What's new in Version 8 Mod Pack 4

Important: If you have, or are upgrading to a Service refresh 7 version of Java 8, such as WebSphere Application Server version 8.5.5.21 with Java version 8.0.7.0, you must revert to the previous JCE security provider.

Using the com.ibm.crypto.provider.IBMJCEPlus security provider causes a memory leak, leading to performance implications.

See step # 3 in Upgrading to WebSphere Commerce 8.0.4.27 or greater, or Service refresh 7 in the IBM SDK, Java Technology Edition documentation.

Important: The original upload of the 8.0.4.26 fix pack for WebSphere Commerce Developer (8.0.4.26-WS-WCDeveloperEnterprise-ModFixPack.zip, and 8.0.4.26-WS-WCDeveloperProfessional-ModFixPack.zip) included a strict prerequisite check for Java 8 that did not allow for any variation in how it was installed in the environment.

The fix pack has been modified to remove this specific requirement (IBM WebSphere SDK Java Technology Edition 8.0 optional extension offering for IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5.5.18). Installing IBM WebSphere Application Server v8.5.5.18 or higher fix pack level and Rational Application Developer 9.6 are the only prerequisites that are required for the fix pack.

The updated fix packs can be differentiated by the appended -R in their file names. For example, 8.0.4.26-WS-WCDeveloperEnterprise-ModFixPack-R.zip, and 8.0.4.26-WS-WCDeveloperProfessional-ModFixPack-R.zip.

Discontinuation of Java 7 support

Warning: WebSphere Commerce instance creation is not currently supported with available WebSphere Commerce fix packs that require Java 8. If you need to create a new WebSphere Commerce instance, you must do so with Java 7, before upgrading to Java 8.

Important: If you plan to upgrade to WebSphere Commerce version 8.0.4.26, or any subsequent fix pack, you must upgrade your environments accordingly.

For more information on upgrading to WebSphere Commerce 8.0.4.26, see Upgrading to 8.0.4.26 or greater.

Stack updates

Significant updates to companion software for WebSphere Commerce have been made.

The most significant of these updates include:

Support for Rational Application Developer version 9.6.
To upgrade to Rational Application Developer version 9.6, see Upgrading from Rational Application Developer Version 9.5 to Rational Application Developer Version 9.6.
Rational Application Developer version 9.5 is end of life, and is no longer being supported by IBM.
Upgrade to ckeditor version 4.15.1.
The default version of ckeditor that is included with WebSphere Commerce is being upgraded to a newer version due to a security vulnerability. If you have made any customizations to ckeditor, you must back up the customization, and re-apply it once you have completed the fix pack installation.

For more information on stack updates, see Recommended software, fixes, and settings for WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.

Session invalidation security enhancement

Site user session invalidation has been enhanced.

For more information on session invalidation and the enhancements, see Session invalidation.

Account lockout behavior enhancement

Site users can now reset their passwords after hitting the limit of incorrect login attempts. This is facilitated by the Logon command returning a new error code, 2490, instead of disabling the account. Ensure that you update your store login flow to handle this new error code.

jQuery Aurora starter store

The Aurora starter store in WebSphere Commerce is completely written in jQuery 3.1.0, which is one of the most commonly used JavaScript libraries used in dynamic websites. The jQuery AJAX and events API provides an easy to use framework that meets most AJAX requirements for storefront development.

In addition to all the existing features that are supported in the Dojo version of the Aurora starter store, the jQuery version supports the following additional capabilities:

Store pages load a minimal number of JavaScript and CSS files, as a build script is provided that merges the code from all the files and then generates fewer files, with all its contents combined and minified. This performance strategy improves the web browser's page load time for store pages.
A store function is available to control whether dynamic E-Marketing Spots are loaded either server-side with the page, or loaded after the initial page load is complete, to better support Content Delivery Network (CDN) caching.
Interactions in the category page are implemented using full page loads, rather than using AJAX. This strategy simplifies page coding and removes the complexity of handling the web browser's back, forward, and bookmark features.

Note: The jQuery Aurora starter store is available to publish as a separate SAR file. It is available in addition to the existing Dojo-based Aurora starter store, not necessarily as a replacement.

For more information, see jQuery Aurora starter store.

Apple Pay on the Web integration

Apple Pay on the Web integration with WebSphere Commerce provides you with an easy and secure way to accept and process payments. Apple Pay on the Web enables customers to purchase products in the Aurora starter store with a single touch in Safari on Mac, iPhone, and iPad.

For more information, see Apple Pay on the Web integration.

Watson Content Hub integration

The Watson Content Hub (formerly DX Content Hub) gives business owners the power to create iconic, robust, and consistent brand experiences by using cloud-based, cognitive content management capabilities. Marketing and merchandising professionals can quickly select content to create relevant offers that are delivered across multiple channels, such as mobile, web-based or email, including those delivered by IBM Watson Campaign Automation and IBM Commerce on Cloud.

For more information, see Watson Content Hub integration.

Tax enhancements

Surcharge tax calculations can be enabled in the Aurora starter store. In some geographic zones, surcharges are added to some products according to local business rules. A surcharge tax results in a new type of tax category. It is required to be collected for some products when surcharges are added to an orders' grand total.

For more information, see Surcharge tax.

Dynamic Pricing integration

You can integrate Dynamic Pricing, a cloud-based pricing system, with WebSphere Commerce, so merchandisers can quickly analyze and react to pricing changes in the market. Pricing data can be automatically exported from WebSphere Commerce to Dynamic Pricing, where the data then is analyzed in relation to business strategies and other sources of market data. Updated prices can be approved and automatically imported to WebSphere Commerce, so the adjusted prices can appear on the live storefront.

For more information, see IBM Dynamic Pricing.

Support for Oracle 12cR2 databases

You can now use Oracle 12cR2 databases in your development and runtime environments. This includes upgrading your database on existing environments and creating instances with new databases.

For more information about using Oracle 12cR2, see: