Beginning E-Commerce: with Visual Basic, ASP, SQL Server 7.0 and MTS - Softcover

Reynolds, Matthew

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1861003986 ISBN 13: 9781861003980

Publisher: WROX Press Ltd, 2000

Synopsis

A guide for programmers with a knowledge of ASP and Visual Basic explains how to create a secure online retail site

About this title

Review

Ostensibly Beginning E-Commerce (with VB, ASP, SQL Server 7.0 & MTS) is a book about creating an e-commerce site. Reynolds makes all the familiar noises; for example, he explains the advantages of the three-tier structure for distributed applications: presentation, business and database tier. He talks about business models, scalability and business-to-business. However, as the title suggests, this is really a book about using Microsoft products as a one-stop e-commerce solution. If you aren't planning to run your business on Windows NT4 servers, develop it using IIS4, VB6, MS-SQL Server 7 and InterDev 6 you're reading the wrong book. If you work in a Microsoft house or plan to, then Beginning E-Commerce is an excellent worked introduction to building distributed applications.

The book is structured around the creation of a site for a fictitious coffee machine company. The project is followed through from installing the original development software to deploying and--unusually--marketing the site. Chapter 17, which deals with ways to integrate the site with other e-commerce sites--for automatic re-ordering for example--is well worth reading (though the subject is also covered in Chapter 8 where the author recommends automated e-mail for simplicity and cost-effectiveness). Reynolds goes into detail on integration problems and, as usual, recommends XML (having thoroughly put down EDI). However Reynolds isn't as blasé about XML as most. He recognises the problems inherent in so flexible a protocol. The useful appendices cover Data Cash, user forums, ASP, ActiveX and VBScript.

Overall, this is a highly readable, well structured guide to creating a distributed, Web-based application using Microsoft products. Its real strength is in coming at the subject from a commercial rather than a purely programmatic point of view. It will help you work smarter. --Steve Patient

From the Publisher

Beginning with design considerations, this book will take you through each and every stage of setting up a secure and efficient e-commerce site. First we'll show you how to create a solid infrastructure for your site. This includes setting up and configuring the web server, choosing a hosting option and installing all the necessary software.

Next, we will show you how to actually build the site content and features. Taking into consideration the use of a product database, the use of a customer shopping cart, efficient order processing and tracking as well as detailing secure and private credit card transactions. Throughout this, design issues such as a search options and site navigation will be addressed. We'll do all this using a combination of ASP, VB components and ADO.

Once the site is live and complete, this book will also detail how you can take your site further, for example auctions, promotions and analyzing visitors.

Edition details

• Publisher: WROX Press Ltd
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 1861003986
• ISBN 13: 9781861003980
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 788