All,

This is the second public beta release of eTrans, a 4th Dimension
component that provides a single set of financial transaction methods
for processing payments online from your 4th Dimension projects. 
Specifically, eTrans provides a simple, consistent interface to online
credit card authorization service providers. Using eTrans, you can
build credit card authorization services into your 4D databases in
just a couple of minutes.

This new beta adds support for WorldPay as a payment gateway.  As
well, multi-currency support has been added through the online gateway
routines available from both PlanetPayment and WorldPay.

Literally, you can add credit card processing to your 4D applications
with as little as 4 lines of code.  And, switching between gateway
processors requires a change in only a single line of code when using
the eTrans component.  This is ideal for vertical market applications
where the processing of credit cards and electronic checks would be a
value added feature for your customers.

Currently, eTrans supports processing of transactions through the
following provider services:

   AuthorizeNet
   PlanetPayment
   LinkPoint
   E-Xact
   WorldPay

If there are other gateways providers which you would like to see
supported with the eTrans component, please let us know and we will
see about providing the support as quickly as we reasonably can.

eTrans works on top of HTTP Client Deux and TCP Deux, 4D components
also available from Deep Sky Technologies, Inc. Because eTrans needs
to communicate with the authorization service providers via SSL,
eTrans also requires ITK 2.5.x.

eTrans also requires that the BASh 4D component be installed for it to
operate correctly.  BASh is a 4D component available for free from
DSTi and it handles all of the core routines needed to properly run
eTrans.

All of the code within the eTrans component is ready to use
immediately.  There are no compiler issues to be concerned about;  all
of the variables are typed in compiler methods for even the most
stringent 4D developers.  Just install the component in your structure
and start calling the methods within it.  It is really that simple!

As with any beta software,  this is still a work in progress;  though,
it is worth knowing that internal systems at DSTi have been using the
eTrans component since June of 2000.  Watch for announcements about
updates which will become available, as we are continually working on
improving the documentation and adding new features to the eTrans
component.  And, most importantly, if there are other gateway
providers which you would like to see supported with the eTrans
component, please let us know and we will see about providing the
support as quickly as we reasonably can.

For this beta of eTrans, you will need a serial code when initializing
the component in your database.  The following serial will work with
the betas for eTrans through the end of October, 2001:

   imCUCiLSg6HYENaTqImEO1PUGTntLVj7

As you have come to expect from high quality software development
firms, Deep Sky Technologies, Inc., is committed to providing the
support, service, quality, and compatibility which any modern software
developer requires in their tools' vendors.  Feel free to contact me
at any time if you have any questions or problems with the software in
the eTrans component.  And, of course, feature requests are always
welcome.

Enjoy!



Steven G. Willis, sgwillis@deepskytech.com
President, Deep Sky Technologies, Inc.
http://www.deepskytech.com/
(561) 794-9494
