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.

What you need to know before you buy osCommerce template.

- Are you getting template or complete cart?

It is better to get just a template. You can get a shopping cart software separately from original source. This way you can avoid getting older versions of cart software and minimize risk of bugs.

Another benefit, you might already start working on your cart settings and content and do not want to replace it. With template you will just add skin to your cart.

- Is the template follow osCommerce standards?

If the template was developed without following any osCommerce standards, you might end up spending a lot of time or additional money for developers editing or fixing the template. In addition, template might not be compatible with new modules added.

- Is template optimized for fast load?

Not everyone has fast internet. You need to know if template’s graphics were optimized and smart proportions of graphics were used to load pages faster even on slow connections.

- Is template compliant with W3C standards?

In order to achieve best cross browsers compatibility and best search engines result you need to make sure that template does not severely violates standards and adds error to your shopping cart. If you see no errors this is an indication that proper testing procedures were taken by the development company. It is a very positive sign.

- Will you get template support and help in installation or customization.

Check what is covered by support. It is understood that you will not get any company to provide free customization support, but check if you can get hints or suggestions in case you do customization for template.

- Check if there is extra value in the template.

Some templates can have extra functionality, modules that are hard to see the first time you look at the demo. Look in few pages.

- Will you get an upgrade if new version of the cart is released? How much it will cost?

It is important, if you plan to be in business for a while and new cart versions will be released, you need to know if template development company will help you to upgrade and what the cost will be.

- What else to worry about?

Do not fall for pretty look. This does not indicate anything yet. Check all the above first.