In the dynamic landscape of digital commerce, businesses face critical decisions regarding the architecture of their online storefronts. Two prevalent solutions, Salesforce Reference Architecture (SFRA) and Progressive Web Applications (PWA), offer distinct approaches to eCommerce development. This analysis explores the fundamental differences between SFRA and PWA, providing insights to inform strategic technology choices.
Architectural Frameworks
| SFRA (Monolithic Structure) | PWA (Headless Architecture) |
|---|---|
|
Traditional monolithic architecture where the front-end and back-end are tightly coupled. |
Headless architecture where the front-end and back-end are decoupled, allowing greater flexibility. |
|
Uses server-side rendering (SSR) and ISML templates within the Salesforce ecosystem. |
Enables integration with modern front-end frameworks like React, Vue.js, and Next.js for dynamic experiences. |
|
Well-structured but may have limitations in flexibility and performance optimization. |
Provides agility and customization, enhancing user experience. |
Performance & User Engagement
| SFRA (Performance Considerations) | PWA (Optimized Performance) |
|---|---|
|
Uses multi-page architecture (MPA), leading to full-page reloads and potential navigation delays. |
Single-page application (SPA) ensures seamless transitions with minimal page reloads. |
|
Limited offline capabilities, affecting engagement in poor network conditions. |
Offline functionality enhances user experience, mimicking a mobile app. |
|
May result in higher latency compared to PWAs. |
Faster interactions with smooth animations for an app-like experience. |
Technology Stack: Traditional vs. Modern
| SFRA (Established Technologies) | PWA (Contemporary Technologies) |
|---|---|
|
Uses ISML, SCSS, JavaScript (Node.js, Gulp), aligning with Salesforce’s infrastructure. |
Uses modern web technologies like React, Vue.js, Next.js, GraphQL. |
|
Provides a conventional framework for front-end development. |
Offers high customization and faster rendering for a richer UI/UX. |
|
Limited support for modern UI libraries. |
Supports Salesforce PWA (React) for improved performance and agility. |
Customization & Flexibility
| SFRA (Salesforce Business Manager Integration) | PWA (Enhanced Customization) |
|---|---|
|
Customization is managed through Salesforce Business Manager and ISML templates. |
Supports modern JavaScript frameworks, offering greater flexibility. |
|
Customization can be restricted due to predefined templates. |
Allows for rich, interactive, and highly personalized user experiences. |
Deployment and Hosting
| SFRA (External Hosting and Deployment) | PWA (Managed Runtime (MRT) Deployment) |
|---|---|
|
Requires external hosting and manual deployment using AWS, Jenkins, etc. |
Uses Managed Runtime (MRT) for streamlined deployment and easy scalability. |
|
Involves manual maintenance and updates. |
Enhances operational efficiency with automated hosting solutions. |
Strategic Considerations: Which One to Choose?
| SFRA | PWA |
|---|---|
|
Best for businesses looking for a structured, fully integrated Salesforce solution. |
Ideal for businesses that prioritize mobile-first experiences, speed, and UI/UX flexibility. |
|
Works well for brands that prefer a familiar environment with ecosystem integration. |
Suited for brands that want to future-proof their storefront with cutting-edge technology. |
Key Differentiators
| Factor | SFRA | PWA |
|---|---|---|
|
Architecture |
Monolithic (coupled front-end and back-end). |
Headless (decoupled for more flexibility). |
|
Performance |
Slower page reloads, higher latency. |
Faster, smoother, and optimized for mobile. |
|
Offline Capabilities |
Limited. |
Supports offline browsing. |
|
Customization |
Restricted to SFCC’s predefined templates. |
Highly customizable with modern JavaScript frameworks. |
|
Technology Stack |
ISML, SCSS, JavaScript (Node.js, Gulp). |
React, Vue.js, Next.js, GraphQL. |
|
Hosting & Deployment |
Requires external hosting tools (AWS, Jenkins, etc.). |
Uses MRT (Managed Runtime) for simplified deployment. |
Conclusion
For businesses seeking a fast, highly customizable, and mobile-optimized storefront, PWA is the superior choice. However, SFRA remains a reliable option for those preferring Salesforce’s structured ecosystem with predefined functionalities.
If you prioritize advanced UI/UX, a mobile-first approach, and full control over your front-end, PWA is the ideal solution.
Would you like assistance in implementing Salesforce Commerce Cloud or transitioning to a PWA-powered storefront? Contact us today to explore the best solution for your business
Not sure which platform is right for you?
FAQs
SFRA follows a monolithic architecture with server-side rendering (SSR) and ISML templates, ensuring seamless integration within the Salesforce ecosystem. In contrast, PWA adopts a headless architecture using modern frameworks like React, Vue.js, or Next.js, offering greater flexibility, faster performance, and an app-like user experience.
PWAs generally outperform SFRA in terms of speed and responsiveness. By functioning as a single-page application (SPA), PWAs reduce page reloads, improve navigation speed, and support offline browsing. SFRA’s multi-page architecture may experience slower load times but offers stable performance within the Salesforce ecosystem.
Yes, businesses leveraging Salesforce Commerce Cloud can benefit from PWA’s headless architecture by integrating modern UI frameworks with Salesforce APIs. This approach enhances design flexibility, performance, and mobile experiences while maintaining Salesforce’s powerful backend capabilities.
While SFRA allows customization through Salesforce Business Manager and ISML templates, PWA provides greater flexibility with modern JavaScript frameworks like React and Vue.js. This allows developers to create richer, more interactive, and personalized user experiences.
The ideal choice depends on your business priorities. If you seek faster performance, advanced UI/UX, and mobile-first experiences, PWA is ideal. If you prefer a structured Salesforce Commerce Cloud solution with established features and integrations, SFRA may be the better fit.
