1 Introduction

1.1 Description

Actinic Ecommerce is a desktop Windows program which enables the user to publish an illustrated, on-line catalogue, take secure, encrypted orders over the Internet, and process these orders in-house. It supports the creation of an e-commerce site with catalogue, shopping cart, secure payment and subsequent order processing.

Actinic Ecommerce is unusual in not requiring a database at the web site nor a Secure (SSL) Server, a leased line, or transaction charges – all the user needs is a dial-up account with an ISP and a web site with CGI access capability.

With the enhancements made in v6, Actinic Catalog remains the most comprehensive low-cost ecommerce solution available today. Actinic Catalog includes everything a small business needs to design, build and control its own secure web store.

Actinic Business is aimed at suppliers who deal online with other businesses (B2B) as well as retailers who want to give regular customers a more personalised service. Actinic Business 6.0 builds on the comprehensive features in Catalog and allows the online merchant to integrate ecommerce into other existing business systems to create a true e-business.

Actinic Developer offers a set of easy to use and flexible tools to enable internet professionals to create highly functional ecommerce sites on behalf of their clients. It offers multiple, unlimited site creation and licensing, plus integration with Macromedia Dreamweaver enabling the identification and modification of Actinic design templates.

Actinic Order Manager is a self-contained order download and fulfilment application for merchants who wish to control their own order processing, but prefer to leave the site maintenance with the designer.

Actinic Business and Developer each have an optional Digital Download add-on that allows the sale of ‘soft’ downloadable goods.

Version 6 is an upgrade from Version 5.

1.2 Description of Changes to Actinic Ecommerce Since Version 5

Summary of Main Enhancements

* = Business and Developer only

** = Developer only

· Simple content management extended to Catalog, enabling creation and maintenance of a complete business website including non-catalogue pages.

· Improved shopping experience through more flexible page layouts and editable shopping cart.

· Repeat order / wish list feature allowing cart contents to be saved, recalled and edited.*

· Improved handling of components and attributes through more flexible shopping cart, taxation and export options.

· Pop-up windows for additional product information and larger images.

· New range of design templates based on research into typical ecommerce site layouts.

· P3P support (compact and full).

· More flexible customer management features. *

· Digital download plug-in for Business / Developer.*

· Improved backup and restore.

· More flexible site deployment options for web designers.**

· Easier update of client site.**

Full Feature Comparison Table

		Catalog	Business	Developer	Order Manager
Simple Content Management	Ability to define pages outside the product catalogue, to enable the creation of a complete business web site.	a	a	a
Improved Shopping Experience	Allow entry of product quantity and other product specific fields in the main catalogue pages.	a	a	a
	Allow a single Add to Cart button per page rather than one per product, enabling ‘order form’ style shopping pages.	a	a	a
	Editable shopping cart allowing quantity and other product information to be changed.	a	a	a
	Cart expiry period can be configured by the merchant.	a	a	a
	Repeat order / wish list facility allows cart contents to be saved and recalled in a later session (available for both account and unregistered customers).		a	a
Components, Attributes and Choices	Where one product is sold as a component of another, the associated product name may be used in the cart and invoices rather than composite component/ attribute / choice information.	a	a	a
	The detail of component pricing may optionally be retained throughout the order process and passed to the export files.	a
	The detail of component pricing may optionally be retained throughout the order process and passed to the export files and Link, providing more accurate accounting		a	a
	Where a product is entirely made up of components, the main product information may be suppressed from the cart, invoice etc.	a
	Where a product is entirely made up of components, the main product detail may be suppressed from the cart, invoice etc., and withheld from Link.		a	a
Component Tax	A component may be allowed to inherit a parent product’s tax rate if its own tax rate is different.	a	a	a
Additional Information and Images	Ability to create product pop-up windows containing additional product information and alternative product images.	a	a	a
Design Templates	Wider range of templates based on research into typical ecommerce site layouts	a	a	a
Security	Support for the Platform for Privacy Preferences Project (P3P). Merchants will be able to use standard policies provided by Actinic, or create their own.	a	a	a	a
Customer Management	Access to customer login from anywhere in the store		a	a
	Different sets of products may be offered to different groups of customers.		a	a
	Ability to send Buyer login & password via an email from the desktop		a	a
Digital Download	Option to sell products such as music and images in digital format for immediate download.		a	a
Order Processing	A copy of every order may be emailed to a third party	a	a	a
Site Management	Enhanced site deployment, backup and restore capabilities.	a	a	a
	An option not to overwrite existing merchant orders when importing a site produced by Actinic Developer	a	a		a
	An option not to overwrite existing merchant orders when deploying a site.			a
	Developers can ‘sign’ deployed sites and options to prevent their clients making changes to the Actinic Ecommerce configuration which are likely to break their installation.			a
	Browser button on toolbar to link to current site URL	a	a	a	a
	New dialog for easier editing of CSS variables	a	a	a
	New icons to identify products with extended information and sections defined as ‘order form’ views.	a	a	a
Design Settings	A default Section Image can be defined and section images will inherit from the parent section.	a	a	a
	Various improvements in Design Settings including layout changes to enhance usability.	a	a	a
External Data Sources	New Import Sage Line 50 Link Data feature to streamline the Link data transfer process.		a	a

