VSP Server is an altogether more functional package than VSP Form, however as a result it is slightly more complex than VSP Form. The benefits of VSP Server are primarily due to the advanced database compatibility it offers. This means you can store more information, and in fact, using VSP Server we would EXPECT you to store more information about a transaction, such as an amount, products selected, Shopper details and the result of authorisation provided by Protx.

The end result of doing this is that you do not have to rely on the Protx Admin area. You can have your own customised reporting area and view everything from your end. You can also use the information within the database to send remote requests for refunds and repeats (see payment types). Unlike VSP Form where there is a reliance on logging into the VSP Admin area to perform refunds and repeat/releases in ALL circumstances, VSP Server, with some additional coding, will allow you to push a button on your own software which will send a request to have a transaction refunded, for example.

When a shopper visits a website they want to be able to pick a product or a selection of products, enter their billing and delivery details and continue on to a payment facility.

A shopping cart represents an important part of a website but does not represent the whole website - it is an addition to the website that allows the shopping process to take place and allows for the Shoppers details to be collected.

This shopping cart process can either be custom built by a web developer or you can download or buy an 'off the shelf' shopping cart solution.

Shopping carts in reference to VSP Server are more functional. They will offer not only the standard cart features such as an admin area, to add and change products and prices - but will also offer a larger and more functional database where you can keep a record of transactions without relying on the Protx administration. This can allow for greater scope and also can allow for you to keep your inventory and order management as well as your billing management area's all under one location.

This said, shopping carts do vary greatly, so always check with the cart first as to the list of functions it offers as VSP Server carts can be just as simplistic as VSP Form carts. Just because it is a VSP Server cart does not immediately make it more complex/flexible/functional - so do check with the company that builds the cart.

There are also requirements which some carts may have over others. VSP Server requires a server to server POST, unlike VSP Form - as a result some carts may come included with server space. If they do not, you will have to organize your own servers so you can make these server to server POSTs to Protx.

Shopping carts are ideal for those wishing for a simple integration with Protx without having masses of technical knowledge. They allow you to keep track of your orders, stock and status of transactions as well as provide login areas for your Shoppers so you can build a Shopper base which can simply log into your website without the need to fill out billing/delivery details every visit

Protx have a good understanding of the various carts available however we can only support Protx error messages and problems related to Protx issues. It is important before you choose a cart that you enquire about the support levels that they can offer you and the times that their support departments will operate. If your inquiry with Protx is based upon a common cart error then we will likely be able to advise a fix however we will have expected the inquiry to have been placed with the cart before contacting ourselves.

The following information is a guideline on the information you will be supplied by Protx in order to enter into your shopping cart. This will NOT be cart specific. Cart specific information will be available to you on the 'shopping carts supported by Protx' section below.

VSP Vendor Name: This is unique to you. No other Protx vendor can have the same VSP Vendor name. It is the equivalent of an account number or account identifier and will need to be entered into your cart.

Test or Live mode: It is important that your cart is set to either Test or Live mode. When you first get notification of your Protx test account being ready, you need to ensure that the cart is set to Test mode. Once Live, all that needs to be done is to set the cart to Live mode also.

Payment type: This will be the way you wish transactions to be processed. Some cart options may differ - but generally speaking the following will be your options:

• Payment
• Deferred

N.B Please do not choose the DEFERRED method unless you stated this payment type to be set up on your account, during application. If you are interested in this payment type the primary contact on the account needs to email our support team

Currency: By default most carts will be set to GBP - this can be changed accordingly but only if the currency is set up on your Protx account. We will only set up a currency on a Protx account if your Internet Merchant Number is capable of transactions in that currency, so always check with your bank.

N.B: There are many other options within the individual cart settings that have not been covered above. The cart options vary widely so only the above options are covered.

Which shopping carts do Protx support?

The following carts are integrated with Protx and they can supply documentation to help with their setup. It is important to note that many shopping carts available may well have integrated with Protx, but may not appear on our website or on the list below. This is because we are not always notified by them that they have carried out the integration.

Protx have a strict set of rules regarding the way data is passed from a website to the Protx system. Providing this set of rules is followed, any third party software company can develop a shopping cart that will work with Protx. Please contact your cart provider if they do not appear on our list, to check that they have integrated with Protx.

Please find below a list of our supported shopping carts.