Getting Started

Upgrading to StoreFront 6

The following guide should assist you in evaluating and planning for an upgrade to StoreFront 6.0. This guide includes: an overview of the benefits of upgrading to StoreFront 6.0, a list of new features, information on system requirements and .NET Framework setup, and a list of resources to assist with the site upgrade process.

Benefits

Added Flexibility with .NET

StoreFront 6.0 is built on the powerful Microsoft .NET platform, delivering a range of new and enhanced technologies for business productivity. The .NET architecture offers a framework for the development of robust, extensible Web applications, enabling StoreFront users to build high-performance sites with improved interoperability, scalability and reliability.

More Ways to Drive Sales

StoreFront 6.0 makes it even easier for merchants to market and sell their products online. A range of integrated features help merchants expand revenue opportunities without an additional investment. With instant download delivery, for instance, “soft” goods like content, music, software, and graphics can be made available for download following purchase. Merchants can establish their own set of rules and policies related to downloads. Other e-commerce solutions typically require a costly add-on for this type of functionality. StoreFront 6.0 also includes fields for customer-defined attributes, enabling merchants to add value to their products with expanded options for personalization.

StoreFront 6.0 offers the capability to suggest related items for purchase, pointing shoppers to complementary products such as batteries for the CD player in their shopping cart. Additional opportunities for increased product promotion include support for coupons and gift certificates, HTML e-mail offers and complete integration with online auctions and popular shopping portals such as DealTime.

Simplified Store Management

StoreFront 6.0 includes a simple, intuitive user interface for merchants to centrally manage all aspects of their Web store directly online. An advanced product import tool simplifies and speeds the process of adding and updating products to a StoreFront site. Centralized inventory and order fulfillment tracking ensures that merchants’ business operations are fully up-to-date, making it easy to keep track of availability, support backorders, and more. StoreFront 6.0 also features improved shipment utilities, including online shipment tracking, automated drop shipping and enhanced fraud protection. A range of custom and built-in reports are available to consistently review sales levels and other activity.

A Superior Shopping Experience

With StoreFront 6.0, merchants can create online stores that cater to shoppers’ exact needs, enhancing the end-user experience. The StoreFront design offers a seamless, integrated look for shoppers, from home page to checkout. Live help is available at any time for instant online support. Customers can set up personalized accounts with online address books, multiple ship-to addresses, wish lists, and more. Gift wrapping and gift messages can be added to any purchase. StoreFront 6.0 also features running order totals, flexible search options, online shipment tracking and more.

What's New

StoreFront 6.0 is Filled with Features to Help Both Developers and Merchants Make More Money and Add to Shopper Satisfaction.

Easier For Developers to Design and Build

Built on .Net technology, Product Import, Catalog and Product Page Templates, Developer APIs, Built-in Integration with More Merchant Accounts/Gateways, Visual Studio Project**, Simple Licensing Policy, Includes Web Based Merchant Tools.

Easier For Merchants to Sell and Manage

Merchandising: Integrated Download Delivery*, Customer Defined Attributes, Related Items; Marketing: Customer Specific Pricing*, Enhanced Coupons, HTML E-Mails, Shipment Tracking, Publish Products to Auctions and Marketplaces, Volume Pricing*; Management: Enhanced Fraud Protection, Automated Drop Shipping*, 3rd Tax Tier, Order Fulfillment

Easier For Customers to Shop and Buy

Running Cart Total, Simple Search, Real-Time e-Check Processing, Customer Address Book, Weight Sensitive Product Attributes, Wish Lists*, Gift Wrap with Messages, Gift Certificates, Multiple Shipping Addresses

* AE and XE ONLY, ** XE ONLY

Step By Step Upgrade Guide