Znode Buzz

Setting project references in Znode Storefront's Visual Studio Solution

Some customers have reported issues setting library references in Znode Storefront to point to a project reference instead of a DLL resulting in build errors during compile. 

We are implementing changes to the Visual Studio solution that should fix this issue when version 5.4 is released.  

In the meantime we recommend that customers leave the libraries referenced out of the Web/Bin folder. This is how the Storefront is built out of the box so no action should be required to fix this issue in most cases.

Building Znode Storefront for 64-bit processors

We recently had a customer contact us with problems getting ZNode Storefront running in full 64-bit mode. In order to precompile an ASP.net application DotNet type reflects the bin folder assemblies. In the case of a 64 bit library being run on a 32 bit machine this will result in a failure to compile. See the following posts for more background:
 
http://forums.asp.net/p/1386237/3027009.aspx

Our tested solution for this issue is to simply compile directly on a 64 bit windows machine using the aspnet_compiler in the Framework64 folder.  

Another option may be to compile on a 32 bit server with AnyCPU as the platform build type. Then once the site has been deployed to the 64 bit system replace all the Znode.* libraries in the web\bin folder with X64 targeted binaries. The Web code should automatically work in 64 bit mode because AnyCPU was targeted and the library dependencies will be set as 64 bit. Note that this approach has not been tested so your mileage may vary.

Do you need to be ‘Multi Store’? What it means to be ‘Multi’

Many of us at Znode are talking about the MultiFront platform and what makes it so much different than the other e-commerce storefront solutions that are out there.
 
One HUGE thing is the multi store capability.  And its one of the big reasons that customers are looking to Znode.
 
But what does this mean?  Many other solutions claim to have multi store capability, but when you look closely they don’t really cut it.
 
With MultiFront, Znode’s enterprise class e-commerce storefront platform adds the ability to create and manage multiples stores and catalogs quickly and easily.
 
But being ‘Multi’ can mean so much more…  So what does it mean to be ‘Multi’?  Here are some examples of what WE mean:
 
Multiple Brands – You can roll out separate stores for each brand.  Achieve operational efficiencies through the combined management of products, catalogs, promotions, and search engine optimization across all of them.
 
Multiple Customer Types –Retail customers, wholesalers, distributors, affiliates, and partners.  You’ve probably got them all.  With MultiFront you can manage them separately, including offering different pricing, payment terms, shipping details, and unique product offerings.  
 
Multilingual and Multi-currency – Go global with by spinning up culturally targeted stores in different languages with local currencies.  
 
Maximize Presence & SEO – Use the SEO friendliness always offered by Znode to extend your presence with a multi store strategy.    Create micro, specialty, and overstock stores quickly to isolate product types and run promotions to measure performance and increase conversions.
 
Seasonal or Regional Catalogs – Get ready for the next big season.  Build a store and test it out before you go live, or target different geographies with different catalogs. Once again, Znode Multifront give you the power to do it.
 
And with Znode, you manage from one product catalog database and one usable administrative interface, NOT  multiple copies of the same application strung together with some programming kludge, or with something you have to build.
 
 Are you going ‘Multi’ with your E-Commerce strategy?
 
Want to know more and see a demo?   Visit www.znode.com/demo  or  contact us 

Znode offers development licenses for Certified Partners

Hey! The folks at Znode are always coming up with ways to showcase the power of the platform.

Right now, as a part of Znode’s Partner program – we’re now offering Development Licenses. With a Development License you receive a license key that will allow you to perform development on Znode for a client proposal.

The suggestion actually came from some of our existing partners who wanted to build out spec sites for prospective clients.

Part of Znode’s strategy is to be the adaptable platform of choice to agency partners and integrators, so rolling out a program like this made perfect sense.

What better way to showcase the power and flexibility of Znode that to have a live site with the client’s branding that you created in a few hours?

We’ve been testing this program for a few weeks and it’s already led to wins for our existing partners. So we’re ready to roll it out to everyone. You must be signed up as a Znode Certified Partner to take advantage of this though…

Not a certified partner yet? Become one! Send us an e-mail at sales@znode.com