$versions{'1AgoraCart_To_Do_List-ext_lib.pl'} = '06.6.00.0000';

# Contains Status Updates on Current and Future versions

#######################################################################
#
# AgoraCart and all associated files, except where noted, are
# Copyright 2001 to Present jointly by K-Factor Technologies, Inc.
# and by C E Mayo (aka Mister Ed) at AgoraCart.com & K-Factor.net
#
# Licensed under the Apache License, Version 2.0 (the "License");
# you may not use this file except in compliance with the License.
# You may obtain a copy of the License at

# http://www.apache.org/licenses/LICENSE-2.0

# Unless required by applicable law or agreed to in writing, software
# distributed under the License is distributed on an "AS IS" BASIS,
# WITHOUT WARRANTIES OR CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND, either express or implied.
# See the License for the specific language governing permissions and
# limitations under the License.
#
# This copyright notice may not be removed or altered in any way.
#
#######################################################################

{
    local ($modname) = 'agoracart_to_do_list_and_updates';
    register_extension( $modname, 'To Do Lists and Updates',
        $versions{$modname} );
    register_menu(
        'display_AgoraCart_Updates_screen',
        'display_AgoraCart_Updates_screen',
        $modname, 'To Do Lists and Updates Screen'
    );
}

#######################################################################

sub display_AgoraCart_Updates_screen {

    local ($filename) = "$mgrdir/";

    print &$manager_page_header( 'AgoraCart To Do Lists and Updates Screen', '', '', '', '' );

    print <<ENDOFTEXT;
<h1 class='mgr-page-title'>AgoraCart To Do Lists and Updates</h1>
<p><br></p>

<p class="well">This page lists things we are working on, thinking about, or have just completed.</p>
<p><br></p>



<ul class="nav nav-tabs" id="tabs2" role="tablist">
    <li role="presentation" class="active"><a href="#tabs-1" aria-controls="tabs-1" role="tab" data-toggle="tab">To Do</a></li>
    <li role="presentation"><a href="#tabs-2" aria-controls="tabs-2" role="tab" data-toggle="tab">On the Radar</a></li>
    <li role="presentation"><a href="#tabs-3" aria-controls="tabs-3" role="tab" data-toggle="tab">Done</a></li>
    <li role="presentation"><a href="#tabs-4" aria-controls="tabs-4" role="tab" data-toggle="tab">Upcoming Versions</a></li>
</ul>


<div class="tab-content">
<div class="tab-pane active" id="tabs-1">

<p><br></p>
<h2 class="mgr-page-title"><b>To Do Now or In Progress</b></h2>
<p><br></p>

<p class="well">This section covers features and add-ons that are being worked on ( by primarily Mister Ed).<br><br>
<b>All documentation being rebuilt - and in progress - Please feel free to donate documents and tips</b>
</p>
<p><br></p>

<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Templates &amp; Layouts</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background: </b><br>
Starting with Route 66, AgoraCart started utilizing more extensive template structures to allow the use of different CSS/HTML/Javascript Frameworks. When we started, we were utilizing Bootstrap 3.x, jQuery, and Font-Awesome 4.x. However it became evident that some of the frameworks were changing so rapidly that it would be impossible to get/force/convince all users to use the latest platform in a timely manner. So a new structure was developed to allow templates to dictate which platforms they will use. Updated template versions could then be used to increment needs upwards. AgoraCart store admins can still copy and then edit the new version for their needs without worrying about template updates (yes templates can be updated or re-installed, so not wise to edit a default template directly, copy it first and then edit.)
<br><br>Most HTML and language has been removed from core components so it can be controlled by the templates. Some is still consider core to function, but the can be overridden by including in the template widgets or language files.  These changes also allow us to utilize other languages on the store front side.
</p>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Working on: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Non-Modal productPage layouts.</li>
<li>Optional way to take "Name your Price" items for things like donations (would have to be a non-verified product database method).  Layouts for this single item need to be created, and/or a widget for the home page.</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>




<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Payment Gateways</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background:</b><br>
Route 66 does away with then need to use secondary gateways when 2 or more payment solutions are desired. Now you can install the gateways, then enable those you wish to use, then configure, all by managers. Those not enabled are not allowed to be accessed on the frontend.  this clears up confusion on upgrades, conflicting versions of files, etc.
</p>
<p><br></p>

