Best Open Source Software

[upnorthal]

Hi

I need to get an ecommerce site designed. Features I require are:

1: Open Source - ie no cost to me.
2: Will run on Apache
3: The ability to add articles content - in order to enhance the user experience and to assist page rankings.

4: Live stock level display
5: A DB schema that lends itself to me interacting with it (ie some simple PHP pages to pull of reports, fire off custom emails to customers) Also the ability to load products in using SQL as apposed to clunky admin front ends.


I'm looking at Zencart and Magneto.

Zencart looks pretty reliable and I do like the overal site layouts I have seen. Straight forward and not confussing for the customer.
However, I don't know how easy it is to integrate additional conent into.
Looks like Zencart has built in APi's for sagepay etc.

Magneto looks more feature rich, although I've never actually built a site using it. I assume content rich commerce sites go hand in hand. Not sure about the security and payment gateway integration.

Looking on the Magneto community website, it looks like you have to pay £'s if you want the secure commercial version.

Can I still do this the Open Soure way?

PS. I really don't link Joomla having spent some time working with it, so thats not an option.

[bdw]

No one can answer your question because no one knows your skill set with regard to IT and software but yes it can be done with open source software if you have the skills and many hours to spare.

[los_design]

PS. I really don't link Joomla having spent some time working with it, so thats not an option.

Joomla is NOT an ecommerce solution.

The component called Virtue Mart is installed and adds ecommerce functionality.

Being pedantic I know but still....

[webhostuk]

Hello,

I feel Magento will be a good option for you.

It works good with apache server and can be customized as well.

[upnorthal]

To answer the question about my experience.

I've worked with SQL server in a DBA / reporting role for several years.
I can do basic coding in PHP (I'm working in an existing project), I also have coded in Small Talk and am well aware of OO principals.

With regards to having many hours to spare - this is something I am prepared to put in.

No one can answer your question because no one knows your skill set with regard to IT and software but yes it can be done with open source software if you have the skills and many hours to spare.

[upnorthal]

Hello,

I feel Magento will be a good option for you.

It works good with apache server and can be customized as well.

Thanks :)

I'll get the community edition downloaded and installed on my Fedora system for a play.

[upnorthal]

Joomla is NOT an ecommerce solution.

The component called Virtue Mart is installed and adds ecommerce functionality.

Being pedantic I know but still....

Sorry, I was referring to it in this context.

[edmondscommerce]

magento is great

[braq]

Hi,
Try Using Oscommerce or zencart or Majento for small businesses n online shoppings.
use wordpress, joomla, drupal or mambo for sites and blogs.

[los_design]

Hi,
Try Using Oscommerce or zencart or Majento for small businesses n online shoppings.
use wordpress, joomla, drupal or mambo for sites and blogs.

In addition, may I add that you can use Wordpress, Joomla, Drupal and Mambo as online shops too.

Depends on what you need. Out of the top 3, Magento is the best of a bad bunch if you choose to use OS cart software.

HTH

[upnorthal]

lol, its always interesting to hear peoples opinions on the different solutions.

I'll take a look at the Magneto book.