Issue #2: March 10, 2002

By Harald Ponce de Leon

March 10, 2002

CVS: Improved Origin-Redirection Implementation
CVS: New Modular Newsletter Implementation
CVS: New Product Notifications Newsletter Implementation
Support Site: Improved Navigation For Live Shops
Contributions, Number Of Pending

CVS: Improved Origin-Redirection Implementation

The origin redirection logic has been improved with a new flexible solution which tracks where the customer has navigated to. The origin redirection logic takes place, for example, when a guest goes to the checkout procedure and is required to either log on first or is required to create an account. After either action is taken, the customer is then redirected back to the checkout procedure (their origin).

The new redirection logic is able to redirect the customer back to a page kept as a snapshot (which means the page and GET parameters have been stored) or back a number of steps in their navigation history (also with any necessary GET parameters required).

The new redirection logic also stores POST parameters, but is not yet used throughout the solution.

CVS: New Modular Newsletter Implementation

An administration section has been added to handle the various newsletters a store has on offer. This new administration section uses modules to handle each newsletters unique needs, for example, selecting its audience.

Newsletters are stored in the database, and when finalized can be sent to the intended audience.

To prevent the same newsletter being sent at the same time by different administrators, the newsletter needs to be "locked" by one administrator before having the opportunity to send it. This status is graphically represented and shows other administrators which newsletters are being prepared to be sent.

CVS: New Product Notifications Newsletter Implementation

A new product notifications newsletter feature has been implemented throughout the Catalog, to give customers an opportunity to be notified of newsletters, for example specials, regarding individual or global products.

This new feature takes advantage of the new modular backend in the Administration Tool where the administrator can easily select the required products to inform products on.

This feature has been contributed by James MacKay (TMH Corporation).

Support Site: Improved Navigation For Live Shops

The Live Shops section on the support site has been improved which now gives you the opportunity to list live shops in specific countries.

Live Shops no longer existing, and duplicate entries, have been removed from the listing.

It is planned to categorize each Live Shop entry to provide for an easier navigation when viewing the Live Shop entries.

The Live Shops section can be reached at:

https://www.oscommerce.com/shops.php/live

Contributions, Number Of Pending

The number of Contributions made have been increasing - thanks to those that have contributed, and to those that are planning on contributing.

Because the core developers are concentrating on finalizing current features, the Contribution entries have remained in their default "Pending" status.

Please be assured that all contributions will be looked into before the 2.2 package is finalized.

In the mean time, if anyone is interested in taking care of the Contributions section, which involves confirming the contribution works and updating the entrys status, please contact Harald Ponce de Leon. The only requirement for this job is the motiviation, and keeping up to date with CVS changes.