El Salvador. 
Nearshoring connections between Western European and Eastern European enterprises are common in Europe. Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Russia and the Baltic republics are popular nearshoring destinations.
<h3>Onshoring Definition</h3>
Onshoring is a collaboration model in which a customer works with a company or a group of software engineers who are based in the same country and share the same time zone. 
This method is normally more expensive than offshoring and nearshoring, but it has various benefits, including faster outcomes and better communication.
Offshoring, Nearshoring and Onshoring have their strong and weak points. Let’s take a closer look at each of them to help you figure out which model will work best for your business.
Offshoring, Nearshoring, and Onshoring all have advantages and disadvantages. Let's take a deeper look at nearshoring to see why it can be the greatest option for your company.
<h3>Nearshoring Pros and Cons</h3>
Due to the usually hard means of recruiting new talent, outsourcing software development projects has become a strategic and central concern for most businesses. We all know how difficult, expensive, and time-consuming it can be to hire new software developers in the United States, Central Europe or Canada. Even if you discover the ideal individual for the position, keeping them motivated and working for your company takes a lot of effort.
Despite the fact that many businesses prefer to have an in-house software development team, resources and the product roadmap eventually force them to work with an outsourcing company. This frequently occurs when a startup decides to hire a company that was recommended to them during a critical scenario.
<h3>The Benefits of Nearshoring</h3>
<ul>
<li>Similar Time Zones. Because you and your nearshore partner have a minimal or non-existent time difference, you won't have to work overtime or at night to synchronise meetings or stay in touch. When an outsourced team is located on the other side of the world, all business operations involving that team must be moved to late evenings or early mornings.
This means there might be a 12-hour gap between meetings with team members. It also means a significant reduction in project productivity. If an issue arises offshore and the team has to consult someone at the main headquarters, they will have to wait several hours for a response.</li>
<li>Raising wages. When you're based in Germany, it's obvious that your nearshoring partner should be based in Europe. As a result, the first direct benefit you might anticipate is financial. Money will continue in circulation in the region since it is pumped into the same sector of trade. This benefits all parties based in the area, resulting in a win-win situation as the project progresses. Creating jobs for businesses and paying your taxes locally contributes to the local economy's growth and success. Because you're paying for high-quality service, going local ensures you get the most bang for your buck.</li>
<li>Travel Costs are Low. Only a few outsourced software development teams are capable of working independently without direct interaction with the employing company. In any project, visits and meetings are unavoidable, yet deploying personnel across the globe can be taxing and costly.
You lose money in missed production due to weary staff, in addition to the money you spend on travel expenses. The advantage of nearshore software development is that most European airports offer direct flights to the best nearshore destinations. If you need to conduct face-to-face meetings, instead of spending a day or two on a plane, travel simply takes a few hours.</li>
<li>Shared Values and Culture. Would it make you happy if your development team took an extended break during your working hours? That may be great if you are adaptable, but keep in mind the various work ethics and cultures. Do these developers complete projects on schedule, or do they take their time and procrastinate? Many nearshore countries have favorable relations with Europe. Due to the importance of tourism and trade between countries, there is a stronger familiarity with each other's language and culture, reducing the likelihood of any barriers. If you and your partner share a similar cultural background, you won't have to adjust your work habits.</li>
<li>Achieving Cost-Quality Parity. Low expenses are one of the reasons why most organizations embrace outsourcing. Of course, money is a big consideration when picking between the two outsourcing methods, but do you prioritize price over quality? It's worth emphasizing that software development isn't something you'd want to undertake on a shoestring budget. If the software needs to be improved and fixed after it's finished, you can end up paying more afterwards.</li>
<li>Excellent Relationships. At the end of the day, the value of your human connections determines your success in outsourced software development. It also relies on both parties instilling mutual trust and devotion. As a result, a significant portion of your resources and efforts should be directed into these ties. Nearshoring also allows those resources to go further due to the values of cultural similarity, proximity, and affordability.</li>
<li>Added to the Talent Pool. When you nearshore your development, you expand your skill pool by hiring a more capable staff to work on your projects. Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria and many others have made a name for themself in the realm of information technology. When it comes to nearshore software development, they have become popular places. Many EU companies have entrusted their projects to great Eastern Europe developers rather than in-house teams.</li>
<li>Expansion into New Markets. Nearshoring also makes it easier to break into new markets. For example, you may employ a team of subcontracted experts to handle your back-end development so that you can focus on other important responsibilities. Additionally, if your staff are required to work overnight on a regular basis, they may become burned out. Nearshoring may allow you to eliminate night shifts entirely, improving both the quality of work and employee retention.</li>
<li>Fast Integration. You don't have to wait weeks for your subcontracted staff to integrate with your business procedures when nearshoring your operations to a country with a comparable culture or language. They can swiftly deliver the best of their abilities. It is critical, however, that your nearshore partner has the same level of technical expertise as your internal staff. The alliance will be more useful as a result of this.</li>
<li>An improved return on investment (ROI). The return on investment is what drives companies to outsource their development in the first place. Although offshore is initially less expensive, you may incur additional costs as a result of challenges encountered along the route. For instance, you could be dealing with managerial challenges, underperformance, a lack of control, and poor communication, among other things.</li>
<li>Greater Supervisory role. Because you share a common language, have sufficient knowledge, and are in the same time zone, it is easier for you to maintain full control and involvement in your development project. You need to work with developers who are close by, who can interact with you simply and fluently, and who are available throughout your normal working hours.</li>
</ul>
<h3>The Drawbacks of Nearshoring</h3>
<ul>
<li>Fewer possibilities because your options are limited to suppliers in nearby regions.</li>
<li>If your company operates in Europe or the United States, it will be more expensive than offshoring.
Nearshoring, on the other hand, may appear costly at first, but it produces superior results and saves money in the long run.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Epilogue</h3>
When it comes to enhancing productivity and lowering project costs, outsourcing can be an excellent choice for any company. It's no wonder that nearshore software development is becoming more popular these days.
Companies of many types–not just IT businesses now benefit from the lower cost of both nearshore and offshore development teams thanks to technological advancements in recent years. Businesses can analyze their alternatives and choose the outsourcing technique most suited to their project by knowing the advantages of nearshore software development.

