Important features of ecommerce software can vary depending on the specific needs of a business. However, some common and essential features that are often found in ecommerce software include:

1. Shopping Cart: A shopping cart feature allows customers to browse and select products, add them to a virtual cart, and proceed to the checkout process. It should support various payment methods and provide a seamless and secure shopping experience. Popular ecommerce platforms like Shopify (https://www.shopify.com/) and WooCommerce (https://woocommerce.com/) offer robust shopping cart functionality.

2. Product Catalog Management: Ecommerce software should provide tools to manage and organize product catalogs effectively. This includes features like adding product descriptions, images, pricing, inventory management, and categorization. Magento (https://magento.com/) is a widely used platform known for its comprehensive product catalog management capabilities.

3. Payment Gateway Integration: Integration with popular payment gateways is crucial to enable secure and smooth online transactions. Ecommerce software should support multiple payment options such as credit cards, digital wallets, and other payment methods. Examples of widely used payment gateways include PayPal (https://www.paypal.com/) and Stripe (https://stripe.com/).

4. Order Management: Efficient order management is essential for ecommerce businesses. The software should provide features like order tracking, status updates, and automated notifications to customers. It should also support order fulfillment processes, including inventory management and shipping integration. BigCommerce (https://www.bigcommerce.com/) is an ecommerce platform that offers robust order management capabilities.

5. Mobile Responsiveness: With the increasing use of mobile devices for online shopping, ecommerce software should have responsive design capabilities. This ensures that the online store is optimized for mobile browsing, providing a seamless user experience across different devices. Shopify and WooCommerce are known for their mobile-friendly design templates.

6. SEO and Marketing Tools: Ecommerce software should provide built-in SEO features to optimize product pages for search engines. It should also offer marketing tools like discount codes, email marketing integration, social media integration, and analytics to track marketing campaigns. Volusion (https://www.volusion.com/) is an ecommerce platform that offers SEO and marketing tools as part of its feature set.

7. Security and Compliance: Ecommerce software should prioritize security to protect customer data and ensure safe transactions. It should comply with industry standards, such as PCI-DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard). Look for software that offers SSL encryption, secure payment gateways, and regular security updates. Shopify and Magento are known for their robust security features.

8. Scalability and Customization: As a business grows, the ecommerce software should have the ability to scale and handle increased traffic and transactions. It should also allow customization options to match the branding and unique requirements of the business. Magento and WooCommerce are popular choices known for their scalability and customization options.

These are just some of the important features to consider when choosing ecommerce software. It's crucial to evaluate the specific needs of a business and select a platform that aligns with those requirements.