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User Guide
The information contained in this section applies to IBM WebSphere Commerce Version 7.0.0.9 and Feautre Pack 8. The documentation also applies to all subsequent releases and modifications until otherwise indicated in new editions.
Samples
Starter stores
A fully functional sample online store, provided in store archive format with WebSphere Commerce. Starter stores are samples designed to be used as a base from which a customized online store can be created. Starter stores are translated into several languages and support multiple Web browsers and platforms. Starter stores are fully accessible, with the exception of the Madisons mobile starter store. Accessibility guidelines for mobile devices are not well defined or well established.
Mobile starter stores
WebSphere Commerce provides optimized starter stores for mobile devices such as smart phones containing Web browsers. Mobile starter stores demonstrate best practices in mobile store development with WebSphere Commerce, and can act as a base for implementing mobile storefronts.
Smart phone and tablet starter stores
Smart phone and tablet starter stores provide rich storefronts for several mobile devices and platforms. They can be viewed on mobile devices using the mobile web, or deployed as native or hybrid applications.
Mobile applications
Mobile application starter stores are accessed as an app directly installed on smart phones or tablets. They are typically installed onto a device using a storefront provided by the mobile device vendor. Mobile applications provide enhanced functionality over the mobile Web storefront by using device-specific features such as a smart phone's contact list.
Hybrid applications
Hybrid applications deliver a native experience by wrapping the mobile Web storefront with a native shell. The native shell elements are coded using the mobile operating system's Software Development Kit (SDK), while the storefront is accessed using the mobile Web interface.

Hybrid applications

Hybrid application starter stores are accessed as an app directly installed on mobile devices. Hybrid applications deliver a native experience by wrapping the mobile Web storefront with a native shell. The native shell elements are coded using the mobile operating system's Software Development Kit (SDK), while the storefront is accessed using the mobile Web interface. Hybrid applications deliver design aspects and usability elements that function similar to a fully native mobile application.

Advantages of developing hybrid applications include easy storefront updates (if the native shell does not require updating), the ability to use device-specific widgets, a native user experience, and using JavaScript-to-device API mapping to access device-specific features such as the contacts, camera, user location and mapping.