Keeping Code Current - Why Updating Software is a Necessity

Updating your software is something that we are all familiar with. Whether it's the latest version of your antivirus program, or the most recent version of your operating system, we are all used to clicking a button and rebooting our machine. So it should come as no surprise that the developers of the iPages software have to regularly upgrade their code to improve its performance, keep it PCI compliant, and meet the legislative requirements.

What changes have we made to the iPages code?

The introduction of 3D Secure Version 2 has meant a significant change in the way in which payments had to be processed, and with this in mind we decided to rewrite the entire payment system, and update our underlying code. The new payment code was launched just prior to Christmas, and the changeover was reasonably seamless as we had undertaken extensive testing to iron out any issues. We have continued to work on 3D Secure, and have been working closely with our card processing partners to facilitate a smooth transition to Version 2.

With export requirements becoming stricter after Brexit we have added code fields in the Product Data which include the:

• GTIN (Global Trade Identification Number),
• HS Code (Harmonised System code, which is a multipurpose international product nomenclature that describes the type of good that is shipped, and
• Country of Origin.

This has inevitably meant some delays in the promised developments within iPages. However, we are back on track with our road map and have some exciting new additions to the current iPages offering.

What things are we adding shortly?

Stripe

Stripe is a payment platform that lets you accept debit and credit card payments, and is an affordable alternative to PayPal. We will be offering an integrated solution, which we believe will encourage more sales. Stripe is a relative newcomer to the payment provider platform, but nonetheless has proved popular with many large online businesses.

We are currently in the testing stage with Stripe, and we will let you know as soon as it is launched.

Subscriptions

Work had already begun on the subscriptions module, but we are in the process of revising the way in which it works, and will be adding the ability to offer products on subscription to your customers. This is a highly complicated development, but we are confident that this new feature will be ready by the end of April / early May.

WorldPay's New Access Platform

WorldPay is the leading acquirer in the UK and we have partnered with them since 2019. WorldPay are shortly to introduce a new platform called Access and we will be working with their developers in early summer to ensure that the transition is made smoothly for those eCommerce customers who use them.

Other developments

We have a few more areas that we wish to develop through this coming year including improving our Xero integration, adding Klarna (which offers instalment plans), finishing Purchase Ordering, and tweaking our Google Analytics offering.

Conclusion

Unlike other software providers we are always developing our code to keep it current and secure. We not only look at market trends, but also respond to customer requests. Where several of our clients want a certain feature to be added, the feature is then added to the development roadmap so that we can continue to provide the functionality that our customers deserve.

If you would like to know any more about any of our proposed developments please get in touch.