LI75373: CMVC 199423 - CORRECT INCORRECT DATA BEING POPULATED IN USRTRAFFIC.REFURL

WebSphere Commerce Version 6.0.0.10 Fix Pack
WebSphere Commerce Version 6.0.0.11 Fix Pack

APAR status

• Closed as program error.

Error description

• IBM WebSphere Commerce provides a user traffic log to collect
  data related to the activity of users on the e-commerce site.
  The data is stored in the USRTRAFFIC database table. This data
  can later be mined for the customer's own business purposes
  (reporting). By quantifying and qualifying users' activities in
  the store, you can characterize and understand browsing and
  buying patterns and changing consumer trends.
  
  In WebSphere Commerce Version 6, the REFERRER cookie does not
  refresh correctly and always returns the initial referral URL.
  There are two issues with the behavior of the REFERRER cookie.
  
  Issue #1:
  The scenario is as follows:
  
  Step 1. A user searches for a product from search engine A, and
  follows the link to the store.
  Step 2. The WebSphere Commerce server returns search engine A's
  URL as the referral URL.
  Step 3. From the same browser, the user searches for a product
  from search engine B, and follows the link to the store.
  Step 4. The WebSphere Commerce server still returns search
  engine A's URL instead of search engine B's URL as the referral
  URL.
  
  Issue #2.
  Cookies are set in the user's browser as part of the server
  response to the browser's request. As a result, the server
  cannot use the cookie value on a first request because the
  cookie is not set in the browser yet.
  
  This APAR resolves the following two issues:
  1.The REFERRER cookie now updates its value properly.
  2.To make the cookie value accessible on the same request that
  sets its value, the cookie can be accessed throught the Audit
  Context.
  
  In addition, the values for the cookie are now URL encoded. This
  will ensure correctness in all browsers if special characters
  are present in the URL.
  

Local fix

Problem summary

• USERS AFFECTED:
  WebSphere Commerce users on V6 who use UserTrafficEvent to store
  referral data into USRTRAFFIC.REFURL data.
  
  PROBLEM ABSTRACT:
  WebSphere Commerce v6.0.0.7 is storing incorrect data in
  USRTRAFFIC.REFURL field, and it is not reflecting the referring
  site properly.
  
  BUSINESS IMPACT:
  This feature is necessary for Google AdWords optimisation.
  
  RECOMMENDATION:
  

Problem conclusion

• The interim fix associated with this APAR changes the REFERRER
  cookie management code and ensures it detects changes in the
  referrer domain. These changes are confined to REFERRER cookie
  management; minimizing the risk involved with this update.
  
  There are no special installation instructions. The readme file
  supplied with this APAR provides details regarding how to create
  additional entries to the WebSphere Commerce configuration file
  if changes to the expiration of the REFERRER cookie are
  required.
  
  
  -------------------------------------------------------------
  The latest available maintenance information can be obtained
  from the Recommended Fixes for WebSphere Commerce technote:
  http://www.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?rs=3046&uid=swg21261296
  

Temporary fix

Comments

APAR Information

• APAR is sysrouted FROM one or more of the following:

• APAR is sysrouted TO one or more of the following:

Fix information

• Fixed component name

  WC BUS ED ILINU

• Fixed component ID

  5724I3804

Applicable component levels

• R600 PSY

     UP