In release notes 218-219, we introduced several key improvements aimed at optimizing content delivery, enhancing partner-specific exports, and refining platform usability. Our latest updates focus on the distribution of partner-specific descriptions and bullet points, taking the first steps in the creation of partner-specific Product Story, and improving various aspects of the Icecat platform. For additional details, please refer to the previous Icecat Release Notes.
We are excited to introduce a new enhancement in channel partner-specific content export. In this sprint, we have extended our content distribution capabilities, allowing partners to receive taxonomy-specific descriptions and bullet points seamlessly.
Previously, we introduced functionality that assigns channel partners to specific taxonomies. Now, with this latest update, if a partner is assigned to a taxonomy and a product has taxonomy-specific content, the export files will include this content instead of the regular Icecat content. This enhancement ensures that brands can efficiently distribute content tailored to specific partners.
Partner-specific descriptions and bullet points are now available in the following export formats:
For XML and JSON formats, we have introduced a new “TaxonomyName” attribute (XML) and key (JSON) to indicate that the content is taxonomy-specific. However, this parameter is not included in CSV, PCF, or Live HTML exports.
This update does not require any modifications from partners who already integrate with Icecat. The partner-specific content will be delivered automatically in place of the regular Description or Bullet Points, ensuring a smooth transition without additional implementation efforts.
To ensure efficient content distribution, Icecat follows a structured fallback mechanism:
This approach guarantees that partners always receive the best available content while maintaining consistency and prioritization.
With this release, we take another step toward enhancing content personalization, helping brands deliver the right product information to the right partners effortlessly.
In this sprint, we have introduced a significant enhancement to the Product Story feature in the Icecat system. This update opens the possibility to create Channel partner-specific Product Stories, enabling brands and channel partners to provide exclusive content for specific partners.
A Product Story is an enriched multimedia asset that enhances the product experience with engaging narratives, images, and videos. Previously, Product Stories were available to all brand audiences. With this new update, brands can now create Product Stories tailored for specific channel partners. Additionally, channel partners themselves may create exclusive Product Stories that are accessible only to their organization.
This marks the first step toward enabling partner-specific storytelling within Icecat, allowing for more personalized product content distribution.
To support this functionality, we have extended the Multimedia REST API with a new parameter specifically for the Product Story multimedia object type. This parameter is applicable to both versions of Product Story: Product Story 1.0 and Product Story 2.0.
To maintain consistency and prevent duplication, we have established a strict rule: for any single product and one locale, the system allows only one set of Product Story 1.0 and Product Story 2.0. This rule extends to partner-specific Product Stories, meaning that for one product, within one external taxonomy, and for one locale, there can only be one set of Product Story 1.0 and Product Story 2.0.
Additionally, we have enhanced the Brand Cloud Product Page by introducing a new “Taxonomy” column in the Multimedia Objects section. This column allows users to view and manage Product Stories that have been created for specific partners, providing better visibility into partner-specific content.
It is important to note that Brand Cloud users cannot add or modify Product Stories directly from Brand Cloud. All Product Story management, including the creation and editing of partner-specific Product Stories, is exclusively available through Icecat Studio. This ensures centralized control over content while maintaining a structured and streamlined workflow for brands and partners.
Looking ahead, we will focus on enabling the export of partner-specific Product Stories to partners, ensuring seamless content distribution. These improvements will streamline content sharing and strengthen collaboration between brands and their partners.
We have enhanced the External Taxonomy page by adding more tooltips about Taxonomy settings and their connection with the export files.
To prevent unintended disruptions in content distribution, we have introduced tooltips and messaging alerts for the following actions: changing the Taxonomy name, disabling the description functionality for a specific taxonomy, and disabling an entire taxonomy.
These updates ensure better awareness and control over taxonomy management, preventing accidental content distribution issues.
A new “Relations” block has been added to the Organization pages in Icecat Brand Cloud. This section provides an overview of the organization’s connections to brands, categorizing them as Brand Owner, Licensee, and Representative.
This information is essential for decision-making, helping users manage and understand brand relationships more effectively.
We have introduced a new filter in the Editor Journal – Active products. This filter allows users to display only products that are currently available in distributor partners’ feeds, streamlining product management.
Additionally, we have implemented sorting functionality in the all Editor Journal tables: Editors list, Distributors list, Products list
To reset any applied sorting or filters, users can click on the “Reset Filters” button.
We have resolved a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability on the icecat.biz portal, enhancing platform security and protecting against potential exploits.
Additionally, we optimized user session handling, leading to a more seamless user experience. Previously, some new functionalities required users to clear cookies or cache for proper operation. With this improvement, users can now navigate the platform more smoothly, especially after feature updates, without encountering session-related issues.
With these enhancements, we continue to strengthen our platform’s ability to deliver tailored content efficiently while ensuring a secure and user-friendly environment. As we move forward, we will focus on further refining content distribution mechanisms and improving collaboration between brands and their partners.
Read further: Icecat, development updates, icecat release notes
