epages Base to epages Now Migration Guide

The new epages Now platform is now available to our customers.
epages Now was launched in 2017 with basic features and has since evolved into a real alternative – and in most cases, the better option – to epages Base (6).

This guide summarises all relevant information regarding the migration from epages Base (6) to epages Now.

Advantages

The following advantages stand out:

1. Ultra-fast page loading
2. Even better SEO efficiency
3. Fully responsive themes optimised for mobile devices
4. Flexibility in creating modern and appealing content
5. Very intuitive and simple administration
6. WebApp for core administrative tasks on smartphones (in English)
7. Latest integrations for payments, marketplaces, and marketing tools
8. Product data structure compatible with epages Base
9. AI-assisted text creation possible
10. Suitable for Websites and Online Stores

 

New, but compatible

The migration from epages Base (6) to epages Now is made easier for several reasons:

• Migration using the migration tool does not affect SEO.
  We offer migration services
• A migration tool is available
• The structure of product data, attributes, product-category assignment and customers is practically identical

We also offer tailored migration services for individual processes or a full “turnkey” solution.

 

Important information about the migration

Before deciding to migrate from epages Base (6) to epages Now, please consider the following points:

• Migration using the migration tool does not affect SEO.
  URLs are redirected to short SEO-optimised URLs.
• The maximum number of variations is 250 per product, based on 3 variation attributes (e.g. “Colour”, “Size”, and “Finish”).
• Up to 20 attributes can be defined as either “Text selected from a list” or “Free text”.
• Up to 15 languages and the Euro currency.
• Existing customisations via scripts and CSS – often unnecessary, but still possible.
• Integration with InvoicExpress is not yet available.
  If you use InvoicExpress, please contact us.
• Category levels should be reduced to 4. In addition to the top-level category in the main menu, up to 3 subcategories can be created.

 

What changes?

Custom email server

Unlike current epages Base packages that include a number of email accounts, with epages Now you can freely choose your email package according to your individual needs.

Choose between 5 and 30 email accounts and from 5 GB to 150 GB of storage.

https://www.viamodul.eu/Contas-de-e-mail-SmarterMail-Suite

 

Check number of accounts and required storage

To choose the right package for you, you can easily check the number of accounts and used storage space in the admin panel:

Check number of email accounts:

https://www.viamodul.eu/Numero-de-Utilizadores-no-SmartMail-na-Administracao

Check used storage space:

https://www.viamodul.eu/Verificar-utilizacao-espaco-do-disco-usado-SmartMail-Administracao

 

Newsletter tool

epages Now offers integration with powerful newsletter marketing tools such as “Newsletter2Go” or “CleverReach”.

Integration is done via apps.

New editor – New content creation method

The new content editor allows the insertion of a wide range of elements, combinations of images and text, sliders for content and products, among others.

This gives you new dimensions in designing category content. It has never been easier to create “Rich Web Content” – i.e., to combine text, images, animations, videos, and other elements in an appealing way that captures visitors' attention and increases the chance of conversion.

These contents can be created without technical knowledge, intuitively and quickly. Content presentation should be rethought – which also presents an excellent opportunity to improve and optimise it for search engines, i.e. SEO.

If you need help with SEO content optimisation, we offer tailored services.

 

Customisation and Addons via Scripts

epages Now also allows for customisation and the implementation of Addons via scripts.

There are two levels of script integration:

1. Scripts without access to product data, e.g. layout changes
2. Scripts with access to product data, e.g. displaying product details in product listings

 

Scripts without access to product data

Activating scripts without access to product data or other data only accessible via the epages database requires installation – unlike in epages Base (6), where such scripts could be added in the advanced settings.

This activation is only available to customers with an epages Now licence from Viamodul.
The one-off installation cost is €80 + VAT. A monthly fee of €1 + VAT applies.

 

Scripts with access to product data

Scripts requiring data access via database are only available with the licence for private apps – epages Now XL
https://www.viamodul.eu/epages-Now-Licenca-XL

Additionally, the “Viamodul ScriptApp for epages Now” must be installed for a one-off fee of €245:
https://www.viamodul.eu/Viamodul-ScriptApp-para-epages-Now

More Addons for epages Now

Addons are available for epages Now that add features not included in the core system:

https://www.viamodul.eu/AddOns-para-epages-Now

 

Criteria for migrating or not migrating

Migration to the latest version – epages Now – is worth considering. However, there are a few cases where epages Base (6) may better fulfil the needs of an online shop.

Migrate if:

• At least one of the listed advantages applies
• No criteria prevent migration
• High number of mobile device visits
• Visual presentation improvements are desired
• Even better SEO performance is wanted
• More autonomy and easier creation of appealing content is desired

Do not migrate if:

• There are attributes with more than 20 values and no way to reduce them
• There are more than 200 variations per product and no alternatives to reduce them
• Additional currencies (besides Euro) are absolutely necessary
• Many custom functions have been implemented which are not available in epages Now

 

Relevant links

Migration Guide from epages Base (6) to epages Now

epages Now Licences & Hosting

Email Packages

Migration, Setup and Design Services

Comparision epages Base / epages Now (site original epages)