1.3 System Requirements

1.3.1 Merchant PC

Your desktop PC may run Windows 95, 98, ME, NT 4, 2000 or XP and should have a minimum of 64 MB memory (128 MB preferred), 60 MB of free disk space and dial-up (or leased line) access to the Internet. You must have Internet Explorer version 5 or later installed.

Your PC must be configured to a minimum resolution of 800x600 pixels. Anything less and Actinic Ecommerce won't be displayed wholly within your screen. It is also best viewed using a 65536 colour (or better) display.

1.3.2 Web site

Your ISP must be running Windows NT, 2000 or Unix, and provide Perl 5 or better, and a user writeable CGI directory.

Actinic Business and Developer require a set of Perl files called 'MD5'. These files implement encryption/decryption, which is required to support logging in to online customer accounts. Actinic Business/Developer include a local copy of MD5, however for improved performance, Actinic recommend that the ISP be asked to install "Digest-MD5", version 2.09 or later.

1.4 Actinic FreeTrial Compatibility

Compatible with FreeTrial hosts running script id 100012.

1.5 Restrictions

1.5.1 Linking to External Databases

The Actinic Business/Developer external linking feature can be used to bring in product information from an external data source. There is no support for linking with section, component, attribute or customer data.

1.5.1.1 External Database Formats

Actinic Business and Developer can create and maintain an external link with the following data sources:

· A Microsoft Access table (versions 95, 97 or 2000)

· A Microsoft Excel workbook (versions 3.0, 4.0, 5.0, 97 and 2000)

· A table in an SQL-based database that provides a Level 2 ODBC-compliant driver. If the driver only has partial compliance to Level 2, then we require dynamic cursor support.

Support is also available for the following databases:

· dBase III, IV and 5

· FoxPro 2.0, 2.5, 2.6, 3.0 and DBC

· Paradox 3.x, 4.x and 5.x

However, as we have had mixed success with the above databases, correct linking and operation cannot be guaranteed. If they do not work for you, we recommend you convert these databases to Microsoft Access.

1.5.1.2 Specifying Tax Information

v6 does not support linking to the “Tax Treatment” field. Use the “V4 Tax n Data” fields instead. See the help for more information about linking to tax fields.

1.5.2 Installing Database Components

“Microsoft Data Access Components” (MDAC) and the Access Jet engine are provided on the installation CD. They are installed as part of the normal installation process but can be skipped by user selection. If they aren’t installed then certain database operations within Actinic Ecommerce may fail meaning that normal operation isn’t possible.

1.5.3 MD5 calculation

Actinic Business and Developer install their own MD5 script and uses it if it can't find the MD5 Perl module installed on the web server. If the MD5 Perl module is already installed then it is used instead of Actinic's.

