Companies are now adopting a more modular, agile, and flexible approach to eCommerce technology relative to the tradition "monolith" software models exemplified by products like SAP Hybris, Salesforce Commerce Cloud and Magento (now Adobe Commerce Cloud). This is commonly referred to as MACH.
Mach stands for Microservices, API-first, Cloud-native, Headless
….and it represents a new era in eCommerce development and deployment.
The fundamental technologies and approach of MACH architecture are centred around the concept of microservices.
Microservices are a software development technique that breaks down applications into smaller, independently deployable blocks of code that do specific tasks (ideally one task differently) which are known as "services". This allows for greater flexibility and agility when it comes to developing and deploying eCommerce applications. With microservices, businesses can quickly add new functionality, scale services up or down as needed, and easily integrate with other applications.
API-first is another key component of MACH architecture, where all services are built with APIs as the primary interface. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) enable different services to communicate with each other, making it easy to share data and functionality between applications. By adopting an API-first approach, businesses can create flexible and scalable eCommerce systems that are easy to integrate with other systems.
Cloud-native is the third component of MACH architecture. This refers to the use of cloud-based infrastructure to develop, deploy, and manage eCommerce applications. Cloud-native applications are designed to take full advantage of cloud-based resources, such as scalability, flexibility, and resilience. By building eCommerce systems in the cloud, businesses can easily scale up or down as needed, and they can reduce their reliance on traditional on-premise infrastructure.
Finally, Headless is the fourth component of MACH architecture. This means that the front-end presentation layer is separated from the back-end eCommerce system. With a headless approach, businesses can create more personalised and engaging customer experiences by using different front-end technologies, such as progressive web apps, mobile apps, or voice assistants. By decoupling the front-end presentation layer from the back-end system, businesses can create a more flexible and modular eCommerce architecture that is better suited to their unique needs.
The relevance of MACH architecture to eCommerce products is clear. In today's fast-paced business environment, eCommerce systems need to be flexible, scalable, and adaptable to changing market conditions. MACH architecture provides a framework for creating eCommerce systems that can be easily adapted to meet changing customer needs, market conditions, and emerging technologies.
There are several key benefits of adopting MACH architecture for your business:
1. Speed
It provides greater flexibility and agility when it comes to developing and deploying eCommerce applications. With microservices, businesses can quickly add new functionality, scale services up or down as needed, and easily integrate with other applications. This allows businesses to respond quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs, which is critical in today's fast-paced business environment.
2. The best in customer experience
MACH architecture provides a more personalised and engaging customer experience. With a headless approach, businesses can create more personalized and engaging customer experiences by using different front-end technologies, such as progressive web apps, mobile apps, or voice assistants.
3. Reducing cost
MACH architecture is more cost-effective than traditional eCommerce systems. By leveraging cloud-based infrastructure, businesses can reduce their reliance on expensive on-premise infrastructure, and they can easily scale up or down as needed. This allows businesses to reduce their IT costs, while also providing a more scalable and resilient eCommerce system. MACH has become so dominant as a model because of the cost reduction it offers. Our clients have regularly seen millions of pounds in savings by moving away from traditional eCommerce software towards managed SaaS products like Shopify Plus.
4. Future proofing
MACH architecture provides a more future-proof eCommerce system. By adopting an API-first approach, businesses can easily integrate with emerging technologies, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, and blockchain. This allows businesses to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to emerging technologies, which is critical in today's rapidly evolving trading landscape.
How do I access the MACH advantage?
Talk to SOON_ and find out more about how we can develop or upgrade your website to MACH standards. SOON_ is a highly experienced, UK based eCommerce partner working with market leading brands to develop their high converting retail platforms, ready for the uncertainty of the future. We plan, design, develop, support and optimise award-winning Shopify & Shopify Plus websites.
Focused on customer experience first, our websites are designed to solve your most pressing business goals with a full consultancy offering to support the process. If you're interested in a free, no-obligations chat about your requirements or any aspect of Shopify & Shopify Plus.
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SOON_ have been developing compelling customer experiences for 10 Years. We can make it easy, simple and straightforward to upgrade or migrate to Shopify Plus. We're a market leading Shopify Plus agency with global reach, a proven track records and ambitious brands.
