Build Your Salesforce Commerce Cloud Alternative: Get a Transparent Cost & Feature Breakdown
Stop renting your e-commerce platform and start owning your competitive edge. We build scalable, AI-enabled commerce solutions that fit your business—not the other way around.
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Is This Your Commerce Cloud Reality?
You invested in Salesforce Commerce Cloud for its promise of enterprise power. But now, you're facing the reality: steep licensing fees, architectural rigidity, and a development cycle that can't keep pace with your business. You're questioning if there's a better way to achieve enterprise-grade commerce without the vendor lock-in. There is.
Why Build a Custom Commerce Platform with CIS?
We build your competitive advantage, not just your website. Move from renting a restrictive platform to owning a strategic, AI-enabled asset that grows with you.
Dramatically Lower TCO
Escape the endless cycle of six-figure licensing fees. A custom platform has a predictable, one-time build cost and significantly lower operational expenses, delivering a superior Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) in 2-3 years.
True IP Ownership
Your e-commerce platform becomes a valuable company asset, not a rental expense. You own the code, the data, and the competitive advantage, giving you complete control and flexibility for the future.
Composable & Headless Freedom
Break free from monolithic constraints. We build using a modern, API-first (MACH) architecture, allowing you to plug in best-in-class tools for search, payments, and personalization, creating a truly unique customer experience.
Unmatched Speed & Agility
Launch new features, promotions, and experiences in days, not months. A custom architecture eliminates the technical debt and deployment bottlenecks of SFCC, allowing you to innovate at the speed of your market.
AI-Powered Differentiation
Go beyond basic personalization. We integrate custom AI models for predictive search, dynamic pricing, and hyper-personalized recommendations that SFCC's generic toolsets can't match, giving you a decisive edge.
Enterprise-Grade Security
Build security into the core of your platform, not as an afterthought. Our DevSecOps approach and compliance with standards like SOC 2 and ISO 27001 ensure your customer data and transactions are protected at the highest level.
Your Dedicated Expert POD
You get more than developers; you get a dedicated Product-Oriented Delivery (POD) team. This cross-functional unit of strategists, architects, and engineers acts as an extension of your team, focused solely on your success.
Proven CMMI Level 5 Process
We de-risk your investment with a globally recognized, mature development process. Our CMMI Level 5 appraisal means predictable delivery, consistent quality, and a focus on continuous, data-driven improvement for your project.
Risk-Free 2-Week Trial
Experience the CIS difference firsthand. We offer a paid 2-week trial to let you work with our team, validate our expertise, and see our process in action before committing to a full-scale project. It's confidence, delivered.
Our Composable Commerce Development Services
We don't just build websites; we architect and assemble your ideal e-commerce ecosystem, piece by piece, for ultimate flexibility and power.
Composable Commerce Strategy & Roadmap
We map your business goals to a technical blueprint, defining the right architecture and microservices to build a future-proof platform that scales with your ambition.
- Deconstruct business needs into a phased, MVP-first development plan.
- Select the optimal best-of-breed vendors for your specific requirements.
- Design a scalable, resilient cloud architecture on AWS, Azure, or GCP.
Headless Architecture Implementation
We decouple your frontend presentation layer from your backend commerce engine, enabling you to deliver consistent, content-rich experiences across any channel—web, mobile, IoT, and beyond.
- Ensure API-first design for seamless communication between services.
- Enable rapid development of new customer touchpoints without backend changes.
- Improve site performance and developer efficiency.
Legacy Platform Migration
We meticulously plan and execute your migration from monolithic platforms like SFCC or Magento to a modern, composable architecture with zero downtime and complete data integrity.
- Conduct a full audit of your existing data, integrations, and functionality.
- Develop a phased migration strategy to minimize business disruption.
- Ensure all SEO equity and customer data is securely transferred.
Custom Microservice Development
We build and deploy independent, scalable microservices for core commerce functions, ensuring your system is resilient and easy to update.
- Develop services for Cart, Checkout, Pricing, Promotions, and Inventory.
- Build custom business logic for complex B2B or subscription models.
