Payments subsystem

In WebSphere Commerce Version 6.x the Payments subsystem was introduced. Payment processing using the WebSphere Commerce Multipayment Framework (used in version 5.x) and payment processing using the Payments subsystem is fundamentally different.

The following diagram describes the differences between payment processing using the WebSphere Commerce Multipayment Framework (used in version 5.x) and payment processing using the Payments subsystem.

architecture

In the WebSphere Commerce Multipayment Framework there are two separate instances, one for WebSphere Commerce (WC_DEMO), and one for WebSphere Commerce Payments (wpm_Commerce_Payments_Server). Each instance had its own database called mall and wpm. When an order is placed, the Order Management subsystem contacts WebSphere Commerce Payments which processes the payment using a cassette. The cassette communicates with a Payment Service Provider.

The Payments subsystem is included in the WebSphere Commerce Server. The WebSphere Commerce instance (Server1) contains payment information. The Payments subsystem connects to Payment Service Providers by using payment plug-ins.

If you migrate from a previous release of WebSphere Commerce, you can continue to use the WebSphere Commerce Multipayment Framework in one of two ways.
Compatible mode
If you use compatible mode, then you will not use the Payments subsystem. You will use WebSphere Commerce Multipayment Framework in the same way as in previous releases.
WCPayments plug-in
Use a payment plug-in as a bridge to WebSphere Commerce Payments and cassettes.