Before You Hit The Shore

<h4>If you use Adobe Commerce, you're probably aware of how scalable and versatile it is. It enables multinational companies to swiftly incorporate new technologies and engage customers at every touchpoint thanks to its modular core and headless features.</h4>
In the March update there were such aspects as improved performance and overall platform quality (more than 300 quality fixes and enhancements).
Main enhancements:
<ul>
<li>Now Adobe Commerce 2.4.6 supports PHP 8.2 (8.1 remains fully supported) and PHP 7.4 has been removed. </li>
<li>Improved performance for operations affecting many customer segments. </li>
<li>Improved import performance (csv REST API endpoint)</li>
<li>Improved High-throughput order processing</li>
<li>The Purchase Orders for Companies feature is now fully exposed by the GraphQL API.</li>
<li>Improved response time when querying categories with category permissions enabled via GraphQL</li>
<li>Optimized performance of category tree rendering on GraphQL</li>
<li>Reduced bulk cart operations query response times on GraphQL</li>
<li>B2B v1.3.4</li>
</ul>
Here you can find more information about the released update:
<a href="https://experienceleague.adobe.com/docs/commerce-operations/release/notes/adobe-commerce/2-4-6.html?lang=en">Adobe Commerce 2.4.6 Release Notes</a>

Adobe Commerce 2.4.6 is now available to partners.

Adobe Commerce 2.4.6

If you use Adobe Commerce, you're probably aware of how scalable and versatile it is. It enables multinational companies to swiftly incorporate new technologies and engage customers at every touchpoint thanks to its modular core and headless features.

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Adobe Commerce 2.4.5

Why Choose Custom Development?

Before You Hit The Shore