- Ensure services are independently deployable for maximum agility.
PIM & Catalog Management Solutions
We implement robust Product Information Management (PIM) systems to centralize and manage your product data, ensuring consistency across all sales channels.
- Integrate with leading PIM solutions or build a custom one.
- Enable complex product catalogs, attributes, and hierarchies.
- Automate data syndication to marketplaces and partners.
Order Management System (OMS) Integration
We connect your commerce platform to powerful OMS solutions to streamline order processing, inventory management, and fulfillment across all your warehouses and stores.
- Integrate with ERPs like SAP, Oracle NetSuite, or Microsoft Dynamics.
- Enable complex fulfillment logic like split shipments and in-store pickup.
- Provide real-time order status and inventory visibility to customers.
Third-Party API Integration
We seamlessly connect your platform to the best tools on the market, from payment gateways and tax calculators to shipping providers and marketing automation platforms.
- Integrate payment solutions like Stripe, Adyen, and PayPal.
- Connect with shipping carriers like FedEx, UPS, and Shippo.
- Link to your CRM, ERP, and other critical business systems.
Custom Storefront Development
Using modern JavaScript frameworks like React, Vue, or Svelte, we build lightning-fast, SEO-friendly, and highly interactive storefronts that convert visitors into customers.
- Develop Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for app-like experiences.
- Ensure WCAG accessibility compliance for all users.
- Optimize for Core Web Vitals and exceptional page speed.
B2B Portal & Punchout Catalogs
We create sophisticated B2B commerce portals with customer-specific pricing, tiered catalogs, and seamless integration into procurement systems (Punchout).
- Implement complex quote-to-order workflows and approval processes.
- Develop self-service account management and reordering features.
- Ensure secure access for different user roles and permissions.
Mobile Commerce App Development
We build native iOS and Android e-commerce apps that offer a rich, engaging, and convenient shopping experience, driving customer loyalty and repeat purchases.
- Integrate features like push notifications, loyalty programs, and mobile payments.
- Ensure seamless synchronization with your web platform.
- Optimize for performance and user experience on all devices.
AI-Powered Personalization Engine
We develop custom machine learning models that analyze user behavior in real-time to deliver truly one-to-one product recommendations, content, and offers.
- Go beyond simple "customers also bought" with deep learning models.
- Personalize the entire customer journey, from homepage to checkout.
- Implement A/B testing frameworks to continuously optimize algorithms.
Predictive Search & Merchandising
We use AI and Natural Language Processing (NLP) to create an intelligent search experience that understands user intent, corrects typos, and dynamically merchandises results.
- Implement semantic search to understand context, not just keywords.
- Automate the ranking of products based on conversion probability.
- Provide visual and voice search capabilities.
Dynamic Pricing & Promotion Optimization
Leverage AI to analyze market data, competitor pricing, and customer demand to automate and optimize your pricing and promotion strategies for maximum profitability.
- Develop algorithms to identify price elasticity and optimal discount levels.
- Personalize promotions based on individual customer value and churn risk.
- Prevent margin erosion by avoiding blanket discounts.
Customer Churn Prediction
We build models that identify at-risk customers before they leave, allowing you to proactively engage them with targeted retention campaigns and offers.
- Analyze behavioral data to create a customer health score.
- Trigger automated workflows for the marketing or customer service teams.
- Measure the ROI of your retention efforts.
Cloud Infrastructure & DevOps Automation
We design and manage a secure, scalable, and cost-effective cloud infrastructure, using DevOps and CI/CD pipelines to automate testing and deployment.
- Implement Infrastructure as Code (IaC) using tools like Terraform.
- Set up auto-scaling to handle traffic spikes during peak seasons.
- Provide 24/7 monitoring, alerting, and incident response.
