E-Commerce

E-commerce Merchant Server Software Functionality

E-commerce merchant server software provides the basic functionality needed for online sales, including an online catalog, order taking via an online shopping cart, and online credit card processing.

1. Online catalog

A company that wants to sell products on the Web must have a list, or online catalog. of its products, available on its website. Merchant server software typically includes a database capability that will allow for construction of a customized online catalog. The complexity and sophistication of the catalog will vary depending on the size of the company and its products line. Small companies, or companies with small product lines, may post a simple list with text descriptions and perhaps color photos. A large site might include to add sound, animations, or videos (useful for product demonstrations) to the catalog, or interactivity, such as customer service representatives available via instant messaging to answer questions. Today, larger firms make extensive use of streaming video.

2. Shopping cart

Online shopping carts are much like their real-world equivalent; both allow shoppers to set aside desired purchases in preparation for checkout. The difference is that the online variety is part of a merchant server software program residing on the Web server, and allows consumers to select merchandise, review what they have selected, edit their selections as necessary, and then actually make the purchase by clicking a button. The merchant server software automatically stores shopping cart data.

3. Credit card processing

A site’s shopping cart typically works in conjunction with credit card processing software, which verifies the shopper’s credit card and then puts through the debit to the card and the credit to the company’s account at checkout. Integrated e-commerce software suites typically supply the software for this function. Otherwise, you will have to make arrangements with a variety of credit card processing banks and intermediaries.