<p><b>Working on: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>MyVirtualMerchant (legacy gateway - may not work though) - Gold Version Only</li>
<li>Converge HPP (Hosted Payments Page) - this is the newest version of MyVirtualMerchant - Pay 2 Play module</li>
<li>PayPal Express - This is now a legacy gateway but we will update it - Gold Version Only</li>
<li>iTransact - update the existing code base - Gold Version Only</li>
<li>NiftyPay - update the existing code base - a default option</li>
<li>AgoraCart Emulator - emulates AuthorizeNet but supports AgoraCart directly - a default option</li>
<li>T1 Payments - Gold Version Only</li>
<li>PayKings - Gold Version Only</li>
<li>EVO</li>
<li>Add AuthorizeNetSIM and other completed gateays to the Combo Order Form</li>
<li>Method to edit Combo Order Form or select user version as this form is updated as a core item.</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Shipping</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background:</b><br>
So far not much has changed on the shipping side. Only updates to the UI for the shipping managers has been updated for Route 66.
</p>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Working on: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>FedEx XML - need to test to make sure it is still in working order. Need test accounts as well - Gold Version add-on</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>



<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Taxes</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background:</b><br>
In 2018, the US Supreme Court turned decades of history upside down. Now every money hungry state is passing internet tax laws. Now not only do you need to collect just for a state and where you have a nexus (usually a physical location), you have to collect for every state, county/parrish, city, and other tax zone in most states. This is very complicated. So far the wild west type atmosphere does have limits on how much they will consider too small to go after. Usually if you do less than 200 transactions or \$100,000.00 in a state, they will not require you to collect sales taxes for any order you ship to their state. There are initiatives coming into play to streamline the process of registering and remitting taxes, however, it is still not embraced by all states that are requiring taxes on sales to their state. So far, over 30 states have joined what is called the Streamlined Sales Tax initiative. However we don't have plans to become certified with them as the costs are very high. However we will look at our own homegrown services and add-ons to help in this area. We also integrate with partners that handle the now complex mess that the US Government has placed upon us all (those in the USA). Once such integration is Avalara, however, we are looking at integration of other competitors that seem like a better match for AgoraCart users cost and value wise.
</p>
<p><br></p>

<p><b>Working on: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Enhancing our custom tax logic. It is already flexible but we need more options.  We have already expanded the database fields to be able to enter taxable and tax class ID fields so that those states that have micromanaging taxation of types of products sold can be tracked better.</li>
<li>TaxCloud integration</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>



<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Plug-ins / Add-on Modules - Misc</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background:</b><br>
We added a manifest file for each plug-in (formerly add-ons) to help the manager control the use of the plug-in. Now, these features must be activated for use, rather than allowing them to run in plug-n-play mode which could be dangerous if a store admin was not paying attention.  This also allows one to turn on or off the plug-in at will when it is needed or not needed without a lot disruption to the store or needing to delete/rename the file manaually (often by FTP) to deactive it.
</p>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Working on: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>buySafe for storefront side - Update to new UI.</li>
<li>Pre-ship Calculator - Update to new UI + any needed fixes - Pay 2 Play</li>
<li>Downloader Module - Update to new UI + any needed fixes - Gold Version</li>
<li>Keyword Logging - Update to new UI + any needed fixes - Gold Version Only</li>
<li>Google Merchant Product Feed File Creator - Update old google Base code - Pay 2 Play</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Misc</b></h4>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Working on: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Reload (re-install) default layouts, and misc templates (in case you need to reset due to edit mistakes).</li>
<li>Look and feel of initial manager home screen.</li>
<li>New and Better Documentation</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>



<div class="row col-sm-12"><p><br><br><br></p></div>
</div>

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<div class="tab-pane" id="tabs-2">
<p><br></p>
<h2 class="mgr-page-title"><b>On the Radar - Things to Be Considered</b></h2>
<p><br></p>

<p class="well">This section covers features and add-ons that are not on our immediate work boards but are being considered for inclusion in our workflows (swim lanes) at a later date.</p>
<p><br></p>