Transparent Costing: From MVP to Enterprise Scale
Building a custom platform is an investment in your future. Here’s a transparent look at what to expect. Costs vary based on complexity, integrations, and unique features.
| Component / Phase | Essential MVP (Launchpad) | Growth Platform (Strategic) | Enterprise Ecosystem (Flagship) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery & Architecture | $10,000 - $25,000 | $25,000 - $50,000 | $50,000+ |
| UX/UI Design | $15,000 - $30,000 | $30,000 - $60,000 | $60,000+ |
| Frontend Development | $40,000 - $80,000 | $80,000 - $200,000 | $200,000+ |
| Backend Microservices | $60,000 - $120,000 | $120,000 - $300,000 | $300,000+ |
| 3rd Party Integrations | (2-3 Core APIs) $15,000 - $30,000 | (5-7 APIs + ERP) $30,000 - $80,000 | (10+ APIs, ERP, PIM) $80,000+ |
| QA & Testing | $20,000 - $40,000 | $40,000 - $80,000 | $80,000+ |
| DevOps & Infrastructure | $10,000 - $20,000 | $20,000 - $50,000 | $50,000+ |
| Estimated Total Range | $170,000 - $345,000 | $345,000 - $820,000 | $820,000+ |
| Typical Timeline | 3-5 Months | 6-9 Months | 9-18+ Months |
Our Blueprint for Success: The 6-Step Delivery Process
We combine agile methodology with CMMI Level 5 discipline to deliver your project on time, on budget, and beyond expectations.
1. Discover & Strategize
We dive deep into your business goals, user needs, and technical landscape to create a comprehensive project roadmap and architecture plan.
2. Design & Prototype
Our UI/UX experts craft intuitive, high-fidelity prototypes and user flows that we test and refine before a single line of code is written.
3. Develop & Integrate
Working in agile sprints, our dedicated POD builds your microservices, integrates APIs, and develops the frontend experience with constant communication.
4. Test & Assure Quality
Our QA engineers perform rigorous manual and automated testing—including performance, security, and usability—to ensure a flawless launch.
5. Deploy & Launch
We manage the entire deployment process to your cloud environment, executing a seamless, zero-downtime launch with post-launch hyper-care support.
6. Evolve & Support
Our partnership doesn't end at launch. We provide ongoing 24/7 support, monitoring, and iterative enhancements to ensure your platform continues to drive growth.
Proven Results: From SFCC Constraints to Composable Growth
We've helped businesses across industries break free from platform limitations and build their own commerce destiny. Here's how.
Case Study: InnovateCo Fashion Escapes High TCO
Industry: Apparel & Fashion
Client Overview: InnovateCo Fashion is a rapidly growing fashion retailer with a strong online presence. They were an early adopter of Salesforce Commerce Cloud but found their growth stifled by high operational costs and a slow, cumbersome process for launching new digital experiences and marketing campaigns.
"We felt trapped. Our SFCC licensing fees were eating into our margins, and we couldn't react to fashion trends quickly enough. CIS didn't just offer a replacement; they offered a new way of thinking about commerce that gave us back control."
- Michael Harper, Head of E-commerce, InnovateCo Fashion
The Problem
InnovateCo's TCO for SFCC was projected to increase by 20% year-over-year. Their marketing team was frustrated by the inability to quickly create new landing pages and content, while the development team was bogged down by the platform's complex, proprietary architecture, leading to long release cycles for simple features.
Key Challenges
- Reducing the escalating Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
- Increasing the speed of feature and content deployment.
- Improving site performance and conversion rates.
- Gaining the flexibility to integrate innovative third-party tools.
Our Solution
We architected and executed a phased migration to a new headless, composable platform on AWS.
- Decoupled the frontend using React and a headless CMS (Contentful).
- Replaced core SFCC functions with scalable microservices for cart, checkout, and promotions.
- Integrated best-of-breed services: Algolia for search and Stripe for payments.
- Implemented a CI/CD pipeline to automate testing and enable multiple daily deployments.
Case Study: GlobalParts Inc. Powers B2B Commerce
Industry: B2B Manufacturing & Distribution
Client Overview: GlobalParts Inc. is a leading distributor of industrial components, serving thousands of business customers. Their legacy, homegrown B2B portal was failing, unable to handle their complex pricing rules, customer-specific catalogs, and integration needs with their SAP ERP system.
