Understanding Technical Terms: Back-end
Part 2/5
This week we are going to focus on Open Source and SaaS so you can make sure you understand back-end technical terms. We are going to go into detail and really delve into the terms used for these programs. Some of which are Border7’s very own partners!
Open Source – Software for which the original source code is made freely available, and may be redistributed and modified. (Basically more freedom to customize your website.) With this software, you can use third party modules and themes. (You are not limited to only using the layouts they provide.) This software also requires you to have your own hosting and domain.
Hosting is a store (website or other data) on a server that can be accessed over the internet, Hosting, is like renting an apartment or space.
An example of a domain would be, “Crystalshandbags.com”
SaaS – (Software as a service) Is a cloud solution made available over a network. (Hosting provided) There is not much access to the code or making changes. (Harder to customize. Layouts are provided.) Comes with free sub-domain, use their modules and themes. Some require monthly payments.
Hosting Control Panel – A web-based interface provided by the hosting company that allows customers to manage their various hosted services in a single place. (All DL solutions i.e. Magento, Prestashop.
Template – Pre-designed webpage, or set of HTML webpages that anyone can use to “plug-in” their own text content and images onto, to create a website.
Cloud – The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manage, and process data, rather than a local server or personal computer
PrestaShop – (B7 Partner) Free open source E-commerce solution. More personal control. (Cloud & DL)
Volusion – (B7 Partner) Cloud E-commerce solution. Billed monthly. Features functionality and great for reporting. Currently only has a handful of responsive templates. (SaaS)
Responsive Site – A smart liquid design that responds accordingly to different screen size. (I.e. IOS, Windows, Firefox, and Mobile devices)
Shopify – Cloud E-Commerce solution. Subscription products apps. Easy to use backend. Built in blog. Responsive design. Cannot customize check out. (SaaS)
BigCommerce – (B7 Partner) Cloud E-commerce solution. Design oriented, cool custom designing. Does offer blog options. Responsive design. (SaaS)
Foxycart – (B7 Partner) Cloud E-commerce solution. Simplified version of SaaS. Great for basic transactions. Sell products/collect payment. Basic E-commerce solution that is very customizable. Flexible, fast, easy, built to integrate, affordable and profitable, and secure.
Magento – (B7 Partner) An open-source content management system for E-Commerce websites. Software and platform, to grow your online business. Responsive design.
Freshbooks – Cloud-based accounting software service designed for owners of the types of small client service business that send invoices to clients and get paid for their time and expertise.
Admin Dashboard – Importing products and creating categories for products.
Server – A computer or computer program that manages access to a centralized resource or service in a network.
DNS – (Domain Name System) – A system for naming computers and network services that is organized into a hierarchy of domains. DNS naming is used in TCP/IP networks, such as the internet, to locate computers and services through user-friendly names. (Crystalshandbags.com)
Name Server – A computer hardware or software server that implements a network service for providing responses to queries against a directory service. It translates an often humanly-meaningful, text-based identifier to a system-internal, often numeric identification or addressing component.
Domain Pointing – Is changing your DNS records to “point” your domain name to direct visitors to which server your site is hosted on.
Web Design – Encompasses many different skills and disciplines in the production and maintenance of website. The different areas of web design include web graphic design; interface design; authoring, including standardized code and proprietary software; user experience design; and search engine optimization standards.
Those were some of the technical terms for open source and SaaS. Check back next Wednesday, for our next part which will feature some more technical terms involved with Building your E-commerce site.