Actinic's MD5 implementation is slower than the Perl module implementation (because it has to be written in Perl) so we recommend the ISP install the Perl module for improved browser performance.

1.5.4 Internet Explorer earlier than version 5

Actinic Ecommerce v6 uses some facilities provided in libraries installed with Internet Explorer. In particular, Internet Explorer version 5 or later must be installed otherwise the software may fail to run properly. You may receive the error message:

“Error Starting Program - The Catalog.exe file is missing export WININET.DLL:FtpCommandA”

if you don’t have Internet Explorer version 5 or later installed.

2 Release Version Details

2.1 Installation directory structure

Actinic Ecommerce v6 The default installation directory. Holds files common to all sites, such as reports and help files.

BACKUP Any files replaced during the installation are placed here.

Backup version Files from an earlier version site that you have upgraded

Extensions Files related to any software extansions e.g. Actinic Assistant for Dreamweaver

Formats Holds various default styles.

NavigatorSkins The files and configuration details of the Navigator.

Themes The files that constitute the themes, available via the Design | Themes menu option.

OCCUpgrade Installation directory for the Payment Service Providers install program. Contains the master files. On startup, Ecommerce copies the relevant files to the current site.

Original The master set of files from which all licensed sites are created.

SiteBackups Default location of all site and theme backups

Sites Locates all licensed sites.

Site1 Default site after installation.

SSLUpgrade Installation directory for the Shared SSL Service Providers install program. Contains the master files. On startup, Ecommerce copies the relevant files to the current site.

Starter Guide The browser-based introduction to the functionality.

Upgrade version Theme files associated with any upgraded sites

2.2 File version numbers

Catalog.exe 6.0.1.0 CLCB

The main application program.

ConnectionWizard.dll CDGA

Supporting file for the Network configuration wizard.

ActDiagnose.exe CDGA

ActDiagnostics.dll CDGA

A diagnostic and problem solving tool. Do not use unless instructed to do so by Actinic's technical support staff.

ActShipHand.ocx CDGA

An ActiveX control for configuring shipping and handling.

OCCControl.ocx CDGA

AuthNetOCX.ocx CDGA

DHOCCControl.ocx CDGA

2.3 Install program version numbers

CatalogInstaller.exe CLCB

Installs Actinic Ecommerce.

PSPSetup.exe CLCB

Installs the supported online payment service providers.

SSLSetup.exe CLCB

Installs Shared SSL Service Providers.

Mdac_typ.exe 2.6

Microsoft data access installer. Ensures all ODBC-related drivers are correctly installed.

Jet40SP3_Comp.exe

Microsoft Access database engine (JET) update. Ensures all JET-related drivers are correctly installed.

3 Installation

3.1 Installation Instructions

Close any open Windows applications. Place the CD in the CD drive. The installation program will self start. If it doesn't, locate the file setup.exe on the CD and run it. You will be directed to install a number of components, which together form the full release of Actinic Ecommerce. Read the instructions carefully before advancing to the next installation wizard screen. In most cases the default options can be accepted.

The install program works on all Microsoft platforms.

3.2 Multiple Installations of Actinic Ecommerce

Like previous releases of Actinic Ecommerce, it is not possible to install two copies of v6 on the same PC. However, once a copy of v6 has been installed and licensed, new sites can be licensed and maintained using the single software instance.

3.3 Co-existence with earlier versions

If you have an earlier version installed, they will be unaffected by the installation of v6 if you choose not to upgrade. Use of a second website to 'evaluate' the upgrade is permitted within the terms of the licence agreement so long as you do not operate both sites concurrently to take live orders.

If you have an existing installation of v6 you will be offered the choice of upgrading it.

v6 requires a different authorisation key to earlier versions.

3.4 Upgrading previous versions of Actinic Ecommerce

Firstly check which version of Actinic Ecommerce you have installed. Click on Help and from the drop down menu select About. Please read the appropriate instructions given in the following sections as applicable.