"Our sales team was spending half their day manually creating quotes because our old system couldn't handle our business rules. The custom platform CIS built has transformed our operations. It's now a strategic tool that our customers and our sales team love."
- Jenna Clay, VP of Operations, GlobalParts Inc.
The Problem
The old portal was a major bottleneck. It required manual intervention for almost every order, leading to errors, delays, and a poor customer experience. They couldn't offer self-service features, and the lack of real-time ERP integration meant inventory and pricing information was often inaccurate.
Key Challenges
- Handling thousands of customer-specific pricing tiers and contracts.
- Displaying unique product catalogs for different customer segments.
- Achieving deep, real-time integration with their SAP S/4HANA ERP.
- Providing a modern, self-service experience for B2B buyers.
Our Solution
We designed and built a custom B2B commerce platform from the ground up, focusing on deep integration and complex business logic.
- Developed a powerful pricing engine microservice that handles all contract rules in real-time.
- Built a robust integration layer to sync customers, orders, and inventory with SAP.
- Created an intuitive frontend with features for quick reordering, quote requests, and budget management.
- Implemented Punchout capabilities for their largest enterprise customers.
Case Study: ScaleUp Wellness Achieves Global Scale
Industry: Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) / Health & Wellness
Client Overview: ScaleUp Wellness is a high-growth, direct-to-consumer (DTC) brand specializing in health supplements. They had built their initial success on Shopify Plus but were hitting a wall, unable to implement the custom subscription logic and internationalization features they needed for their next phase of growth.
"Shopify was great for getting started, but we couldn't build the unique subscription experience we envisioned. CIS understood our DTC model and built a platform that not only solved our immediate problems but gave us the foundation to scale globally."
- Carter Fleming, Founder & CEO, ScaleUp Wellness
The Problem
The brand's growth was limited by Shopify's app ecosystem. They needed more flexible subscription options ("build-a-box," gifting), and their plans for European expansion were hampered by the platform's multi-currency and multi-language limitations. They needed a platform that could support both their unique business model and their global ambitions.
Key Challenges
- Developing a highly flexible, custom subscription engine.
- Supporting multi-language, multi-currency, and regional pricing.
- Integrating with a new, international 3PL provider.
- Maintaining high performance and a premium brand experience during rapid growth.
Our Solution
We built a custom, headless commerce platform designed for a global, subscription-first DTC brand.
- Created a bespoke subscription management microservice with a customer-facing portal.
- Architected the platform to easily support new regions, languages, and currencies.
- Built a custom integration with their new international fulfillment partner for real-time order syncing.
- Developed an AI-powered recommendation engine to increase average order value and subscription tenure.
Our Technology Stack: The Best Tools for the Job
We are technology-agnostic and select the best-in-class tools to build a powerful, scalable, and maintainable commerce ecosystem for you.
Platform Smackdown: SFCC vs. CIS Custom Build
See how owning your platform compares to renting one. A side-by-side look at what truly matters for long-term growth.
| Feature / Aspect | Salesforce Commerce Cloud | CIS Custom Composable Platform |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) | High, recurring licensing fees based on GMV. | Upfront investment, low ongoing operational costs. |
| IP & Asset Ownership | You rent the platform; vendor owns the core IP. | You own 100% of the code and data. |
| Architecture | Monolithic, becoming more modular but still restrictive. | API-first, headless, and fully composable. |
| Customization & Flexibility | Limited by platform constraints and proprietary code. | Unlimited. Built precisely to your business logic. |
| Speed to Market (New Features) | Slow. Dependent on complex release cycles. | Fast. Independent microservices enable rapid iteration. |
| Best-of-Breed Integrations | Limited to AppExchange and pre-built connectors. | Integrate any tool or service via APIs. |
| AI & Personalization | Uses Einstein AI (one-size-fits-all). | Custom AI models tailored to your specific data. |
| Performance & Scalability | Scalable, but performance can be a black box. | Architected for your specific load; optimized for speed. |
| Vendor Lock-in | High. Difficult and expensive to migrate away. | None. You have full control and ownership. |
Don't Just Take Our Word For It
Hear from leaders who made the switch from restrictive platforms to a custom-built future and never looked back.
