pursuit

php4 -> php5 v.s. mysql4 -> mysql5 is quite different as far as osc shops are concerned, whilst there is no changes need to be made from php4 to php5 as long as register_globals (just sit & relax waiting the upgrade to finish) remains ON, you do need to make some chnages for the latter, e.g. all old osc shops' queries containing 'left join' would fail albeit these are quite easy to fix and the way to fix them are quite long established and well documented. the best way to prepare for mysql5 is to run all your osc shops on a local server with mysql5 installed. The thing is whenever and wherever mysql5 complains you just need to locate that query/file and then edit it/fix it.

of course, just like php switch over that we have witnessed the past few days, the problem is with many osc shop owners who initially hired someone to install/customise the shops for them, and then they are on their own running the shops themselves (yes osc shops do not need the owners to know a single line of php code or mysql query). and that is where the problems start when it comes to upgrade. if youve ever worked closely with purely business-minded site owners you would know this is going to happen no matter what warning or ample time you have given to them.

all my clients are lucky enough to have technical backup which I provide so none of them are ever aware of any upgarde being carried out, and I dont bother to let them know anyway so they just focus on their business, which I see as part of the services.