<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Templates &amp; Layouts</b></h4>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Considering / Looking at: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Bootstrap 4 Sample Layouts (product pages, verify pages, thankyou pages)</li>
<li>Bootstrap 4 Order Forms</li>
<li>Bootstrap 4 Sample Templates</li>
<li>Materialize 1.x Sample Layouts (product pages, verify pages, thankyou pages)</li>
<li>Materialize 1.x Order Forms</li>
<li>Materialize 1.x Sample Templates</li>
<li>Better Template Widget Handling?  Not sure if a manager for each widget is feasible.</li>
<li>Simple visual HTML Editors, such as TinyMCE, that might be able to be included in our file editors.</li>
<li>Develop common horizontal widgets (those placed or flowing in a horizontal direction).</li>
<li>Expand Widget Zones managed within Widget Manager</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Payment Gateways</b></h4>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Considering / Looking at: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>PayPal Checkout (Newest One)</li>
<li>AuthorizeNet (Newest One)</li>
<li>NMI 1-2 new gateway options</li>
<li>eWAY - Australia</li>
<li>eWAY - New Zealand</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Shipping</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p><b>Considering / Looking at: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Canada Post</li>
<li>Australia Post</li>
<li>DHL</li>
<li>Royal Post (UK) - but only if it keeps us out of the EU madness (and they do the Brexit)</li>
<li>Consider other private carriers / shippers</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>



<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Taxes</b></h4>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Considering / Looking at: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Home Grown options, maybe a new portal with APIs to centralize the process for AgoraCart users.</li>
<li>Integrate new tax partners</li>
<li>Expand manual tax manager</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>



<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Plug-ins / Add-on Modules - Misc</b></h4>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Considering / Looking at: </b></p>
<ul>
<li></li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Misc</b></h4>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Considering / Looking at: </b></p>
<ul>
<li>Blogging Content &amp; Managers</li>
<li>Updating Store Managers to Boostrap 4 (or higher if available)</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>



<p><br><br><br></p>
</div>

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<div class="tab-pane" id="tabs-3">
<p><br></p>
<h2 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Done</b></h2>
<p><br></p>

<p class="well">This section covers a very rough overview of what has been completed thus far for Route 66 (version 06.6.x)</p>
<p><br></p>

<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Templates &amp; Layouts</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background:</b><br>
Considerable work has been done to update AgoraCart to be responsive in design (aka mobile ready). This has included reorganizing the structure of where the files are located, adding structure for language and popular frameworks (CSS, Fonts, &amp; Javascript), updating designs entirely from the ground up. As a result, upgrading a store is not as easy as before as the older designs do not work well in a mobile format, so the designs must use new defaults or be customized to fit your needs. It is actually easier than in the past, but the newness of how everything works will be the biggest hurdle for many folks. But we will do our best to help you upgrade as quickly as possible in the user forms and other support/chat channels.

</p>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Completed:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Templates nested inside language folders (to allow langauge specifics to be used).</li>
<li>Templates nested inside framework folders (to allow use of CSS/JS frameworks and updates easily).</li>
<li>All templates, images, layouts, js, css, and other viewable files located in a central location/folder (sorted into language and framework folders and needed): view66.</li>
<li>New sample templates for Bootstrap 3.</li>
<li>New sample productPage layouts for Bootstrap 3 with modal display of complete product information.</li>
<li>Updated verifyPage and thankYoupage layouts</li>
<li>Updated Order forms for gateway completed thus far.</li>
<li>Widget system designed and imlemented for per template control.</li>
<li>Language and HTML code extracted into template widget files OR into 2 core files if critical to operation (can be overridden by adding same variables to the template's widget or language file.)</li>
<li>No more button images - they are all controlled via CSS via frameworks such as Bootstrap.</li>
<li>Images are more responsive ans scale in size as needed by the viewing device. But not in all cases.</li>
<li>Basic Schema.org property tags have been added to productPage layouts, however most information might need to be added within the product description. See the first 2 books in the sample database for examples ( A Stateside Tour of Duty, The Great College Football Playoff Hoax).</li>
<li>Widgets can be arranged in the order you want for columns and the homepage using drag and drop, once a widget is activated/enabled.</li>
<li>Donation-Oriented Template, and productPage layouts.</li>
<li>CartLink Manager to create, copy, edit, delete and convert older versions of CartLink files. These are the static HTML pages that are used to build pages and links for items like: About Us, Return Policies, Privacy Policies, Shipping Info, and similar pages. They are linked to using <b>&cartlink=</b> in the URL.</li>
<li>Static HTML page Manager to create, copy, edit, delete and convert older versions of parsed HTML files. These are the static HTML pages that are used to build pages and links for items like: more infomration on a product or category, size charts for a specific product, product categoru lists you maintain manually, and similar pages. They are linked to using <b>&page=</b> in the URL.</li>
<li>New Template & Widget managers to control a lot of the look of your site without needing to edit files manually via FTP, etc.</li>
<li>The new CartLink Static Page manager lets you enable/disable and then drag and drop the order you wish the links to appear for a column widget.</li>
<li>Template Headers and Footers renamed. The files are now .tpl instad of .html. Also the secure header/footer is now called the Checkout Header/Footer. With the availability or free SSL/TLS (aka HTTPS) secure certificates at most cPanel based hosting companies, the store should run entirely in secure https mode. So the "secure" name was no longer relavant. The Separation continues to allow a different look during checkout, such as what we did with the 3 sample templates (non-donation ones).</li>
<li>Home page has new info for meta tags. The default copies only have 2 tokens for the content. The rest is widgets provided with each template. The code is the hardest thing to edit, but much easier than than editing the file manually using FTP, etc.</li>
<li>Home page widget tokens can be used on static pages. You can add your own widgets or use unused ones from the homepage.</li>
<li>Too many others to list.</li>

