Whether you would like to purchase software outright,
or simply "test the water", we have the solution for you!!

Coastal Data Management understands that your ecommerce requirements are as unique as your business.  That is why we offer VPASP, an open source package that allows you to customize your shopping cart to suit your needs*.  AND, because not all merchants are ready to purchase, install, and upgrade ecommerce software, CDM offers VPASP as an add-on to all of our hosting packages.

Is it better to purchase ecommerce software,
or use a hosted option?
There are advantages and disadvantages to each option.  Listed below is a list of the most common questions we receive.

ECOMMERCE HOSTING OPTION FAQ's

How does the decision effect my bottom line?
If you purchase the cart license, it increases the cost by the amount of the software license.  If you use a hosted option, you eliminate the license fees and the ongoing technical support such ase security upgrades and code changes.

Does the cart belong to me?
If you purchase the shopping cart license, the entire cart belongs to you.  You may move it in-house or to another hosting company using the same type of server.  If you use a hosted option, only the database, static pages, and images belong to you.  Note: the database includes your product inventory, customer files, order files, etc., so the meat of your site is yours. 

What if I use a hosted application, then decide to move my site?
Should you decide to move in-house, or to another hosting company, you have two options: 1) purchase the software license from CDM at the going rate, or 2) have your technical person, or the new provider, import your database information into the new cart.

Can I change the look and feel of my site?
If you purchase the cart license, you may alter the look and feel or the open source ASP code as much as you like.  If you use a hosted option, you will be able to change the look and feel of the storefront template, which determines the general look and feel of your website.  You will not, however, have access to the actual ASP code for customizations.

What is the learning curve of setting up software?
If you purchase the cart license, you will have the responsibility of setting up the software on the remote server.  There are a few items that may be new to you such as server settings, ssl, payment gateways, etc.  Some companies manage the one-time duties easily, other opt to pay their web developer for the one-time setup.  Coastal Data Management offers assistance with all or simply portions of software setup.

* You must purchase a full open source license in order to customize code.