The Catalog application contains the following main parts:
The Product Catalog enables the customer to browse the products available for purchase. While browsing, the customer can mark a product to order and specify the quantity desired. When a customer profile exists for the customer, the catalog automatically customizes itself based on this profile information.
The application maintains customer information, such as the customer’s address, phone, and billing information, within the database. Plus, the customer profile may contain information about the customer’s product preferences or areas of interest, which the application uses to customize the online catalog based on the customer viewing it.
The sample uses the order entry system when the customer wants to purchase a product. If the customer does not have a customer profile, a Customer Profile Information page appears for the customer to complete. After completing the page, the customer can change the shipping address and the quantity and shipping options for the order. When the customer completes the order entry, the sample assigns an order number to the customer for future reference.
The sample allows the customer to inquire about previous orders made and find out the status of their pending orders.