<li>Editor that allows productPage layouts to be copied to a category name based file so that it can be automatically used.</li>
<li>Editor function allow master copies (ppinc only) and/or backups to be restored for: productPage (ppinc) layouts, orderforms, verify pages, thankyou pages, custom category named headers and footers, and order viewing items.</li>
<li>Editor function to allow backups and non-core files to be deleted for: productPage (ppinc) layouts, orderforms, verify pages, thankyou pages, custom category named headers and footers, and order viewing items.</li>
<li>Editor function to files to be changed and saved with optional backups for: productPage (ppinc) layouts, orderforms, verify pages, thankyou pages, custom category named headers and footers, and order viewing items.</li>
<li>Added OG Protocol (Open Graph Protocol) meta tags to both Static HTML Page managers (cartlink and product/page). This helps when posting a static HTML link in social media. Facebook and Google both use these meta tags. Image tags are optional but avaialable for better control over the image picked up by Facebook, Google, etc for the page's URL.</li>
<li>Split Cartlink Static HTMLContent into 2 files: a .pl file for Cartlink page variables (metatags, is active, etc.) and one for page HTML content. The new method was not allowing agorascript to run in these pages, so we split the the file to allow the content to be loaded like the older versions.</li>
<li>Split Static HTML Product Page Content into 2 files: a .pl file for page variables (metatags, is active, etc.) and one for page HTML content. The new method was not allowing agorascript to run in these pages, so we split the file to allow the content to be loaded like the older versions.</li>
<li>Editor for HomePage. Added tab to file editor. Homepage split into 2 files, .pl and .inc, so that agorascript can be added to the body of the page similar to how the static HTML pages are handled.</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Payment Gateways</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background:</b><br>
Payment gateways have been updated for the new UI designs. They also have extra things added to allow the managers to be more powerful, such as names of the gateays embedded for manager views, and other changes. URL are now being embedded so that users don't mess up and lose the working URL they need. Most gateways have a sandbox/test and production environment, so those URLs are used when the gateway is set into test or production mode. Also, you can activate a gateway and click on a settings manager link for each individual gateway installed from a single manager screen.
</p>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Completed:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Updated PayPal Basic manager for new UI design. Renamed to PayPalBasic.  URLs hardcoded. Tested.</li>
<li>Updated PayPal IPN manager for new UI design.  URLs hardcoded. Tested.</li>
<li>Added PayPalIPN listener script that will handle the callbacks from PayPal. This increases the reliability of PayPal IPN reporting and the experience for the custom. However this also means only a simple thankyou page is available to the customer when they return to your store because the listener script handles all the order logging and emails to you and your customer.</li>
<li>Updated AuthorizeNet manager for new UI design. Renamed to AuthorizeNetSIM. URLs hardcoded. Tested.</li>
<li>Offline updated for new UI design. PCI notices are now managed via settings. Moved to Gold Version Only (no long a core option).</li>
<li>Manager changes: gateway enble/disable, edit links from single screen.</li>
<li>Combo OrderForm adding gateways done so that it doesn't need to be manually edited/added if they are enabled. However, custom gateays or those not updated yet need to be added. This order form is updated, so any manual edits will be lost.</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Shipping</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p><b>Completed:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>General shipping manager updated for new UI designs.</li>
<li>Manager tabs reorganized in some case.</li>
<li>UPS XML - Gold Version Only add-on</li>
<li>USPS XML (core default). Added First Class international packages for smaller packages at reduced rates.</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>



