Welcome to the official blog discussing the latest and greatest features introduced in HCL Commerce Version 9.1. In this comprehensive overview, we will highlight the key advancements and enhancements brought by this release. Let’s delve into the exciting world of HCL Commerce Version 9.1!

Enhanced Storefront Experience:

HCL Commerce Version 9.1 aims to elevate the customer experience with a series of enhancements to the storefront. The new release offers improved performance, enhanced responsive design capabilities, and optimized page load times. Customers can now enjoy a seamless and visually captivating shopping experience, regardless of the device they are using. All of these features achieve using React-based store solution. HCL Commerce Version 9.1 introduces two additional reference stores intended for B2B and B2C applications. These specialized stores make use of the React framework, the search solution based on Elasticsearch, and incorporate the architectural enhancements found in contemporary HCL Commerce releases.

Flexible Catalog Management:

Catalog management has become even more flexible and efficient in Version 9.1. Retailers now have the ability to easily organize and present their products through advanced sorting and filtering options. The updated catalog management system empowers businesses to provide personalized experiences, tailoring product offerings based on specific customer preferences and behaviors.

Advanced Search Capabilities:

With Version 9.1, HCL Commerce introduces advanced search capabilities that enable customers to find products quickly and effortlessly. The new release incorporates intelligent search algorithms, allowing for enhanced relevancy and accuracy of search results. Customers can easily locate desired products through features like auto-suggest, spell-check, and synonym matching, ultimately improving their overall shopping journey. All of these features achieve using Elasticsearch-based search solution. HCL Commerce Version 9.1 introduces an upgraded search solution encompassing innovative features like Natural Language Processing (NLP) and partial-word capabilities, all the while ensuring compatibility with the Solr-based search solution employed in earlier WebSphere Commerce releases.

Integrations and APIs:

HCL Commerce Version 9.1 emphasizes seamless integration with third-party systems and applications. The release introduces a wide range of APIs, making it easier for developers to integrate HCL Commerce with various platforms, such as content management systems, payment gateways, and marketing automation tools. These integrations enhance the overall capabilities and extend the reach of the HCL Commerce platform. HCL Commerce Version 9.1 builds upon the containerized cloud native architecture of HCL Commerce Version 9.0 and facilitates deployment on Kubernetes. Additionally, leveraging HCL Software Factory, you can design and preview your software solution, subsequently generating a straightforward Helm Chart for seamless integration into your specific deployment environment. Moreover, HCL Commerce Version 9.1 introduces enhanced logging and performance tuning applications, streamlining the process of store management and troubleshooting, thereby optimizing overall performance.

Expanded B2B Capabilities:

Version 9.1 places a significant focus on enhancing B2B functionality. The release introduces powerful B2B-specific features, including improved account management tools, streamlined self-service capabilities, and enhanced pricing and contract support. These advancements enable businesses to deliver exceptional experiences and foster strong relationships with their B2B customers.

Enhanced Performance and Scalability:

In this release, HCL Commerce has prioritized performance and scalability enhancements. Version 9.1 introduces optimizations that enable faster response times, improved system stability, and increased overall platform scalability. It ensures that HCL Commerce can cater to the growing demands of businesses, regardless of their size or complexity.

Deprecated functionality:

If you are transitioning from a prior iteration of HCL Commerce, please take note of the assortment of functionalities that have been deprecated in this and previous versions.

Catalog filter functionality in previous versions of HCL Commerce enabled the ability to create and modify filters in Commerce Accelerator. Suggested course of action: For creating and modifying catalog filters specifically designed for use in Commerce Accelerator, it is advised to utilize the Catalog Filter and Pricing tool available within the Management Center for HCL Commerce.
HCL Commerce SOI services involve the development of client libraries, new commands, and business logic. Recommended action: Employ the REST service framework to interface with the command framework and create business services utilizing the Java Persistence API.
Data service layer (DSL) functions as an abstraction layer for data access that is independent of the physical schema. Recommended action: Utilize the Java Persistence API. For detailed information, refer to the Java Persistence API documentation.
In earlier versions, HCL Commerce service interfaces were defined using the OAGIS message structure from The Open Applications Group. However, in HCL Commerce Version 9.1, the storefront no longer employs BOD services and OAGIS messaging. Note: BOD services and OAGIS messaging for integration usage remain unaffected and are not deprecated. Recommended action: Implement REST tags in the storefront and utilize the REST service framework to develop new back-end services. For further guidance, consult the Java Persistence API documentation.
Request for Quote (RFQ) functionality, originally introduced in HCL Commerce version 5, is deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9. Recommended action: Integrate with IBM CPQ to leverage the RFQ functionality offered by Sterling Configure Price Quote.
The ATP inventory allocation model, which utilizes HCL Commerce as the inventory system of record, is deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9. Return process and its corresponding data model are deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9. Recommended action: Integrate with IBM OMS to handle return orders or reverse orders.
MultipleQueryComponent and MultipleFacetComponent, which were used for joining or filtering subcores, are deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9. Recommended action: Utilize the Solr join feature to perform cross-core filter operations.
Usage of URL rewriting for session management was deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9.1. Recommended action: Implement cookie-based session management.
The encryptChallengeAnswer utility is deprecated in HCL Commerce Version 9.1 starting from version 9.1.6.0. Recommended action: Utilize the MigrateEncryptedInfo utility to encrypt USERREG.CHALLENGEANSWER. Ensure that the MemberSubSystem/challengeAnswerEncrypted flag is set to true in the wc-server.xml configuration file.

Conclusion:

HCL Commerce Version 9.1 brings a plethora of exciting updates and enhancements, designed to elevate the customer experience, empower businesses, and facilitate seamless integration with third-party systems. With improved storefront experiences, advanced catalog management, enhanced search capabilities, expanded B2B functionalities, and performance optimizations, HCL Commerce continues to pave the way for businesses seeking to thrive in the digital commerce landscape. Upgrade to HCL Commerce Version 9.1 to unlock a world of possibilities and stay ahead in today’s dynamic market.

Reference:

https://help.hcltechsw.com/commerce/9.1.0/admin/concepts/cwn_overview91.html