Ecommerce Wisdom

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New OpenSource Ecommerce Solution that we checked resently is worth looking at. It is called AbanteCart and available at www.abantecart.com.
Interesting to note, the approach to the architecture of the cart and power functions and tools added to the core. We noticed quite a number of features that are new in concept and user interface. We see also focus to flexibility for developers in the community to grow features on top of the platform.
AbanteCart yet have to get more publicity, attention and review, but we think it has pretty strong potential on the market.

Below is the snapshot of AbanteCart:

• Expandable shopping cart application with fast growing number of extensions. Easy extension installation and management with one step installation. This allows to add virtually any feature or service to AbanteCart in the future, that this is very important in current dynamically changing technology environment.
• Upgrade support right from control panel section. Backward supportability in upgrades and backup / restore are followed in every upgrade.
• Virtually FTP Free eCommerce solution. No need to know code, complex programs or programming to manage, upgrade and install modules. Manage your eCommerce application 100% in the slick web based interface using any browser of your choice.
• Fast performing and low computer resource consuming shopping cart application. Can be installed and run in virtually any shared or dedicated hosting.
• Feature reach shopping cart application right out of the box. Standard features allow to set up complete eCommerce site with all the tools needed to sell the products online.
• Large number of payment and shipping modules supported by default or with additional extensions.
• Very secure solution with up to date industry security practices and inline with PCI compliance.
• Flexible layout for pages allows to setup pages and navigation based on best usability practices and improve conversion.
• Sophisticated and easy shopping cart control panel with “Search anything” feature for fast information location and edit. Help instructions embedded right into the control panel pages.
• Flexible resource library to manage media files in the application.
• Fast initial set up and migration from other shopping carts with easy data import from major shopping carts.

In managing your ecommerce website, browser testing is a must. The appearance of your site may differ on different browsers and screen resolutions. For example, your website might look beautiful in Internet Explorer 7, but what does it look like in Safari on the Mac? What about Firefox, or in 1024 x 768 resolution? If you haven’t tested your site in the variety of popular configurations, then there is a good chance you are turning away customers.

Merchants should have a plan developed for ongoing browser test.

The following list could be followed:

1. Develop a schedule for your browser testing. You could test your site three to six months, or when there is a new released browser. Since browsers are updated so frequently, it is best practice to schedule some time to review browser usage trends every three to six months. Set a recurring calendar appointment and allow 30-60 minutes to perform the test.
2. Decide what to test. Choose what browsers, operating systems, monitor resolutions, and devices you will be testing your site in. This would include Windows and Mac operating systems; Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari and other browsers; and various monitor resolutions. Make sure to include browser versions, such as IE 7 and 8. Base your testing decisions on your analytics and demographic data.
3. Choose which pages to test. Decide what pages in your website will you be running a test, such as home page, product pages, etc.
4. Choose your testing platform. You may use BrowserCam.com, BrowserShots.org, and Litmus.
5. Review results, fix, and retest.

Make it a point to test your website every few months to ensure browser and operating system compatibility. When you are able to test your pages this way, you can at least reduce the number of problems your pages have with the different browsers. Sixty minutes of your time could save your thousands of dollars of lost sales due to the site not working properly on your customer’s computer.