New Features for The Future

[wesleythorne]

Hi, I have been using V6 Catalog for nearly two years but i have reached limitations. Having recently opend a shop that looks promising we are considering upgrading our v6 software. What i would like to know is, is a new version round the corner, if so when. I dont whant to buy v7 just yet as it still does not offer a database driven website. I have been trying out and like the features and options available. However I am used to Actinic and like the support. The problem being if Actinic does not move to an online database system then it wont be right for us. Any news about future versions would be good before I move over to another system.
Thanks
Wesley
www.Treasureislandsweets.co.uk

[BPJSURF]

What features or requirements do you have with your online store currently that have you convinced you require an online database driven web store?

[Jan]

The best way to upgrade is to buy a copy of Cover, you will then get upgrades for a year (I think - check that is not just a single major upgrade with sales), Then you won't have to worry that a new version is just out. Even if a new version were about to be released, there is no guarentee that it will have be database driven - quite a few of the benefits of working with actinic revolve around the fact that is uses HTML pages rather than a database for it's products.

Regards,

[wesleythorne]

Hello, the feature i require built in as standard are: customer accounts with password retrival and creation on the fly, we dont have time to manuly create passwords etc, we also require a 'customer who bought this also purchased' option which works on a database keeping tab of all items bought and there popularity. A specials option that automaticly starts and finishes to pre determinded dates. A choice of currency displays with a simple user interface, and above all the ability to change language throught the store. We often receive orders from spain and france and need to have a language option.
Options for customers to view there order history.
Also to be able to access the order provess from more than one computer.

Lots of ideas
Thanks
Wesley

[wesleythorne]

Hello again, also forgot to mention, we have about 50 or so products in some sections, I prefer to use a tab page system, What i mean is at the bottom of each section page the customer will see an option to view the next page ie, product 1-10, products 11-20 etc.
This keeps teh section list down to a reasonable size.
Thanks
wesley

[BPJSURF]

TITLE
Wesley,

I looked at your website and your requirements. Some of the requirements are legitimate short comings in the current version of Actinic you’re using. Other issues can be handled with some tweaks to the software and then there are few things you’re asking for that are not possible with actinic current technology.

The review of orders online can not be done in version 7 however I have seen a third party package that was built to enable actinic v7 orders to be viewed online by customers. I have not implemented the system but I know it does exist.

The page tabbing of products | sections can be handled by creating a custom JavaScript and template layout. This can be handled in the existing version of the software.

Accessing orders from more then one computer. Actinic has made huge advances with the release of version 7 Multi User; you should contact actinic sales to discuss functionality and current availability

Multi language is a tricky one. As a development company I do not have an easy way to deploy a site in multiple languages. I would have serious concerns about support and functionality offered in s site with two or three languages. Honestly I don’t know there is a cost effective solution available that would lend itself to easy maintenance. If multi language is critical to your business you will need to make a serious long term investment in a solution. Product maintenance will be a nightmare IMHO.

Specials Options: Version 7 coupons can support time expiring special offers. I am sure you can achieve your desired results with this feature.

Currency: Actinic handles multi currency. It’s not a perfect solution however I have yet to see solutions that are elegant when it comes to handling multi currency. I believe your best bet is to process using woldpay for multi currency processing with Actinic. Every solution I have looked at has had major issues with multi currency.

Customers who bought this function: Sure Solutions is currently building this functionality as an Actinic add on product. The function will allow users to rate products and post reviews of products, rate customer service and post an aggregate customer service rating. As well we can tag products using a custom var feature to display a link list of recommended associated products. This system will add maintenance to your products but for the right merchant this will be a good add on solutions for Actinic v7.

Passwords on the fly: this is not possible under the current Actinic technology. I agree that this is a limitation in Actinic however; I could not see where this would be important to you under your current website. I am certain that Actinic will eventually address this issue; you may want to discuss your requirement directly with actinic sales to see if they have an update on the development of this feature.

I would suggest you investigate the new version of Actinic MU as an upgrade alternative. Although it may not address two of your issues the majority of needs would be covered. There are many solutions available, some may address issues like login or viewing orders online however there will be many other features you have come to enjoy that will fall by the wayside. There are few solutions that deliver reliable web traffic and rock solid performance the way Actinic does. As well consider that some features you seek offer few benefits to grow your sales and really only add minor improvements to users where you may make changes which could set back your business do to poor performance with search engines and other issues. I have seen may small businesses leave Actinic only to come running back after a failed deployment of a database driven solution.

If you need assistance with your deployment feel free to give me a call.

Brian