Welcome to our official blog, where we discuss the latest and greatest features introduced in HCL Commerce Version 9.1. In this comprehensive overview, we will highlight the key advancements and enhancements brought about by this release. Let’s dive into the exciting world of HCL Commerce Version 9.1!
Enhanced Storefront Experience:
HCL Commerce Version 9.1 aims to elevate the customer experience with a series of enhancements to the storefront. The new release offers improved performance, enhanced responsive design capabilities, and optimized page load times. Customers can now enjoy a seamless and visually captivating shopping experience, regardless of the device they are using. The React-based store solution achieves all of these features. HCL Commerce Version 9.1 introduces two additional reference stores intended for B2B and B2C applications. These specialized stores make use of the React framework, the search solution based on Elasticsearch, and incorporate the architectural enhancements found in contemporary HCL Commerce releases.
Flexible Catalog Management:
Catalog management has become even more flexible and efficient in Version 9.1. Retailers now have the ability to easily organize and present their products through advanced sorting and filtering options. The updated catalog management system empowers businesses to provide personalized experiences, tailoring product offerings based on specific customer preferences and behaviors.
Advanced Search Capabilities:
With Version 9.1, HCL Commerce introduces advanced search capabilities that enable customers to find products quickly and effortlessly. The new release incorporates intelligent search algorithms, allowing for enhanced relevancy and accuracy of search results. Customers can easily locate desired products through features like auto-suggest, spell-check, and synonym matching, ultimately improving their overall shopping journey. The Elasticsearch-based search solution achieves all of these features. HCL Commerce Version 9.1 introduces an upgraded search solution encompassing innovative features like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and partial-word capabilities, all the while ensuring compatibility with the Solr-based search solution employed in earlier WebSphere Commerce releases.
Integrations and APIs:
HCL Commerce Version 9.1 emphasizes seamless integration with third-party systems and applications. The release introduces a wide range of APIs, making it easier for developers to integrate HCL Commerce with various platforms, such as content management systems, payment gateways, and marketing automation tools. These integrations enhance the overall capabilities and extend the reach of the HCL Commerce platform. HCL Commerce Version 9.1 builds upon the containerized cloud-native architecture of HCL Commerce Version 9.0 and facilitates deployment on Kubernetes. Additionally, leveraging HCL Software Factory, you can design and preview your software solution, subsequently generating a straightforward Helm Chart for seamless integration into your specific deployment environment. Moreover, HCL Commerce Version 9.1 introduces enhanced logging and performance tuning applications, streamlining the process of store management and troubleshooting, thereby optimizing overall performance.
Expanded B2B Capabilities:
Version 9.1 places a significant focus on enhancing B2B functionality. The release introduces powerful B2B-specific features, including improved account management tools, streamlined self-service capabilities, and enhanced pricing and contract support. These advancements enable businesses to deliver exceptional experiences and foster strong relationships with their B2B customers.
Enhanced Performance and Scalability:
In this release, HCL Commerce has prioritized performance and scalability enhancements. Version 9.1 introduces optimizations that enable faster response times, improved system stability, and increased overall platform scalability. It ensures that HCL Commerce can cater to the growing demands of businesses, regardless of their size or complexity.
Deprecated functionality:
If you are transitioning from a prior iteration of HCL Commerce, take note that an assortment of functionalities has been deprecated in this and previous versions. It is crucial to be aware of these deprecations to ensure a smooth transition and make informed decisions during the upgrade process. Being aware of these deprecated functionalities is essential to ensure a smooth transition and to make informed decisions during the upgrade process. Being aware of these deprecated functionalities will help ensure a smooth transition and enable you to make informed decisions while upgrading to the latest version of HCL Commerce. It is important to be aware of these deprecations to ensure a smooth transition and to plan accordingly for any necessary updates or replacements.
Catalog filter functionality:
In previous versions of HCL Commerce enabled the ability to create and modify filters in Commerce Accelerator. We advise utilizing the Catalog Filter and Pricing tool available within the Management Center for HCL Commerce as the suggested course of action for creating and modifying catalog filters specifically designed for use in Commerce Accelerator. This tool provides an efficient and user-friendly interface to manage catalog filters effectively, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for customers using Commerce Accelerator.
HCL Commerce SOI services:
It involves the development of client libraries, new commands, and business logic. Recommended action: Employ the REST service framework to interface with the command framework and create business services utilizing the Java Persistence API.
Data service layer (DSL) functions:
It is as an abstraction layer for data access that is independent of the physical schema. Recommended action: Utilize the Java Persistence API. For detailed information, refer to the Java Persistence API documentation.
OAGIS Messaging:
In earlier versions, The Open Applications Group (OAG) defined HCL Commerce service interfaces using the OAGIS message structure. However, in HCL Commerce Version 9.1, the storefront no longer employs BOD services and OAGIS messaging. It’s important to note that BOD services and OAGIS messaging for integration usage remain unaffected and are not deprecated. Recommended action: Implement REST tags in the storefront and utilize the REST service framework to develop new back-end services. For further guidance, consult the Java Persistence API documentation.
Request for Quote (RFQ) functionality:
HCL Commerce originally introduced it in version 5, but it is deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9. Recommended action: Integrate with IBM CPQ to leverage the RFQ functionality offered by Sterling Configure Price Quote.
ATP inventory allocation model:
HCL Commerce Version 9 deprecates the ATP inventory allocation model, which utilizes HCL Commerce as the inventory system of record. Additionally, the return process and its corresponding data model are deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9. As a recommended action, businesses are advised to integrate with IBM OMS to handle return orders or reverse orders effectively. By leveraging IBM OMS, businesses can efficiently manage their return processes and ensure seamless order handling.
Multiple Query Component and Multiple Facet Component:
The features used for joining or filtering subcores are deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9. As a recommended action, utilize the Solr join feature to perform cross-core filter operations. Additionally, HCL Commerce Version 9.1 deprecates the usage of URL rewriting for session management. Instead, it is recommended to implement cookie-based session management for improved security and performance. Making this change will enhance the overall user experience and ensure secure session handling in your HCL Commerce implementation.
Encrypt Challenge Answer utility:
Starting from version 9.1.6.0, HCL Commerce Version 9.1 deprecates the encrypt Challenge Answer utility. As a recommended action, utilize the MigrateEncryptedInfo utility to encrypt USERREG.CHALLENGEANSWER. Make sure to set the MemberSubSystem /challengeAnswerEncrypted flag to true in the wc-server.xml configuration file. This action ensures the encryption of challenge answers for enhanced security. This action ensures a secure and efficient management of user challenge answers.
Conclusion:
HCL Commerce Version 9.1 brings a plethora of exciting updates and enhancements, designed to elevate the customer experience, empower businesses, and facilitate seamless integration with third-party systems. With improved storefront experiences, advanced catalog management, enhanced search capabilities, expanded B2B functionalities, and performance optimizations, HCL Commerce continues to pave the way for businesses seeking to thrive in the digital commerce landscape. Upgrade to HCL Commerce Version 9.1 to unlock a world of possibilities and stay ahead in today’s dynamic market.
Reference:
https://help.hcltechsw.com/commerce/9.1.0/admin/concepts/cwn_overview91.html
