Magento is an open-source e-commerce web application. It can be used to create a dynamic, fully featured, online shop. Magento runs on the Apache/MySQL/PHP platform. It was created by Varien, building on components of the Zend Framework.
Magento is available under the Open Software License version 3.0. Since version 1.1.7 some parts are licensed under the Academic Free License version 3.0.
Magento Enterprise Edition, a paid for version of Magento aimed at larger companies, was launched on April 15, 2009.
From one installation, you can control multiple storefronts, all sharing customer and product information. Magento’s templates and themes enable users to customize the look and feel of the store, even optimizing it for mobile phones. Extensions enable users to connect Magento to a large number of payment gateways and shipping services.
Main features of this solution include analytics and Reporting, Product browsing, Catalog browsing, catalog managment, customer accounts management, customer service, order management, payment method, shipping, checkout, SSL support, SEO, multiple languages and currencies, marketing promotions and tools.
And best of all, Magento is free and open source! Support is provided free by an active open source community and by subscription to Varien, the company behind Magento.
