Feature Questions

[dsimione]

Hi all,

I just called in to the sales line, asking about specific features and whether or not they are included. For ones that aren't included, when I asked if they required the "full" source code (API Source), I was directed to post here. I apologize if this isn't the correct place to post. Again, I was told that all of these things can be done, but we just need to know if any of them require the full source code.

#1 - We don't sell directly to consumers. Our distributors will be the ones using the site. We'd like for them to be able to use the online sign-up, but we don't want them to be able to place an order until we've approved them. So we need the system to create the user, but make them inactive immediately. Once they are approved, we'll activate them, and then they can order.

#2 - For Monograms, we need to allow the customer to upload an image. For both the text and the image, then, we need to show a live preview of it (put the text/image on top of our product image).

#3 - We need the ability to allow users to zoom and/or pan our product images. I'm pretty sure this one wouldn't need the source code, but if anyone knows of any existing plug-ins, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you for your time and information,
Dave

[afm]

Dave,

No you do not need the full source code to implement those features.

1. The standard User API (the one exposed by CommerceBuilder.dll...no source code required) has a way to store and retrieve custom user settings such as "Activated". You would need to modify the front-end pages to honor that setting, but all the front-end code is included with the standard AbleCommerce license.

2. This can also be done by modifying the front-end code.

3. Ditto. I don't have any suggestions...but I would look at jQuery implementations first since jQuery appears to be the wave of the future (as opposed to Prototype, et al).

[AbleMods]

#3 - We need the ability to allow users to zoom and/or pan our product images. I'm pretty sure this one wouldn't need the source code, but if anyone knows of any existing plug-ins, I'd appreciate it.

I implemented this for a client a while back - took all of 3 minutes I think. All the zooming add-ins (that I've seen) require multiple images - the "zoom" effect is really just a popup of a higher-resolution version of the same image. So be prepared for the additional disk space and bandwidth required. http://www.magictoolbox.com/magiczoom/

The code changes required a wee little bit of trickery in the ProductImage user control - I'd be happy to share the code and save you the time/trouble if you get to that point. Just drop me a PM.

[mfreeze]

Joe,

Could you share the code for implementing this?

Thanks.

[AbleMods]

Here's a zip file with a custom user control for the ~/ConLib/Custom/ folder.

Just load it up and reference it in the show product scriptlet instead of the standard ProductImage user control. It produces the product image as well as a scrollable additional-images section below the product image using a ComponentArt web control.

You'll still need to have MagicZoom installed obviously before it will work.

Enjoy !