Taking WebSphere Commerce to the next level

November 06, 2013 Written by NetSphere Category: Websphere Commerce

Every time someone purchases an iPhone, it seems like a newer, more powerful version is released just moments afterward. Over the past six years, eight versions of the iPhone have been introduced to the market, leaving so many smartphone users with new-version envy.

The question circling the minds of these not-so-outdated smartphone users then is: Is it worth it to upgrade? Often times, however, the answer is no – especially if the phone is still relatively new. According to NBC News, the justifications for upgrading from an iPhone 5 to an iPhone 5S are marginal.

But what about upgrades to other technologies? When is a migration worth the time, effort and cost? For IBM WebSphere Commerce users, now is the time to explore the benefits of moving from version 6 to version 7.

Unlike some consumer-driven product manufacturers, IBM doesn’t release new versions willy nilly just to increase sales. Instead, business needs drive the upgrades that IBM makes available. So for those eCommerce companies that have been on the fence regarding the migration, here are just a few features that are available when version 7 is installed:

Optimized starter stores for mobile devices
Facebook integrations that allow shoppers to click and share
Improved capabilities to ensure the most relevant products are offered when shoppers conduct a search
Tighter analytics and order management integration
SEO enhancements
The ability to target shoppers with recommendations based on their current search or navigation point
Digital wallets
The ability to help business users make changes more easily to catalogs, marketing and promotions

These features are, of course, just a snapshot of what’s available when migrating to version 7. In fact, since version 7 was released, there have been several feature packs released. These feature packs are released periodically and include the optionally installable product extensions that are available, such as those listed above.

For the companies that are hesitant to make the move because of the perceived difficulty in doing so, IBM produced a 10-minute overview of the migration process from WebSphere Commerce Version 5.6.1 or version 6 to WebSphere Commerce version 7. And according to IBM, the presentation will help companies better plan the migration by informing them about the recommended migration approaches and the tools and resources that are available when making the switch.

The functionality that comes from version 7 and its various feature packs can be a game changer for eCommerce companies that want to increase their ability to compete in today’s online shopping environment. To get additional insight regarding a migration project, contact the team at NetSphere Strategies. We’d be happy to help.

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Abbe Miller is the marketing manager at NetSphere Strategies, located just outside Chicago. NetSphere Strategies is a boutique eCommerce company positioned to help businesses transform their online presence by providing a full complement of services that starts with our strategic consulting and creative design teams, then continues with building innovative solutions and providing ongoing post-project support.

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