Magento Association

Magento Association

The Magento Association is the home of the global Magento Open Source ecosystem - a diverse, driven, and collaborative community shaping the future of open commerce. We exist to connect people, champion ideas, and create opportunities for meaningful contribution. Our members include developers, merchants, agencies, technology partners, and advocates who believe in the power of open source to drive innovation, enable inclusion, and build lasting impact. Together, we steward the Magento Open Source project and its ecosystem with transparency, purpose, and shared ownership.

Episodes

  1. MAY 4

    S01E10: Arron Moss (Zero-1) on AI & Open Source Commerce: Why Sovereignty Still Matters

    In Episode 10, Arron Moss (Zero-1) shares a candid perspective on AI, open source commerce, and why digital sovereignty still matters in an era of SaaS consolidation. Arron founded Zero-1 in 1999 and has been working with Magento since 2009. Operating from the UK and Florida with a team of around ten, Zero-1 has built the first open source point-of-sale on Hyvä, released an MIT-licensed AI merchandiser, and maintains over 70 open source repositories on GitHub. They're a Hyvä Platinum Partner, a Magento Association Silver Partner, a MageOS Gold Partner, and recently achieved ISO 9001 certification. In conversation with host Matt Harris, Arron unpacks what it means to run a delivery agency built on multi-use code, shared extensions, and a 67% reduction in total cost of ownership. He digs into how AI is reshaping developer roles, why lean teams of five can now ship what teams of fifteen used to, and why open source and AI together create something neither model can deliver alone. 🔍 Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Why Open Source Commerce Still Matters 02:30 – Meet Arron Moss & Zero-1 05:00 – From University Multimedia to Magento 09:00 – AI, Lean Teams & The Developer's New Role 13:30 – What "Delivery Agency" Actually Means 17:30 – SaaS vs Open Source: The Sovereignty Question 24:30 – Why Zero-1 Gives Back to the Community 28:30 – The Pricing Disparity Hurting Magento 39:30 – Open Source + AI: Why the Combination Wins 49:30 – Technology Is Inherited: The Case Against Closed Code 55:30 – Hyvä, MageOS & The Magento Renaissance 1:02:00 – Selling Outcomes, Not Complexity 💬 Key Quotes "I think the Magento community won't succeed if the agencies take more than they give." — Arron Moss "Our future is five times more clients charging them 20% of the rate that you charged them last year." — Arron Moss "It's easy to make something difficult. It's harder to make something easy." — Arron Moss "We are now delivering outcomes. That's what we should be selling to those merchants." — Arron Moss "All technology is derivative." — Matt Harris "Why should a deployment cost the merchant anything?" — Arron Moss 🙌 Support the Podcast If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe. It helps the podcast reach more of the Magento community. You can also support the Magento Association directly: https://www.magentoassociation.org/members

    1h 6m
  2. APR 23

    S01 E09: Maier Bianchi (Bemeir) on Magento & AI Disruption: What eCommerce Leaders Should Know

    In Episode 9 of the Magento Association Podcast, Maier Bianchi (Bemeir) shares a candid, experience-driven perspective on Magento, AI disruption, and the evolving reality of eCommerce.From his early exposure to eCommerce in the early 2000s to building a Magento-focused agency, Maier breaks down what makes the Magento ecosystem unique and why it continues to power complex commerce use cases despite market shifts and growing competition. This episode goes beyond surface-level commentary. It explores real challenges: platform perception, ecosystem fragmentation, AI uncertainty, and what it actually takes for agencies and merchants to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. At the same time, it highlights something often overlooked in tech conversations — the role of community, contribution, and shared responsibility in shaping the future of Magento and Adobe Commerce. 🔍 Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction & early eCommerce journey: First exposure to online retail and how it shaped a long-term career in eCommerce 02:00 – From developer to agency founder: Learning to code, hands-on retail experience, and launching Bemeir 03:30 – What makes the Magento ecosystem different? Open-source culture, shared knowledge, and a builder-driven community 06:00 – Magento visibility & “hidden” ecosystem challenge: Why Magento is powerful but often underrepresented in broader eCommerce conversations 10:30 – Criticism of Magento: fair or not? Magento 2 history, reputation challenges, and market perception shifts 16:00 – Magento today: stability vs uncertainty. A more mature platform, but operating in a changing commerce landscape 17:30 – AI disruption & the future of agencies: What AI means for developers, agencies, and service models 22:00 – Consolidation vs fragmentation in tech: Will AI centralize power or unlock new waves of innovation? 30:00 – Why community still matters: Knowledge sharing, global collaboration, and long-term ecosystem value 34:00 – Magento’s identity challenge: Fragmentation, lack of central voice, and opportunities ahead 37:30 – The future of the Magento community: Why contribution, transparency, and collective action are critical 41:30 – Heart health awareness in eCommerce: A powerful initiative connecting commerce and real-world impact 💬 Key Quotes “Magento is unique as an ecosystem because there’s a lot of inventors, a lot of builders.” “There’s always been a spirit of sharing because it’s open source software.” “It’s never been a better time… it’s more stable than ever.” “Community is everything because it helps you stay grounded.” “People have more power than they think.” “There’s going to be a mix of traditional and new routes for adaptation.” ❤️ Learn More & Get Involved 👉 https://heartsofcommerce.org 👉 https://4hcm.org #Magento #AdobeCommerce #eCommerce #AI #DigitalCommerce #MagentoCommunity #TechLeadership #OpenSource #EcommerceStrategy #B2BCommerce #Innovation #Podcast

