Integrate Zen into Joomla

[redmonds]

Well as usual things have progressed more slowly then scheduled, however they are progressing.

Currently we have some basic sessions integration as well basic back end integration. I am expecting to talk to the Dev team today to ensure we are still heading in the right direction. They are suggesting they will be finished in less then 2 weeks. I am not so confident though.

I would also like some feedback from interested parties here. One thing I hope to have is a larger registered user base who are interested in the content of the site if not purchasing products. Do you think we need to have a 2 stage registration process.
eg. If customer might initially register just to access premium content. We don't need the address/contact details and asking for it may scare some users off. However we will need the details to ship goods out. So if the customer then wants to purchase do we need to have a second registration process prompting for the additional info. Or should we ask for all the required info upfront?

Thanks all for you interest.

[benmckechnie]

Its an interesting idea, although i'd hope people wanting to access restricted pages would be 'about to buy' or otherwise a fan of the products and therefore would be happy to give their address details.
I'd say stick to a single registration, its not too much to ask people to leave their details if they trust the site and the content they will then be able to access is worthwhile / useful. Newsletter sign-up is a little different though - this should be only an email address perhaps (as in zen already?)

[jgkiefer]

I think a 2-phase registration process would be best. Some Joomla sites use registered users for expanded content and do not need the extra information. I think private information should only be solicited if/when needed. Maybe have ZenCart check to see if the user has an address and if not then ask them for it then. That way you can leave it up to the website on what they want to do. That may avoid a conflict with extensions such as community builder or sites that use a combo of free/subscription services.

I think this project is very exciting and I am an eagerly waiting participation in it. :)

[diannev]

I did quite a lot of research into the different CMS systems, and I selected the E107 CMS because it really works hard to separate the core functions from the "plug-ins" or additional items. They have a tiny e-comemrce store called e-shop done by a third party member. There is already a plug-in bridge to Zencart.

The E107 community is friendly and helpful, and I find the development principles followed by the zencart team similar.

[ozprodrivers]

Originally Posted by diannev

I did quite a lot of research into the different CMS systems, and I selected the E107 CMS because it really works hard to separate the core functions from the "plug-ins" or additional items. They have a tiny e-comemrce store called e-shop done by a third party member. There is already a plug-in bridge to Zencart.

The E107 community is friendly and helpful, and I find the development principles followed by the zencart team similar.

I have just replied in this forum regarding e107 if this is of interest
http://www.zen-cart.com/forum/showth...highlight=E107

Dave

[redmonds]

OK. this project is progressing. At this stage it IS NOT a Joomla component. It is more of a bridge to allow both pieces of software to interact.

We are basically using Joomla to display the ZC main content inside the Joomla Main content. All sideboxes will be Joomla boxes so initially will be limted to what I need and want but as I get requests for extra and $ to assist then we can create additional sideboxes.

All of the ZC admin remains intact and easily upgradable. Easy to add admin modules but perhaps not front end modules.

The project is not complete but I wanted to invite a select few 3-5 experienced ZC users/posters to checkout the staging site and provide feedback.

I stress that I only want 3-5 users and preference will be given to those who are very active in the ZC forums. Anyone given access will be expected to not share the details and to provide all feedback to myself.

If you are interested please PM me.

[Hazzaa1]

We have this project completed.
It is a full bridge between Zen Cart and Joomla. Both system user tables remain intact. Your users can register in either Zen Cart or Joomla. When the visit the other page, they are automatically recognized and added to the user tables. We also have many of the zen cart modules created for Joomla.
1. What's New
2. Featured Items
3. Best sellers
4. Zen Cart Categories
5. Zen Cart Specials

We will soon have

EZ pages

And many if not all the rest

[jgkiefer]

Wow! Great news! When will it be available?

[DivaVocals]

Originally Posted by Hazzaa1

We have this project completed.
It is a full bridge between Zen Cart and Joomla. Both system user tables remain intact. Your users can register in either Zen Cart or Joomla. When the visit the other page, they are automatically recognized and added to the user tables. We also have many of the zen cart modules created for Joomla.
1. What's New
2. Featured Items
3. Best sellers
4. Zen Cart Categories
5. Zen Cart Specials

We will soon have

EZ pages

And many if not all the rest

Excellent news.. Are you making your bridge available for download/purchase??? Do you have a test site to view this bridge in action??

[Hazzaa1]

you can see the bridge and test it at joomlame.com
you can register to either system to test it. It is currently in a wrapper but would not recommend keeping it this way. All Joomla modules are listed on the left

Unfortunately for now it will be commercial but for a low cost. This is only to recover our expense.
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post the link where you can buy it. But you are welcome to PM me