<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Taxes</b></h4>
<p><br></p>

<p>
<b>Background:</b><br>
While Route 66 was under construction, the rug was pulled out from under every merchant in the US when the US Supreme Court overturned rulings from years ago that allowed a simple tax system to be in place. Now states and even local jurisdictions have taxing control over remote companies anywhere in the US. This is a mess and hopefully the US Congress can address it when they are done playing petty politics (like that can ever happen now). In the mean time, solutions will be sought to help those that hit then minimum threshhold outside of their state or state they actually operate in. Avalara is a solution available to larger merchants that can afford their services, and we have integrated their services into our Tax manager. However we will be looking to integrate some of their competitors after issues with them on a business level. But until then, they are an excellent provider for those that have the sales volume that requires collecing and filing sales taxes in the 14,000 plus taxing jurisdictions that are wanting more tax revenue.
</p>
<p><br></p>



<p><b>Completed:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Avalara Tax API 1.x Integration</li>
<li>Avalara Address Verification API 2 Integration</li>
<li>Tax Manager updated for new UI designs.</li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>



<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Plug-ins / Add-on Modules - Misc</b></h4>
<p><br></p>


<p><b>Completed:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Featured Product manager updated for new UI design. Widget added for this feature. Now more adding it manually to a design.</li>
<li>Best Sellers manager updated for new UI design. Widget added for this feature. Now more adding it manually to a design.</li>
<li>New Products manager updated for new UI design. Widget added for this feature. Now more adding it manually to a design.</li>
<li>Best Sellers manager updated to handle optional images for each listing.</li>
<li>New Products manager updated to handle optional images for each listing.</li>
<li>buySafe Manager updated for new UI design.  Including in the cart contents widget, only shown if enabled.</li>
<li>Multiple Manager Login / Access Control List (ACL) Manager - Update to new UI. - Pay 2 Play Module</li>
<li>Inventory Control manager udated to new UI. Added more clarification to settings and link to Plug-in manager to enable.</li>
<li></li>
</ul>
<p><hr></p>


<p><br></p>
<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Misc</b></h4>
<p><br></p>



<p><b>Completed:</b></p>
<ul>
<li>Embedded manager tips/notes/instructions via clickable dropdown info well, on each setting. Cleans up manager look and allows more information to be included on how to setup and use the individual setting.</li>
<li>Switch/Choice to have customer go to "View Cart" expanded to include routing to the checkout form.</li>
<li>Reorganize cart code file system. Now grouped in common groupings, smaller for easier editing, etc.</li>
<li>Code/Files organized in new folder system and names in most cases. Should not confict with an existing install, except in the case of the agora.cgi and picserve.cgi files.</li>
<li>Updated sample database (more coming as needed)</li>
<li>Updated browser cookies: more reliable, more flexible.</li>
<li>New cart IDs issued upon completed orders by default. Can be turned off.  Helps with those using AgoraCart in a couple of use case scenarios: 1) as a customer service tool where they enter orders for their customer, or 2) where customers make multiple orders and they end up with the same cart ID making it hard to manage/delete/edit/archive their order in the managers.</li>
<li>5 userfield product databases expanded for new items to be tracked (for future use): the 4 extra fields on the 10 and 20 userfield version, plus tax ID (might be needed by Avalara or other tax vendors), is taxable, tax rate adjustments, shiping rate adjustment (the last 4 need extra plug-in or custom code to be utilized crrently)</li>
<li>Product Add & Edit Managers break up product details into 4-5 tabs instead of being one long, nastly looking page.</li>
<li>Rearranged items in various managers and brought them together under a single manager when it made sense (or did not interfere with plans for other plug-ins or future managers). Most make several items easier to maintain.</li>
<li>Reworked the new order log viewing. Can now archive with a single buttom. Most functions clickable via icon next to order which is a cleaner look.</li>
<li>New Plug-in Manager to enable or disable installed plug-ins (like Avalara, Inventory Control, etc)</li>
<li>Experimental Upgrade Selector in Main settings. Give a great chart to explain the versioning and how upgrades are numbered.  We hope to have multiple upgrade paths so that users can try out a bleeding edge copy for non-production testing and then switch to production use later, or use a path that is not upgraded as freguently. Currently one one is actually available.</li>
<li>Moved to a faster CGI library with less overhead.</li>
<li>Added future capability to change the headers/footers and main manager page in the future, such as for a cool dashboard or different look.</li>
<li>Streamlined over 50,000 lines of code.</li>
<li>Removed over 10,0000 lines of code that was no longer need or was not used for several versions (but we added a lot more too).</li>
<li>And a lot more smaller changes, but the fingers are getting too tired to type them all out (or they were forgotten in the thousands upon thousands of changes made the past few years).</li>
<li>Upgrade / Install Payment Gateways, including order forms and blank settings by selection.</li>
<li>Upgrade / Install User Field Version: 10 user fields</li>
<li>Install New Templates - Gold Version Only, free, and purchased templates from marketplace.</li>
<li>Added new manager to show current Perl modules and versions. For troublshooting and seeing if anything missing.</li>
<li>Added SMTP email options for outgoing emails to customers and store admin. Can evn send the standard sendmail way as a duplicate. SSL/TLS login also available. Not tested with Gmail as SMTP sender though.</li>
<li>Added underscore remover from product categories and optionally from sub-categories. Also fixes product DB image strings from legacy formats. Allows DB fixes to be made without a full import, such as when you upload a data.file directly.</li>
<li>SEO Manager. Update to new UI.</li>
<li>Updated AgoraCart.com website &amp; design</li>
</ul>
<p><br></p>




