Understanding the Difference
Salesforce offers two distinct commerce platforms: Commerce Cloud (formerly Demandware) and Commerce on Core (built on Salesforce Platform). Understanding the differences is crucial for making the right choice.
Commerce Cloud (B2C/B2B)
Overview
Purpose-built e-commerce platform with native commerce capabilities.
Key Features
- Native commerce functionality
- Einstein AI integration
- Advanced merchandising
- Global scalability
- Headless architecture support
- Built-in CDN and caching
Best For
- Pure e-commerce businesses
- High-volume B2C
- Complex B2B commerce
- Multi-brand operations
- Global commerce needs
Strengths
- Fastest time to market
- Lower total cost of ownership
- Automatic updates
- Commerce-specific features
- Proven scalability
Commerce on Core (B2B/D2C)
Overview
Commerce built on Salesforce Platform, deeply integrated with CRM.
Key Features
- Native CRM integration
- Salesforce Platform capabilities
- Custom object support
- Apex development
- Flow automation
- Service Cloud integration
Best For
- CRM-first organizations
- Complex CPQ requirements
- Heavy customization needs
- Existing Salesforce customers
- Service-heavy businesses
Strengths
- Deep CRM integration
- Platform flexibility
- Unified data model
- Custom development options
- Service integration
Key Differences
Architecture
- Commerce Cloud: Purpose-built commerce platform
- Commerce on Core: Platform-based solution
Performance
- Commerce Cloud: Optimized for high-volume commerce
- Commerce on Core: Dependent on org limits
Customization
- Commerce Cloud: Commerce-specific customization
- Commerce on Core: Full platform flexibility
Pricing Model
- Commerce Cloud: GMV-based pricing
- Commerce on Core: License-based pricing
Implementation Time
- Commerce Cloud: 3-6 months typical
- Commerce on Core: 6-12 months typical
Decision Framework
Choose Commerce Cloud If:
- E-commerce is your primary business
- You need rapid time to market
- High transaction volumes expected
- Global commerce requirements
- Limited Salesforce ecosystem
Choose Commerce on Core If:
- Heavy CRM integration needed
- Complex CPQ requirements
- Existing Salesforce investment
- Service-heavy business model
- Custom platform needs
Hybrid Approach
Some organizations use both:
- Commerce Cloud for customer-facing commerce
- Commerce on Core for partner/dealer portals
- Integration between platforms
Conclusion
Both platforms are powerful, but serve different needs. Commerce Cloud excels for pure e-commerce, while Commerce on Core works best for CRM-centric organizations.
Need help deciding? Contact TailorEdd for expert consultation.