Internals

Hi Jason,

I could not find an in-depth systems manual. Is there one available rather than having to read 1000s of lines of code to understand the system structure.

As indicated by you, while I can consult my hosting provider on how the server handles 400 and 500 errors, it is common practice to have an error handling facility and notification (e.g., email or other facility) to immediately notify the system administrator if something goes wrong with user access to the database (e.g., a sale falling over mid process). This may be especially important on shared servers when you cannot easily take control.

This saves a lot of headaches if an error perpetuates or creates other issues in the database. Relying solely on the server email system to notify for errors is fraught with danger - having to monitor the log file can be problematic when 100's and even 1000's of multiple transactions are creating big problems for the database or system.
We were looking for more of an out-of-the-box product that can administer these settings from the dashboard area, and avoid too much mucking around with web hosting providers.

I also feel that it is important that not only the data fields inserted into database are strictly enforced and valid, but that the links between tables (e.g., implied or enforced referential integrity between tables) are maintained - that tables do not have dangling table records that do not link to other tables that they are supposed to link to (as indicated in your last post or reply to me, orders and order details). Also, I am not sure why it was suggested in your previous post that falling over in the middle of multiple database activities (insert into one table, followed by inserts into two, three or more tables) is ok? What about if the database falls over at other critical stages – e.g., when deleting financial information etc?

In addition, I fear that customers may be upset if orders are placed and records are not up to date - the example I gave was that if a user is updating his customer address details, while another user is using the old address to send out an invoice. It is not ok to send out $100's or 1000's of dollars worth of goods to the wrong address - if a customer is updating his address details while his shipment details are being retrieved for delivery by the system administrator? A first come first served system – if a user does not update his details in time before his shipment details is being retrieved - is not appropriate for maintaining customer satisfaction, and our needs.

There is good reason for transactions and the ACID rules for a database viewable here acid.htm.

There would need to be a better detailed explanation of how the system ensures full system integrity and customer satisfaction about the issues above, as I cannot see how it can ensure consistency, integrity, and client satisfaction.

If not, I think you have a 14 day evaluation period and it may be necessary to be refunded the purchase price and delete the system from our server.

Thanks,

Regards,

Peter