"The move from SFCC to our own platform was the single best strategic decision we've made. Our TCO is down 40%, and for the first time, our technology is an enabler of growth, not a bottleneck. CIS was the perfect partner—deeply technical, yet always focused on the business outcome."
"We interviewed several large SIs, but they all wanted to sell us a pre-packaged solution. CIS was different. They listened to our complex B2B needs and architected a solution from the ground up that perfectly integrated with our SAP system. Their expertise in both commerce and enterprise systems is unmatched."
"As a CTO, I value clean code, modern architecture, and a team that speaks my language. The CIS team delivered on all fronts. Their commitment to MACH principles and their DevOps maturity gave me the confidence that we were building a platform that was not only powerful today but maintainable and scalable for years to come."
"Our custom subscription engine is our biggest competitive advantage, and it simply wouldn't have been possible on an off-the-shelf platform. The AI-powered recommendations have increased our AOV by 18%. Working with CIS felt like having our own in-house, world-class engineering team."
"The level of transparency and communication was exceptional. We had daily stand-ups, weekly demos, and full visibility into the project's progress via Jira. The CMMI Level 5 process isn't just a certificate; you can feel the discipline and quality in every interaction and deliverable."
"The risk-free trial was a game-changer for us. It allowed our team to work directly with their developers and confirm the technical fit before we signed the full contract. It showed immense confidence in their abilities, and they delivered on that promise throughout the entire project."
Meet Your Commerce Architects & Engineers
You work directly with the experts. Our teams are 100% in-house, AI-enabled professionals dedicated to building world-class commerce solutions.
Akeel Q.
Manager, Certified Cloud Solutions Expert, Certified AI & Machine Learning Specialist
Girish S.
Delivery Manager - Microsoft Certified Solutions Architect
Vishal N.
Manager, Certified Hyper Personalization Expert, Senior Data Scientist (AI/ML)
Vaibhav S.
Senior Web Developer - Expert in Magento 2, Shopify & BigCommerce Solutions
Frequently Asked Questions
Timelines vary based on complexity. A foundational MVP (Minimum Viable Product) with core commerce functionality can typically be launched in 3-5 months. A more feature-rich platform for a strategic, high-growth business might take 6-9 months. A full-scale enterprise ecosystem with numerous integrations and custom features can take 9-18+ months, often launched in phases.
We have a meticulous, proven process for data migration. It starts with a full data audit to map all customer, product, and order data. We then develop custom scripts to extract, transform, and load (ETL) the data into your new platform's schema. We perform multiple test runs in a staging environment and a final delta migration at launch to ensure 100% data integrity with zero downtime.
Absolutely, and often more so. Security is not an add-on; it's foundational to our process. We follow a DevSecOps approach, integrating security at every stage of development. This includes regular code scanning, penetration testing, and adherence to best practices like the OWASP Top 10. Our SOC 2 and ISO 27001 certifications validate our commitment to enterprise-grade security, giving you granular control over your security posture, unlike the "black box" of a SaaS platform.
Yes. This is a core strength of a composable architecture. We are experts at building robust, real-time integrations with any system that has an API. We frequently integrate with Salesforce Sales Cloud/Service Cloud, ERPs (SAP, NetSuite), PIMs, OMS, and various marketing automation platforms to create a unified, 360-degree view of your customer and business operations.
We offer flexible, comprehensive support and evolution packages. This can range from a standard Service Level Agreement (SLA) for bug fixes and maintenance to a dedicated 24/7 PagerDuty team for incident response. Most clients opt for an ongoing "Evolve" retainer, where a portion of our POD continues to work on iterative feature enhancements, optimizations, and strategic initiatives to ensure your platform continues to drive business growth.
Ready to Own Your Commerce Future?
Let's have a transparent conversation about your goals. We'll provide a detailed proposal with a clear cost breakdown, project timeline, and a strategic roadmap to building your competitive advantage. No obligations, just expert insights.
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