Miva Merchant Offers Four Tips on Choosing The Right Enterprise E-commerce Platform

San Diego, CA (September 27, 2012) – Miva Merchant, a leading supplier of enterprise e-commerce software, offers online merchants some useful tips for choosing the right enterprise ecommerce platform. Enterprise e-commerce software that is designed to increase consumer confidence can translate into improved consumer sales.

"Consumers need to be confident that their online shopping experience is secure," says Jesse Ness at Miva Merchant. "Security while shopping online is the consumer's primary priority, so online merchants that choose enterprise e-commerce software with enhanced security features will provide website visitors with a better, more comfortable shopping experience."

Jesse says that not all enterprise e-commerce platform choices offer the same level of security. Online merchants should ensure that their enterprise e-commerce software is PA/DSS validated. Not all shopping carts have that level of security, even though credit card companies are increasingly demanding this level of validation from online merchants.

Customization is another essential element to consider when making an enterprise e-commerce platform choice. "Templates can help get an online merchant started, but they rarely offer the look and feel that merchants want on their e-commerce sites." Merchants should choose the enterprise e-commerce software that delivers full customization options, especially if many parts of the enterprise will be providing goods and services via the merchant's online presence.

API support is another primary consideration for merchants. Often, merchants receive one or two support services from third-party suppliers. These services may include marketing or conversion enhancement services. Over time, the merchant may seek additional services from third-party providers, and find that their e-commerce platform doesn't support all of the required APIs.

"Having a hosted solution is critical, says Jesse. "Many online merchants opt for free shopping cart software, and only later discover that they have no meaningful server or software support." If a merchant isn't fully prepared to manage and administer the e-commerce platform solution, a secure, hosted shopping cart software solution can help avoid unnecessary downtime and frustration.

About Miva Merchant

Miva Merchant, located in San Diego, CA is a leading supplier of complete, reliable, expandable and easy-to-use e-commerce software and services to small and medium-sized businesses. Miva Merchant shopping cart software is used by tens of thousands of online merchants and developers on an extensive network of hosting partners and business portals. For more information about Miva Merchant, please visit MivaMerchant.com.