    44 min
  3. APR 9

    S01 E08: Scaling eCommerce the Right Way. Robert Rand on Data, Integrations & Growth

    What really powers modern eCommerce isn’t just the storefront—it’s everything happening behind the scenes. In this episode of the Magento Association Podcast, Robert Rand (iPaaS) breaks down the invisible layer that keeps businesses running: integrations, data flows, and system orchestration. From Magento 1 days to today’s AI-driven ecosystem, this conversation explores how data has quietly become the backbone of scalable commerce—and why businesses that ignore it risk falling behind.If you’ve ever wondered how Magento connects with ERP, CRM, PIM, and now even AI… this episode gives you a practical, real-world perspective. 🔹 Topics Covered • The evolution of eCommerce from Magento 1 to modern composable stacks • What iPaaS (Integration Platform as a Service) really means in practice • Why data quality and normalization are now critical for AI adoption • The shift from point-to-point integrations → hub-based architecture • Magento’s role in complex B2B and enterprise ecosystems • SaaS vs Open Source: where each model actually fits • The hidden total cost of ownership behind “simple” platforms • How agencies can evolve into integration-first partners • Why community still matters in a maturing Magento ecosystem • Real-world use cases: ERP, CRM, PIM, payments, AI workflows 🔹 Key Quotes “The ugly work often happens behind the scenes when you need to make stuff talk to other stuff.”  “We’ve all become data companies, whether everyone elected to be or not.” “Having their data siloed… is one of the biggest impediments to being able to benefit from AI.”  “Magento has always been the platform of yes.”  “A lot of people could build a house. Not as many could build a skyscraper.” “Get away from that reactive way of dealing with what’s right in front of you and set yourself up for long-term success.”  “Data is here to stay as one of the big heroes in this story.”  “Never doubt what a few good people coming together can achieve.”  #Magento #MagentoOpenSource #AdobeCommerce #Ecommerce #Integration #iPaaS #DigitalTransformation #B2BCommerce #DataStrategy #AIinEcommerce #ComposableCommerce #TechStack #ERP #PIM #CRM #MagentoCommunity #EcommerceGrowth #HeadlessCommerce #RetailTech #CommerceInnovation

    1 hr
  4. MAR 16

    S01 E07: Slava Kravchuk (Atwix) on The Hidden Power of the Magento Community (Part 2)

