Integrate Zen into Joomla

[greyman56]

Originally Posted by DivaVocals

An additional thought.. If there really is a Mambo/Zen integration component out there, with the similarities between Mambo and Joomla, it's possible that this is something that could fairly easily be ported over into a Joomla/Zen solution..

Indeed, I think that would be the case. Certainly, the Mambo / Zen integration would give us a good idea of the principles, and also how much integration could be achieved. Then the principles could be applied into current Joomla code.

More than likely, the Zen part of the integration could be very similar, if not the same.

Originally Posted by puggy

Now I have been doing some research and found that there are a few other CMS that are able to integrate Zen Cart. I was wonder if any one has used Mambo or Drupel and how they compare to Joomla?

Can you provide any links to these integrations Puggy?

[puggy]

Originally Posted by greyman56

Indeed, I think that would be the case. Certainly, the Mambo / Zen integration would give us a good idea of the principles, and also how much integration could be achieved. Then the principles could be applied into current Joomla code.

More than likely, the Zen part of the integration could be very similar, if not the same.



Can you provide any links to these integrations Puggy?

Drupal Zen Integration

Cannot find the url for the Mambo but it was either in this forum or this one

[DivaVocals]

As I suspected, the Drupal project is still not ready for "PrimeTime"

This module provides catalog and user integration with the Zen Cart e-Commerce package. It is not yet ready for public consumption and is intended for developers who wish to help with testing and patching the module. A good working knowledge of Zen Cart and Drupal development and administration is highly recommended to use this module.

As for the Mambo projects, I don't see any current movement on any Mambo/Zen integration projects.. The projects I do see threads on all appear to have no activity past 2005.. And as we all know, Both Zen and Mambo have changed quite a bit in those 3 years..

[puggy]

Still no word yet on cartage either , looks like is like most others. I am looking into other carts at the moment due to lack of joomla support from here. I am more than will to pay for the bridge but it has to be a bridge not just a wrap around (which I can do myself).

[DivaVocals]

Puggy...

I would say that if you are looking for an immediate ZenCart Joomla integration solution, none of the current projects are going to fulfill an immediate need.. You might be better off paying for the development of a ZenCart Joomla bridge yourself.. I think that if you find a developer willing to undertake the project, that you might find a few folks in the Zen & Joomla communities who are willing to contribute and share the costs of the development with you..

As for other cart solutions for Joomla, there are two which are close to Zen in terms of functionality.. Here's my thoughts on both..

1. VirtueMart - The support forum is NOTORIOUS for it's LACK of support.. MANY questions go unanswered for WEEKS (if they EVER get answered) The project leaders (and their groupies) are as EQUALLY notorious for their position that they do not NEED to support the VirtueMart project by answering questions..
   
   Now mind you the kinds of questions I'm referring to are NOT the newbie "how do I do this" kinds of questions.. The questions I'm referring to have to do with ERRORS in the VirtueMart software. Things like PayPal processing errors, country code errors, and the list goes on and on..
   
   In addition to the utter lack of support, you should consider the immature state of VirtueMart as an e-commerce solution in general.. From what I have seen in the newest version they FINALLY incorporated the notion of "sort numbers".. You wouldn't BELIEVE how convinced the project leaders were that this was not a NEEDED feature (despite the fact that Joomla supports the use of sort order numbers) There is a PayPal Express module, but last time I looked at it, the dev is somewhat stalled, and the module is NOT certified by PayPal nor is it working consistently.
   
   The handling of product attributes is awkward, inventory, and vendor management are also awkward or underdeveloped. The number of shippers supported out the box is lacking, as are the supported payment processors. In short it's a LONG ways from the level of product maturity that ZenCart has achieved.
   
2. ECJC Online Shop - This is an osCommerce component for Joomla. The project consists of a very small (one or two man) dev team.. I have been watching this project for over two years, and it's getting there, but IMO it is still not ready for primetime just yet unless you have a php developer on your project team to work out the remaining "kinks" and to add additional features not yet a part of this component..
   
   It doesn't support all shipping components out the box (FedX for example) or even all payment modules.. But it has been making some very steady progress towards being something great.. In fact I would say when this one man show gets some more dev support, it will be one of the better Joomla e-commerce components.. It could definitely give Virtuemart a run for their money..
   
   In terms of forum support for this component, it was pretty sucky until recently. Craig (finally) it appears got some support to assist him with fielding some of the old un-addressed questions on the forum, and in moving forward addressing and fixing the most frequently reported bugs.. (including some I had reported) Here's a review that summarizes nice ECJC
   

   I purchased ECJC because it is much more robust than Virtuemart (wish list, affiliate programs, etc.)
   
   It is definitely not for the faint of heart. You need to be an advanced PHP coder to install and operate this beast.
   
   It is extremely difficult to adjust the look - there are no templates. Like earlier versions of oscommerce, the "template" is spread out among dozens of files.
   
   Some oscommerce contribs work fine - others that require a multi-column layout (like gift registry) will just not work.

[rued]

3. Freeway - built on osCommerce. Bridged to Joomla! etc ...

I wish Zen Cart had the same attribute and stock handling, plus integration for Joomla! as Freeway ... because Zen Cart is fare more stable and down to earth ... ;)

[greyman56]

Originally Posted by puggy

I am looking into other carts at the moment due to lack of joomla support from here. I am more than will to pay for the bridge but it has to be a bridge not just a wrap around (which I can do myself).

Can anyone here define what functionality is involved in a "bridge"?

How much of the applications need to be integrated?

[rued]

Originally Posted by greyman56

Can anyone here define what functionality is involved in a "bridge"?

How much of the applications need to be integrated?

In short ... a bridge is a connection between two separate applications. ;)

Thinking Zen Cart/Joomla! there should be a two way user synch, plus possibility to show the shop inside Joomla! without using a wrapper - plus SEO URLS and meta from the categories/products in store. Possibility for using some of the most important modules inside Joomla! is also needed I guess ... plus plus ...

Shared admin is not needed, but a big plus. :)

PS! The new Joomla! 1.5 is quite fare away from Mambo, compared to Joomla! 1.0 - and is also fare more easy to build on/integrate with.

[DivaVocals]

Originally Posted by rued

3. Freeway - built on osCommerce. Bridged to Joomla! etc ...

I wish Zen Cart had the same attribute and stock handling, plus integration for Joomla! as Freeway ... because Zen Cart is fare more stable and down to earth ... ;)

Wow.. This is interesting indeed, and looks like a far superior product to the two Joomla e-commerce components I mentioned.. Only thing I do not see is what shipping methods are supported or even how to add/configure them.. (been playing with the demo.. no luck there)

Still it would be nice to have a bridge to my beloved ZenCart.. **sigh**

[greyman56]

Originally Posted by rued

3. Freeway - built on osCommerce. Bridged to Joomla! etc ...

I wish Zen Cart had the same attribute and stock handling, plus integration for Joomla! as Freeway ... because Zen Cart is fare more stable and down to earth ... ;)

Why do you hint that Freeway is less stable? Can you describe what your issues are? It is osCommerce based so the ideas they have could be useful in a Zen integration / bridge.