Re: [cobalt-users] Merchant Order Form - wwp

["Brian Curtis" <admin@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

> Hi,
>
> Is this a good program for a Cobalt?
> > http://www.merchantorderform.com
>
> I'll be unable to use Cart32 (switching from NT to RAQ 4ri), I'm
definitely
> looking for a good cart solution...one that's very flexible regarding
> header/footer templates, shipping grids, taxing, courtesy replies, etc.
>
> Please offer any other suggestions if you can.
>
> Thanks, heather@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


Well, I thought I'd chime in here.  I've seen a lot of postings regarding
this cart and that cart, but no real "store front" solutions.

If you're willing to pay the money, you can go with something like Miva
Merchant (http://miva.com) or iHTML Merchant (http://ihtmlmerchant.com) (we
personally use the latter).  Keep in mind that these two require their own
pre-processing engines to be installed, but give you tons more features than
a simple "cart" program.  Visit their respective sites for additional info
and demos.  Miva is easier to learn, but lacks any real databases support
under Linux (has it's own proprietary Xbase db backend, which isn't
necessarily a bad thing).  iHTML is more complex, but offers connectivity to
just about any type of database using ODBC.

Then, you have your open source solutions.  Three of which I've been keeping
my eye on:

http://www.theexchangeproject.org/  TExP
http://www.phpshop.org/  phpShop
http://www.zelerate.org/  AllCommerce

IMO they have not quite fully reached the "commercial" quality level, but
they are getting there fast.

Benefits of open source: Usually terrific support and, of course, the price
tag.  No proprietary processing engines to install.

Benefits of commercial: There's almost always a phone number to call if you
run into any real problems.  Also, there's no worries about the developers
"giving up" on the project.


HTH

--
Brian Curtis