    What makes the Magento ecosystem different from other eCommerce platforms?In this episode of the Magento Association Podcast, Matt Harris continues his conversation with Slava Kravchuk, exploring the deeper forces shaping the Magento community today.The discussion goes beyond technology and platforms. It focuses on something even more fundamental: trust, long-term partnerships, and the power of open communities.Slava shares lessons from building long-standing agency–merchant relationships, navigating the fast-changing eCommerce landscape, and helping shape the Magento Association through years of leadership, including his time serving as President of the Board.From the growing complexity of B2B commerce to the importance of trusted guidance in an era of AI-generated content and marketing noise, this conversation highlights why community-driven ecosystems like Magento continue to matter.If you work with Magento Open Source, Adobe Commerce, B2B eCommerce, or digital commerce platforms, this episode offers valuable insights into how the ecosystem continues to evolve.Episode BreakdownAgency partnerships vs vendor relationshipsWhy successful agencies move beyond selling services and instead become trusted technology partners for merchants.Building trust with merchants over timeWhy partnership cannot simply be declared and must be earned through long-term collaboration and proven expertise.Why Magento works well for B2B commerceHow complex business models and deep integrations create stronger, longer-lasting agency–merchant relationships.Navigating the AI content explosionWhy merchants increasingly need trusted advisors to filter trends, interpret new technologies, and plan their digital roadmap.The evolution of the Magento AssociationSlava reflects on seven years on the board and how the organization evolved alongside the transition from Magento to Adobe Commerce.An open and transparent governance modelHow elections, community participation, and volunteer leadership keep the Magento Association independent and open.Community initiatives across the ecosystemFrom Meet Magento events to documentation for Magento Open Source, podcasts, and collaborative projects built by volunteers worldwide.Why open communities matter in commerce technologyHow collective contribution allows open ecosystems to build technology that competes with the largest companies in the world.Quotes from the Episode“You cannot just say, today I’m a partner. The partnership has to be earned.”“Merchants need somebody who can actually help them discern what is going on in the e-commerce world today.”“A community like ours needs a place that is for everyone, where everyone is welcome.”“It’s a really living community organism.”“You get out what you put in.”About the Magento AssociationThe Magento Association is a global non-profit organization dedicated to supporting the Magento Open Source and Adobe Commerce ecosystem.Through community-driven initiatives, events, education, and collaboration, the Association helps strengthen one of the most vibrant communities in digital commerce.Learn more and join the community:https://www.magentoassociation.org#Magento#MagentoOpenSource#MagentoAssociation#AdobeCommerce#B2BeCommerce#OpenSourceCommerce#DigitalCommerce#MagentoCommunity

    15 min
  5. FEB 21

    S01 E06: Slava Kravchuk (Atwix) on Why Magento Still Wins in B2B (Part 1)

    What really separates B2B from B2C in eCommerce?And why does Magento still matter in 2026?In this episode of the Magento Association Podcast, Slava Kravchuk (Atwix) shares his journey from OSCommerce to the very first Magento Imagine — and why that moment changed everything.“When I saw that… my mind just instantly clicked like this is the future.”Slava dives deep into what most agencies underestimate about B2B:“It’s not just a subtle difference, it’s a whole different business process.”From buyer portals and legacy integrations to adoption challenges and organizational change, this conversation goes beyond platform talk. It’s about how real B2B companies operate.On Magento Open Source and B2B:“Today I would argue that that’s the only viable free open source e-commerce platform for B2B.”And when the debate turns to complexity and total cost of ownership, Slava doesn’t avoid it. He addresses it head-on — including the AI transformation already reshaping development teams:“Whatever AI you use today, that’s the worst AI you will ever have to use.”He even makes a bold claim:“One really smart and capable engineer with the help of AI tools could deliver as much as five engineers in the past.”If you’re an agency owner, B2B merchant, CTO, or part of the Magento ecosystem — this episode will challenge how you think about platform decisions, process, and the future of development.And this is just Part 1.Stay tuned for the continuation in the next episode.#Magento#AdobeCommerce#B2BeCommerce#MagentoOpenSource#eCommerceStrategy#DigitalTransformation#AgencyLife#OpenSource#AIinCommerce#MagentoCommunity

    26 min
  6. JAN 25

    S01 E05: Matt Parkinson (Gene Commerce) on Magento’s Future: Open Source, SaaS, and Adobe Commerce

    In this episode of the Magento Association Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Parkinson, a long-time Magento practitioner and leader at Gene Commerce.With nearly two decades of hands-on experience in the Magento ecosystem, Matt brings a practitioner’s perspective shaped by real-world builds, complex integrations, and long-term merchant growth. This is not theory, it’s lived experience from someone who has seen Magento evolve through every major chapter.Episode Highlights This conversation takes a positive, clear-eyed look at where Magento and Adobe Commerce stand today — and why the platform continues to matter.You’ll hear: • Why Magento is more stable and mature than its reputation suggests • How open source and SaaS can coexist — when applied correctly • Why control, flexibility, and long-term optionality are coming back into focus • How the community is shifting from criticism to contributionThis is an episode about confidence returning, standards improving, and momentum building again across the ecosystem.Key Themes On Magento’s maturity today“Ironically now it’s a really solid, incredibly solid platform.”On the value of open source“We have control. We have transparency and trust in the platform. We have complete flexibility and customization.”On SaaS vs open source as a business choice“It’s the technology dictating to you how you run your business.”On long-term platform strategy“If you invest into the platform… you have routes to go rather than having to revisit and replatform.”On the strength of the Magento ecosystem“It’s a living thing, a beast, and there’s a lot of love for it.”On moving the community forward“Rather than just moan about it… what can we do to solve these problems?”#MattParkinson #GeneCommerce #Magento #AdobeCommerce#OpenSourceEcommerce #MagentoCommunity #EcommerceStrategy#DigitalCommerce #SaaSVsOpenSource #MagentoAssociation