Existing Actinic Ecommerce users who are planning to upgrade to v6 and also reuse the same web site should perform the following actions:

· Download all orders

· Suspend ordering on your web site (see Business Settings | Orders tab)

· Upgrade to v6

· Use v6 to refresh the web site

· Remove the suspend setting (in v6)

If you have the web space we recommend uploading to a test site and verifying the site before going live with it.

3.5 Conducting an upgrade from an earlier version

If your site is currently hosted on an Actinic Host or Actinic FreeTrial server then contact your hosting company for advice before upgrading any sites.

To upgrade from v2 to v6 it is first necessary to upgrade to version 3, run version 3 once to create a site for upgrade, and then follow the instructions below for upgrading v3 to v6. Contact Actinic Sales or Customer Services to obtain a copy of v3.

The v6 install program detects the presence of an earlier version installation and offers to upgrade it. It does not have to be upgraded.

When the v6 install program is run, you will be given the option to upgrade previous versions sites. The installer will then display your existing site names for the version you choose and allow you to select one or more of them. You will then be asked to select one of them to become the default site used by v6 when it first starts up after the installation.

The install program first installs v6 into a new directory. It then copies the selected sites to the v6 installation directory. When Actinic Ecommerce is started it will prompt for a v6 authorisation key – earlier version keys are not valid. After this, the sites (including templates) will be upgraded to v6.

The upgrade process automatically upgrades your templates and image files. If you had modified templates, you will be able to review the upgrades and edit them as necessary using the Site Upgrader. The old files are copied to a backup directory called “Backup xxx “( where xxx is the previous full version number) in the “Actinic ecommerce v6” directory.

The old installation of Ecommere is not modified or altered in any way.

If you subsequently want to upgrade some more old sites to v6 then run the v6 install program again. Select the option to upgrade further sites.

4 Instructions for Use

4.1 Introduction

Actinic Ecommerce comes with extensive and integrated help. You can press the F1 key on your keyboard at any time to display the main help file. You can also click on the '?' button at the top right hand corner of each window and then click on an individual field on the screen to get specific, context sensitive, help. Use the Help menu for a complete explanation of using Actinic Ecommerce, including configuration details and creating the online store at your web site.

In addition to the help system, a complete manual called UserGuide.pdf will have been placed in the installation directory. To access this manual, a copy of Adobe Acrobat Reader needs to be installed on your machine. You can download the latest version (Version 4 or above) of Adobe's Acrobat Reader application free from http://www.adobe.com/ or http://www.adobe.co.uk/.

There are no differences between the contents of the help file and the user guide, they are just different mediums to suit different tastes.

4.2 Printing the Help Manual

If you wish to have a printed copy of the help, we recommend printing the manual (UserGuide.pdf) as this contains a table of contents, page headers, page footers and page numbers.

4.3 The Navigator

This release of Actinic Ecommerce comes with a feature known as the Navigator, designed to help you configure the system and carry out routine tasks.

The Navigator is a useful tool that makes it quick and easy to move around the key areas of the program. When Actinic Ecommerce is first started, or if enabled via a menu option, the Navigator appears as a moveable window and acts as an interface to the Actinic Ecommerce configuration screens. By clicking on the Navigator icons you can view a series of screens and access all the functionality you need to design and publish your catalogue, and to download and process orders from your web site.

If the Navigator does not automatically appear when you start Actinic Ecommerce, select menu "View | Navigator" or type Ctrl + N once the program has been launched.

4.4 Starter Guide

The starter guide is a HTML-based tutorial designed to introduce the salient features of Actinic Ecommerce. It is available as a Windows menu option. First click the Windows Start button, then the Programs menu, then the Actinic Ecommerce v6 menu, then finally the Starter Guide menu.

4.5 Shipping Table Import Files

Some shipping table import files have been included with this release to facilitate shipping table set-up if you plan to use ParcelForce, DHL or FedEx. The tariff data was correct at the time of preparation but may not be at the time of use so please check with the service providers before use. All the tariffs assume the shipments are made from the UK. Any fuel surcharges, frequent user discounts etc are not reflected in the tables.

