An Introduction to Turnkey OsCommerce Websites

By: Georgia Templeton

OsCommerce is an open source e-commerce software platform. This is, in essence a customizable platform used for creating a website that exists for the purpose of selling something.

Open source means that there’s a general public license that allows anyone and everyone to benefit from the software without having to pay for it. You don't have to buy it but you can buy a turnkey solution if you prefer.

OsCommerce was born from an experiment called "The Exchange Project" and evolved over time until it was renamed osCommerce in 2001. There are many people, with enough technical skills, that they can build a store quickly and easily with osCommerce.

It’s got great functionality and is much easier to work with rather than building an e-commerce site from the ground up without this platform.

An entrepreneur might expect to pay a lot of money for the functionality of starting an online store but osCommerce is free to use. This can give someone the ability with some pointing and clicking to set up a customized online storefront rather quickly. For the beginner, this can be a great thing.

One of the benefits of open source software is that what usually happens, as is the case with OsCommerce, is that the community of people who built upon the platform created an online community such as a forum and knowledgebase where everyone benefits from the experience of others.

Not only can you share what you've done to the software but if you run into problems others are often more than willing to help you find a solution. Although this is an ideal software option for the beginner in the world of electronic commerce, this platform has enough scalability to be customized and grow with a company. Many people enjoy playing and experimenting with open source products.

Because the software is free, there isn't official support on the platform that you are entitled to. This can present a minor roadblock to those without technical knowledge. However, you aren't alone though.

A huge benefit of an open source platform is that you can find an abundant amount of information online about what others have done in similar cases or you can submit a question about the software and wait for another community participant that is part of the knowledgebase to help you.

Although it is free to use, you do have the ability cash in on your expertise with the software and once you get to know how to use it, you could build your own e-commerce solution and sell it in a boxed turnkey solution.

With your solution you can offer many things including paid support or technical services as well as individual add-on modules. Many programmers are taking advantage of this opportunity and creating boxed turnkey solutions.

The availability of OsCommerce turnkey solutions is increasing. People seem to really like the functionality of the osCommerce platform and the benefit to a turnkey solution is that there’s nothing the purchaser has to do technically in order to set up the store. This has created a demand in this area.

It’s often as easy as a basic software installation. Many turnkey solutions will offer tech support as well which is beneficial for someone just starting out who doesn't want to have to sift through a forum for answers or wait for someone to help them.

Because the software remains open source, a turnkey solution will have customizable options and that’s a plus for many people who develop their skills quickly. Before long, they might find themselves contributing to the knowledge base.

When you start an online business, having an easy software solution is going to help you focus on selling and search engine optimization rather than worrying about technical setups. The platform can include many things including a shopping cart with check out, online catalog, product specials, newsletter capability, report generation, automated invoicing and other features too.

Benefits of osCommerce turnkey solutions include:

The ability to receive technical support

* Out of the box capability to get you up and running quickly

* A popular and recognized platform

* Customizability for your specific needs

* Scalability that can match your business growth

* An extensive knowledgebase and community to support your e-commerce efforts.