    32 min
  7. 12/15/2025

    S01 E04: Women in E-Commerce: Leadership, Community & the Future of AI

    In this special edition of the Magento Association Podcast, recorded in collaboration with Hello Moxie, host Nicole Donnelly sits down with Melanie Prange, CEO of MSTAGE, an e-commerce agency based in Austria.Together with host Nicole, Melanie shares her journey into leadership, what it really means to “find your voice” in tech, and why community, co-opetition, and long-term relationships matter more than ever in e-commerce.We talk about: • Growing into leadership before feeling “ready” • Being a woman leader in e-commerce and tech • The power of allies, role models, and community • Why diversity drives better products and teams • Navigating uncertainty with data-driven decisions • How AI can reshape e-commerce (without the hype) • Preparing businesses for the next generation of customer experienceThis episode is an honest, inspiring conversation for agency leaders, merchants, developers, and anyone building the future of Magento and open commerce.🔗 Connect & Get Involved👉 Subscribe to the Magento Association Podcast👉 Like, comment, and share to support the Magento community👉 Join the Magento Association: https://www.magentoassociation.org#MagentoAssociation#MagentoPodcast#WomenInTech#WomenInEcommerce#EcommerceLeadership#MagentoCommunity #AdobeCommerce #OpenSourceCommerce #EcommerceAgency #TechLeadership #FutureOfCommerce #AIinEcommerce #CommunityDriven #DigitalCommerce

    45 min
  8. 11/18/2025

    S01 E03: From Magento’s Early Days to Agentic Commerce: A Deep Dive with Brent Peterson

    In this episode of the Magento Association Podcast, host Matt Harris sits down with Brent Peterson, CEO of Content Cucumber and long-time Magento community leader.Brent shares stories from his early days launching Wajento, becoming one of the first Magento moderators, and helping shape the open-source ecosystem we know today. Together, they explore the future of agentic commerce, AI in eCommerce, and how the Magento Open Source community continues to evolve faster than ever.💡 Highlights: • How Brent discovered Magento back in 2009 • Building and selling Wajento — one of the early Magento agencies • Insights on content creation, AI, and authenticity • What “agentic commerce” really means for B2B eCommerce • Why open source gives merchants freedom, flexibility, and durability • The role of the Magento Association and how to get involved💬 On the Magento Journey“I started with Magento in 2009 — when the documentation barely existed. I was learning from forums and Google, one question at a time.”“Magento asked me to help moderate the forums because there was so much spam — that’s how early it was.”“Bob Schwartz told me to stop freelancing and start an agency. That’s how Wajento was born.”“Back then, it wasn’t just software — it was a community of people building the future of eCommerce together.”⸻⚙️ On Open Source & Community“Open source gives you freedom. You don’t have to ask for permission to build what your business needs.”“Magento isn’t old — it’s durable. Twenty years in, it’s still evolving faster than most closed systems.”“Our community moves faster than any corporate roadmap ever could.”“The so-called ‘myths’ about Magento being slow or expensive just don’t hold up anymore.”⸻🤖 On AI & Content Creation“AI doesn’t replace humans — it amplifies smart ones.”“Generative AI makes us lazy if we let it. It’s great for ideation, but humans bring the real voice.”“We’re entering the era of agentic commerce — bots will buy from bots, and APIs will be the new storefront.”“AI is fantastic for analytics, but for storytelling and creativity, humans still lead.”⸻🌍 On the Future of eCommerce“Tomorrow’s B2B buyer will say: ‘Find me 200 feet of pipe and the best price — go.’ That’s agentic commerce.”“The next big advantage won’t be who has the prettiest storefront — it’ll be who has the smartest APIs.”“Competition makes us better. A world with only one eCommerce platform would be a race to mediocrity.”⸻❤️ On Community & Involvement“Join the Magento Association. It’s how you get a voice, a vote, and a say in the future of this platform.”“People keep saying Magento is dead — yet new Meet Magentos are popping up around the world every month.”“Our community has never been stronger — and that’s what keeps Magento alive.”👉 Join the Magento Association: https://www.magentoassociation.org #MagentoAssociationPodcast #MagentoOpenSource #EcommerceInnovation #Magento #MagentoAssociation #OpenSource #SaaS #MagentoOpenSource #Ecommerce #DigitalCommerce #CommunityDriven #agenticai #MagentoPodcast #MattHarris #BrentPeterson #ContentCucumber

    51 min
  9. 11/18/2025

    S01 E02: Owning the Future:Open Source & Magento’s Next Chapter | Jakub Winkler (qoliber)–Magento Association

    🎧 In Episode 2 of the Magento Association Podcast, host Matt Harris sits down with Jakub Winkler, founder of qoliber and long-time Magento contributor, to explore the evolving role of Magento Open Source in today’s SaaS-dominated eCommerce landscape.With 14 years of hands-on experience, Jakub offers a no-nonsense perspective on the real cost of ownership, the flexibility of open source, and the hidden risks of technological debt. This episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building long-term, future-proof digital commerce solutions.⸻🔍 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How Magento has evolved since 2011 and what we’ve learned from M1 to M2✅ Why SaaS platforms aren’t the silver bullet they seem to be✅ What businesses really need to know about technological debt✅ Why open source offers more control, flexibility, and scalability✅ How qoliber is shifting from an agency model to a solutions-focused partner✅ The critical importance of mentoring young developers and contributing beyond code⸻💡 Key Themes: • Magento vs. SaaS: flexibility, customization, and long-term sustainability • Community-driven innovation: why we need to contribute, not just consume • Cost dynamics: open source may be more affordable than you think • Education and responsibility: growing the next generation of Magento builders • The evolving role of agencies in the Magento ecosystem⸻🧡 “Nobody talks about technological debt. But it’s real and we need to manage it together.” – Jakub Winkler🧡 “We need to chip in for Magento to thrive.” – A challenge to the entire community⸻👉 Watch, subscribe, and share to support open source, amplify developer voices, and help shape the future of Magento.#Magento #MagentoAssociation #OpenSource #SaaS #MagentoOpenSource #Ecommerce #qoliber #TechDebt #DigitalCommerce #CommunityDriven #CostOfOwnership #DeveloperVoices #MagentoPodcast #MattHarris #JakubWinkler

    37 min
  10. 11/17/2025

    S01 E01: Charting the Future of Magento: A Powerful Conversation with Mathias Schreiber | Magento Association

    🎧 Welcome to the inaugural episode of the Magento Association Podcast and we’re kicking it off with a bang. Host Matt Harris sits down with none other than Mathias Schreiber, Executive Director of the Magento Association, for an unfiltered, insightful, and future-focused conversation about the state of Magento Open Source and where we go from here. This isn’t just another podcast episode. It’s a call to action, a vision, and a deep dive into the power of open source in the global eCommerce landscape. ⸻ 🔥 In This Episode, You’ll Learn ✅ How Magento Open Source remains a critical, community-powered foundation in Adobe’s commerce strategy ✅ Why flexibility, autonomy, and data ownership make Magento a smart choice for SMBs, governments, and global merchants ✅ How AI and data are shaping the future of commerce and why open platforms are best positioned to thrive ✅ What the Magento Association actually does to protect, promote, and grow the open source ecosystem ✅ Why “we’re not just preparing for what could go wrong - we’re building for what could go right” ⸻ 🧭 Key Themes from the Episode • Open Source as an Opportunity Gap – Magento empowers merchants who are tired of vendor lock-in • Growth Without Limits – A platform that scales with you, not against you • AI with Purpose – Own your data, train your models, control your future • Community-Driven Advocacy – From licensing events to elevating implementation quality • Nonprofit Powered by You – If Magento fuels your business, consider supporting the ecosystem ⸻ 🧡 “We’re a nonprofit. If you make money with Magento, join us. Help us keep it strong.” – Mathias Schreiber This is not just a tech conversation. It’s a movement. It’s about freedom in commerce, global equity through open source, and making sure Magento thrives for the next generation. 👉 Subscribe now, share the episode, and be part of the story. Because Magento is more than software - it’s a community. And this… is just the beginning. #Magento #MagentoAssociation #OpenSource #EcommercePodcast #CommunityDriven #MagentoOpenSource #AI #DataOwnership #NonprofitTech #MattHarris #MathiasSchreiber #MeetMagento #CommerceWithoutLimits #DigitalFreedom

    44 min

About

The Magento Association is the home of the global Magento Open Source ecosystem - a diverse, driven, and collaborative community shaping the future of open commerce. We exist to connect people, champion ideas, and create opportunities for meaningful contribution. Our members include developers, merchants, agencies, technology partners, and advocates who believe in the power of open source to drive innovation, enable inclusion, and build lasting impact. Together, we steward the Magento Open Source project and its ecosystem with transparency, purpose, and shared ownership.