All the files can be found in the site folder. By default this is C:\Program Files\Actinic ecommerce v5\Sites\Site1.

Actinic will not be providing routine updates to the files provided.

4.5.1 ParcelForce

The shipping import file is ImportParcelForce.csv. The services included are:

· International Economy

· International Scheduled

· International Standard

· Parcelforce 24

· Parcelforce 48

· Parcelforce by 10am

· Parcelforce By 9am

· Parcelforce by Noon

· Parcelforce Standard

To check whether tariffs have changed visit http://www.parcelforce.com/tariff/.

Some points to note:

1. Although there are 12 ParcelForce zones some services may not be available for all countries in the zone. That is why the import file uses different zones for each class.

2. Zones 1 to 4 are breakdowns of the UK and the geographical content of each zone is in fact dependent on the location of the sender. In the import files, tables for all 4 zones are included but zones 2-4 have no countries included. The user will need to modify the zone contents to best fit their location and business model.

3. Saturday delivery supplements are not included.

4.5.2 DHL

The shipping import file is ImportDHL.csv. The services included are:

· DHL European Union Document Express

· DHL European Union Parcel Express

· DHL Worldwide Document Express

· DHL Worldwide Parcel Express

To check whether tariffs have changed visit http://www.dhl.co.uk/software/DHLT2001.pdf.

A point to note:

1. The Zone E table is included but relates just to shipments to New York City. The zone has been left empty.

4.5.3 FedEx

The shipping import file is ImportFedEx.csv. The services included are:

· FedEx International Priority Package

· FedEx International Priority Envelope

· FedEx International Priority Pack

To check whether tariffs have changed visit http://www.fedex.com/gb/rates/.

4.5.4 How to use the import files

The following approach to using the import files is recommended:

1. Go to the View | Business Settings | Shipping and Handling tab. Set shipping by Total Weight.

2. From the File menu choose the Import option. In the Import Wizard, select:

· Hierarchical Import

· For the file name use the Browse button to find the required file as detailed above.

· Choose to Update; Text – Comma delimited; ANSI (Windows)

· Click through all the remaining screens and finally press Finish.

3. Go to the View | Business Settings | Shipping and Handling tab.

4. Firstly list By Class. Delete any classes that you do not intend to use. Then click By Zone and delete any zones that are not now associated with a Class.

5. Check the tariffs match the provider’s latest price list. Also check the zone contents to make sure they meet your requirements (e.g. there may be some countries in there to which you don’t want to ship).

Having achieved the required set up you can make future changes either within the Actinic Ecommerce application or you can Use File | Export to export a csv file which you can edit with a spreadsheet or text editor. For example you may want to apply new provider tariffs or apply a markup to the rates. Note that the prices must be entered in pence not pounds.

4.6 Cleaning up Site folder after Upgrade

V6 stores preview and website HTML pages in sub-folders below the site folder. This means that the only HTML files that need to be in the site folder are the templates. If you have upgraded from a previous version, the site folder will contain old preview and website HTML files (copied from your earlier version of Actinic Ecommerce) which can be deleted manually. Take special care to ensure that you don’t delete any template files which are usually called Act_xxxxx.html. Also, don’t delete any .bmp files that start P_ as these are required for normal operation.

5 Changes

5.1 Summary of changes in release v6.0.1

Description
Fix to allow connection to a FreeTrial host when the Catalog URL is blank in the network settings. This is the normal mode of operation with FreeTrial so that the URL can be downloaded on the first connection.
Correction in licensing dialog text that licence key is found inside rather than on back of CD case.

5.2 Summary of changes in release v6.0.0

Description
See 1.2 Description of Changes to Actinic Ecommerce Since Version 5

Revision	Date	Author	Comments
1		JH	First release
2	16 Oct 2002	JH	Updated for v6.0.1