The first public beta of eTrans, a 4th Dimension component, is now available from Deep Sky Technologies. 4th Dimension is relational database software.
The Mac compatible beta, officially called v1.0.0b05, is open to the public. The eTrans beta archive contains serialization for using the component through the end of this month. A full manual is included.
eTrans offers an interface to online credit card authorization service providers. With eTrans, credit card and electronic check processing can be added to 4D applications with as little as four lines of code. Switching between gateway processors requires a change in only a single line of code when using the eTrans component.
Currently, eTrans supports processing of transactions through such provider services online as AuthorizeNet, PlanetPayment, LinkPoint, and E-Xact. Support for other gateway providers is planned for future releases.
eTrans works “on top” of HTTP Client Deux, another 4D component available for free from Deep Sky Technologies. HTTP Client Deux provides a complete Web request interface for 4D developers just a couple of routines, Steven Willis, president of Deep Sky said. It also works “on top” of TCP Deux, another Deep Sky 4D component that provides completely transparent operation with 4D Internet Commands v6.7.x, Internet ToolKit v2.0.x, and Internet ToolKit v2.5.x. Any of these plugins can be used without any coding changes, according to Willis. Because eTrans needs to communicate with the authorization service providers via SSL, eTrans also requires ITK 2.5.x.
All of these components require that the BASh 4D component be installed for it to operate correctly. BASh is a free 4D component from DSTi. BASh handles all of the core routines needed to properly run TCP Deux, HTTP Client Deux, and eTrans.
eTrans will be released commercially with separate development and deployment licensing. Development licensing will include all updates released within a year of purchase for free and allows for unlimited development by a single developer for a period of one year from the date of purchase, Willis said. Renewals of the development license will be provided at a discounted price. Deployment licensing is a one time fee per application which will allow deployments to run for an indefinite period of time.
A one-year developer license (which includes 10 deployments) will be US$195. A one-year extension on a developer license will be $95. A 50-pack deployment license will cost $495 and an unlimited deployment license will be $995 per application.