What's a public beta release?
Beta software is not suitable for production use as it may be unstable and contain code bugs. A code bug is a problem within the logic of the software source code that can cause it to function incorrectly or not at all. Our beta release is public meaning that anyone can obtain it and test it. It is important to remember that a beta release may not be feature complete and there will be a number of beta releases increasing in stability with each release. Once the beta software lifecycle period is over a number of feature complete release candidates will be available prior to a final stable release. The beta / release candidate testing period may take many months.
What's missing from the beta release?
Some of the functionality of the beta releases may change during the beta testing period. In particular the beta will only come with one skin, one language file and some shipping and payment modules may be missing. Inline help documentation will be at an immature stage and will be added to over time. Release Candidate one will be the first feature complete release.
What's new in CubeCart v5?
CubeCart v5 is a complete code rewrite sharing almost no code at all from any previous release of CubeCart. It has a whole new and far superior architecture taking full advantage of PHP5 with a number of new features. Please do take a look at the development roadmap for high priority features that will be deployed at a later date which we were unable to bring into the first release. The list below does no justice to the improvement of how everything works but will give you an idea some features in particular to notice.
For Customers:
New
- Facebook, Google, Yahoo!, Twitter, MySpace, AOL, Windows Live/MSN/Hotmail, or any other OpenID provider login
- Address book
- Product quantity discounts
- Product image zoom
- Multiple coupons/certificates allowed at checkout
- Newsletter archive
Improved
- Password reset tool
- Spam Flood Control (Recaptcha default)
- Simplified checkout flow and much more…
For Merchants:
New
- Completely redeveloped admin interface
- Inline help documentation
- Month on month sales chart on admin dashboard with quick stats
- Unsettled order list on admin homepage
- Sage Integration
- Option sets
- Customer groups
- Google Analytics for eCommerce
- Online image cropping tool
- Product-specific coupons
- Coupons can have a minimum basket value requirement
- Sitemaps.org compliant Sitemap generator
- Exportable sales reports
- Customisable "Contact Us" form with definable departments
- Manufacturers list
- Geographically configurable modules
- File manager for digital products
- Email Templates
Improved
- Password reset tool
- Image, currency, tax, product option management etc…
- Google Checkout (Level 2) with digital delivery & integrated native shipping call back
- Newsletter creation and delivery
- Updated rich-text editor (CKEditor)
- Rich-text email notifications (e.g. order confirmation)
- "Ajaxy" search tools
- Manual order builder tool with ajaxy customer and product lookup
- Reduction of maintenance tools. e.g. Scrappage of thumbnail tool and recounting options
For Developers:
New
- Fully object orientated PHP5 only code
- Five professional & modern skins (1 in Beta)
- Code Hooks with admin GUI
- Skin sub-styles - allows alternate colour schemes and images in a single template
- Skin-defined image sizes
- Lite skin - custom skin development starting block (Release Candidate Only)
- Opcode caching (APC, XCache, and eAccelerator)
- Now using jQuery and jQuery UI libraries
- GEISHA error notification system
- "Templated" and "Skinnable" admin control panel
Improved
- Streamlined install / upgrade process
- Enhanced language handling
- Better error handling and an all-new debugger
- Sessions handled using PHP Sessions, with database storage
Can I see the CubeCart v5 development roadmap?
We appreciate that the 5.0 release may be missing a number of features required by some online retailers. For this reason we are publishing the 5.1 roadmap so you can see exactly where we are going. Please note that this is subject to change without prior notice.
- Stock & SKU on product options (High Priority)
- Bundled products & cross selling tools
- Timed sale modes
- Product lead times / stock renewal updates
- And more based on 5.0 feedback…
What are the server requirements for CubeCart v5?
The minimum requirements are:
- PHP: 5.2.3 or higher
- MySQL: 4.1 or higher
- GD Image Library
- Zend Optimizer or Ioncube
Can I see a demo of v5?
Please feel free to test our demo store:
Catalog URL: http://beta.cubecart.com/demoAdmin URL: http://beta.cubecart.com/demo/admin.php User: demo Pass: demo
How do I install / upgrade CubeCart v5 beta?
Please refer to INSTALL and UPGRADE text file within the docs folder of the archive.
What can I do to help during the beta testing period?
The more people testing the beta release the better and the faster it will move towards a stable release that is suitable for a live store. You can help us in the following ways:
- Help us get as many people as possible to test it, be they merchants, developers or end users of all backgrounds and age groups.
- Bugs can only be fixed if we know about them. Bug and feature requests can be submit at http://bugs.cubecart.com.
- We need developers in particular to suggest and help us find as many places as possible to introduce hooks. Many will be added during the beta stage.
- Assist other beta testers on our dedicated forum.
How do I get support for CubeCart v5 beta?
Our official sales and technical support staff will not be able to answer any questions you have. It is new to them too and training will be given to them prior to stable release. We have however setup a discussion forum as a channel for discussion between testers and our developers. http://forums.cubecart.com/index.php?showforum=53How much with it cost and what packages will you have?
Regrettably we are not able to disclose such information at this time as the final/upgrade price has not yet been decided. We will however make it as competitive and as fair as possible for all. We are confident that you will be satisfied.
When will v5 be released?
This depends how long it takes to get stable. You can help it get released sooner by testing it and reporting any bugs using our bug tracker. It will take many months and our staff are not able to give you a precise date.
What will happen to CubeCart v3 & v4?
We will continue to support and maintain CubeCart v3 & v4 for the foreseeable future.