Changed functionality
Changed functionality typically involves changes in default values or an outcome different from what occurred in previous releases. For example, a default parameter might use one value in WebSphere Commerce Version 6 and a different value in WebSphere Commerce Version 7.
Starter stores
- The Aurora starter store replaces the Madisons starter store used in the previous release.
- The following starter stores not available to the Publish wizard
or publishstore utility by default:
- Madisons.sar
- Madisons-enhancements.sar
- SocialCommerce.sar
- MadisonsStorefrontAssetStore.sar
MadisonsMobileEnhancements.sar- MadisonsTablet.sar
- The Brazil starter store is now packaged as a stand-alone store archive. In previous feature packs it was necessary to publish the Madisons store archive; then publish the Brazil store archive on top of Madisons. This step is no longer required.
- The MayUJoy starter store is now packaged as a stand-alone store archive. In previous feature packs it was necessary to publish the Madisons store archive; then publish the MayUJoy store archive on top of Madisons. This step is no longer required.
IBM Management Center for WebSphere Commerce
Workspaces has new capabilities and improved functionality with change history. Prior to moving to feature pack 5, ensure that you have no in-progress workspaces. Approve all content before moving to the feature pack.Madisons starter store replaces the consumer direct sample store
The Madisons starter store is the new store that replaces the consumer direct sample store in the previous release. The Madisons starter store uses Rich Internet Application (RIA) technologies such as Asynchronous JavaScript and XML (AJAX) and Dojo widgets to provide customers with an interactive and rich shopping experience. RIA technologies help to improve order conversion rates and reduce shopping cart abandonment. The store can be used as a stand-alone store with the consumer direct business model or as an asset store in Extended Sites or Demand Chain business models.The Madisons starter store provides all the pages and features necessary for a functioning consumer direct online store. It is packaged with WebSphere Commerce as a store archive. It contains a full set of consumer direct features, including user registration, catalog browsing, promotions, and targeted marketing. The store contains rich interactions, including the product quick info pop-up window, product fast finder, mini shopping cart, and a streamlined checkout flow.
The store is fully accessible and translated into group one languages, supporting locale-specific bidirectional languages. Technological features include search engine optimization, support for multiple Web browsers and platforms, and options to accommodate a variety of flows, depending on customer needs.
In WebSphere Commerce Version 7, the Madisons starter store includes the store locator, inventory availability, and buy online, pickup in-store capabilities.
Apache Derby replaces Cloudscape database support
WebSphere Commerce Version 7 supports Apache Derby instead of Cloudscape. IBM no longer supports the Cloudscape database. If you are using IBM Cloudscape it is recommended that you upgrade to the recent release of Apache Derby.For more information, see IBM Cloudscape Referral Page and Apache Derby.