<p><br><br><br></p>

</div>

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<h2 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Upcoming Versions</b></h2>
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<p class="well">This section covers a very rough overview of what is coming in the next version(s). Right now, the Phoenix version (version 07.x is next on track in the release cycle.</p>
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<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Background</b></h4>
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Intially work was started on version 7 (aka The Phoenix Version) in roughly 2010. It was named version 10 for a while, then back to version 7. More database power was desired and needed to perform many of the features desired and planned, however the changes required were massive, along with the increasing pressure for updates allowing for responsive/mobile readiness that was required by most users and then by Google or suffer search result penalties. But during development, many delays came into play: ecomonic, family tragedies, motivation, lack of pay/income from the project, a period of shutting down the project via user attrition, then see-sawing back and both between letting the project go and keeping it going as hope would ebb and flow. The most impactful of the delays encountered was a lingering result a major personal tragedy in Mister Ed's realm (the project's main person): the death of his oldest adult son who had been in the US Navy - greatly affecting and influencing several years there after.
<br><br>During the final stretch of his Master's Degree in late 2017, Mister Ed started work on the current Route 66 version as part of an academic project. But due to time constraints, it could not include the database changes needed. However, it was planned as the initial framework that will morph into the v7 engine because the UI/UX would be already addressed and upgrading would be easier from Route 66 to v7 due to all the design changes already made (it is easier to upgrade code and databases than designs and templates from an automation standpoint). Mister Ed completed 90% of the front end by September 2017, however, the store manager areas needed the even more attention. That ended up being a much larger project than anticipated. What was thought of as a project spanning no more than 8 months, even with anticipated disruptions and downtime, turned into almost 18 months.  Thousands of man-hours were spent designing, converting, and testing the new store manager screens and functions (and keeping the motivation up). The intial release of Route 66, a stripped down version, became viable in early January 2019.  May 2019 marked the release of a core/basic version Mister Ed felt comfortable placing most people on.
<br><br>Once the bulk of the features such as shipping, payment gateways, and misc managers have been completed for Route 66, v7 development will resume but from a Route 66 demarcation point. Development is anticipated to start before August 2019 and is scheduled (high hopes) to be done before the official 20th Anniversary of AgoraCart -- Feb 2020 (the AgoraCart project started earlier but was not renamed to an Agora based name and separated from the mothership until Feb 2000).

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<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Completed So Far</b></h4>
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<p><b>Completed:</b></p>
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<li>Route66 as the base version to work from for UI/UX aspects.</li>
<li>SQL Database for front end designed (needs more tweaks now).</li>
<li>SQL Database works for product search/display and static page content.</li>
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<h4 class="mgr-page-title"><b>Planned Features and Changes</b></h4>
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<li>Customer Accounts</li>
<li>Manufacturer Info</li>
<li>Greater product information: ISBN, Mfg part numbers, plus many other ID type fields</li>
<li>Price levels for account type: resale, wholesale, Promos, etc.</li>
<li>Nested high performance SQL product data (faster for customers and most management lookups, but slower for manager adds/edits)</li>
<li>Greater search capabilities of products and other content.</li>
<li>Ability to add detailed BI (business intelligence) and other management dashboard data to reports and manager screens</li>
<li>Ability to accurately track sales tax compliance sales/order data for almost any taxing jurisdiction based on FIPs & postal codes.</li>
<li>Ability to add multiple stores on same platform/site.</li>
<li>Ability to track and utilize multiple shipping and warehouse locations.</li>
<li>Ability to forget user data without losing data archiving ability (can retain order/product info and non-identifiable info for tax purposes, but no longer assocaited to account history or customer)</li>
<li></li>
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