Both programming and data analysis are valuable skills in the field of ecommerce, but their advantages depend on the specific roles and responsibilities within an ecommerce organization.

1. Programming:
Programming skills are highly advantageous in ecommerce for several reasons:

a) Website Development: Building and maintaining an ecommerce website requires programming skills. Proficiency in languages like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like PHP or Python enables the creation of user-friendly interfaces, seamless navigation, and efficient product search functionalities.

b) Customization: Ecommerce platforms often require customization to meet specific business needs. Programming skills allow developers to modify existing platforms or build custom solutions tailored to the company's requirements. For example, integrating third-party payment gateways or developing inventory management systems.

c) Automation: Programming skills enable the automation of repetitive tasks, such as order processing, inventory management, or generating reports. Automation enhances efficiency, reduces human error, and improves overall productivity.

d) Backend Development: Ecommerce platforms require robust backend systems to handle large volumes of data, user authentication, and secure transactions. Proficient programming skills are essential for developing and maintaining these backend systems.

Example: A programmer in an ecommerce company might be responsible for developing the frontend of the website, ensuring smooth navigation, creating an intuitive user interface, and integrating payment gateways. They may also work on automating order processing, inventory management, or developing APIs for seamless integration with third-party services.

References:
- Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/partners/blog/ecommerce-development
- Magento: https://magento.com/

2. Data Analysis:
Data analysis skills are equally advantageous in ecommerce due to the abundance of data generated by online transactions. Here are some reasons why data analysis is crucial:

a) Customer Insights: Analyzing customer data helps identify patterns, preferences, and trends, enabling businesses to make data-driven decisions. By understanding customer behavior, ecommerce companies can optimize their marketing strategies, personalize product recommendations, and improve customer satisfaction.

b) Pricing and Inventory Optimization: Data analysis helps identify optimal pricing strategies based on market demand, competition, and customer behavior. Analyzing inventory data helps prevent stockouts or overstocking, minimizing costs and maximizing profitability.

c) Conversion Rate Optimization: Analyzing user behavior on the website, such as click-through rates, bounce rates, or cart abandonment, helps identify areas for improvement. Data analysis can uncover insights to optimize the website's design, user experience, and conversion funnels, leading to increased sales.

d) Fraud Detection: Ecommerce businesses are susceptible to fraud, and data analysis plays a crucial role in detecting and preventing fraudulent activities. Analyzing transaction data can help identify suspicious patterns, IP addresses, or unusual behavior, reducing the risk of financial losses.

Example: A data analyst in an ecommerce company might be responsible for analyzing customer data to identify segments with high potential for upselling or cross-selling. They may also analyze website traffic data to optimize marketing campaigns, improve conversion rates, or detect fraudulent activities.

References:
- Kissmetrics: https://blog.kissmetrics.com/ecommerce-data-analysis/
- Shopify: https://www.shopify.com/enterprise/ecommerce-analytics

In conclusion, both programming and data analysis are advantageous skills in ecommerce. Programming skills are crucial for website development, customization, automation, and backend development. Data analysis skills help derive insights from customer data, optimize pricing and inventory, improve conversion rates, and detect fraud. The choice between the two depends on the specific role and responsibilities within an ecommerce organization.