ProductCart Sunset FAQ

General Sunset Information
Timeline & Key Dates
Hosting & Infrastructure
Licensing & Ownership
Shopify Migration

1. General Sunset Information

Why is ProductCart being discontinued?

ProductCart was first released in 2001 and has served thousands of businesses for over two decades. However, maintaining a proprietary ecommerce platform has become increasingly resource intensive as technology standards, security requirements, and third-party integrations evolve. Modern, plug-and-play systems like Shopify now offer broader functionality, constant updates, and lower long-term ownership costs. To best serve our customers moving forward, we are transitioning our focus from maintaining ProductCart to helping merchants migrate to Shopify.

What does “sunsetting” mean for ProductCart users?

“Sunsetting” means that ProductCart will no longer be developed or supported as an active product. NetSource will no longer host ProductCart sites effective January 11, 2027. During that period, customers will have full access to their data and the opportunity to transition to a new platform with our assistance.

Will this affect all versions of ProductCart?

Yes. All versions of ProductCart, including Standard, Configurator (also known as Build to Order), Configurator+, and legacy editions, will be sunsetted.

What if I don’t do ecommerce on my site and only use ProductCart for inventory listings? Can I still host with NetSource after January 2027?

No. NetSource will discontinue hosting all ProductCart installations, including non-commerce uses, after January 11, 2027.

Is there a replacement or migration path available?

Yes. NetSource will offer paid, professional migration services to Shopify, which we’ve identified as a flexible, reliable, and cost-effective solution for most ProductCart users. If you choose NetSource to build your new Shopify site, migration is included in the project cost. If you plan to move to another platform or provider, migration assistance is available as a separate paid service.

Why was Shopify chosen as the preferred alternative?

Shopify is a fully hosted ecommerce solution that includes built-in security, PCI compliance, automatic updates, and thousands of apps for customization. It removes the burden of software maintenance and provides tools that most merchants previously had to pay developers to implement manually in ProductCart.

What about Subscription Bridge accounts?

ProductCart’s Subscription Bridge service will also be retired. Shopify offers built-in subscription functionality through its app ecosystem, allowing you to manage recurring payments directly within your new store. We’ll help you identify the best replacement during migration planning.

How does this change benefit merchants?

This transition allows you to operate on a modern platform that is faster, more secure, and constantly improving. It also reduces long-term maintenance costs and eliminates many of the technical dependencies that ProductCart requires.

Does this mean NetSource or ProductCart is going out of business?

No. NetSource Technologies and NetSource Media remain fully operational. We are simply retiring ProductCart to focus on modern, scalable ecommerce platforms that deliver better long-term value for our customers.

2. Timeline & Key Dates

When will new ProductCart licenses stop being sold?

New ProductCart licenses are no longer being sold.

When will ProductCart stop receiving updates or patches?

No new versions or updates will be released. ProductCart 5.5 is the final version. However, if a security issue arises between now and January 11, 2027, NetSource will assess the risk and release a patch if necessary to protect merchants still operating on the platform.

When will technical support end?

Technical support for active ProductCart merchants will continue through January 11, 2027. After that, we will no longer provide bug fixes or troubleshooting assistance, but we will continue offering paid migration help.

When will ProductCart hosting be discontinued?

Hosting for ProductCart websites managed by NetSource will end on January 11, 2027.

3. Hosting & Infrastructure

What happens to ProductCart sites currently hosted by NetSource?

Sites will remain live through the transition period, but all ProductCart hosting and server maintenance will end on January 11, 2027. Merchants should have a migration plan in place well before this date to avoid service interruption. NetSource recommends beginning your transition as early as possible. Our team can assist with migration planning and scheduling to ensure a smooth changeover.

Can we continue hosting our ProductCart site somewhere else?

Yes, if you own a ProductCart license, you may continue to run ProductCart website elsewhere. However, please note that NetSource will no longer issue updates, patches, or technical support after January 11, 2027. If your site experiences technical issues after that date, NetSource will not be able to provide repairs or troubleshooting assistance.

Will NetSource still offer custom programming for ProductCart if or when needed?

No, NetSource will no longer provide custom programming, modifications, or feature enhancements for ProductCart.

Will NetSource still provide the onboarding process for my shipping carrier and payment gateways?

No. NetSource will not offer setup or onboarding services for shipping carriers or payment gateways in ProductCart. Those integrations should be updated or reestablished on your new ecommerce platform prior to January 11, 2027.

Will NetSource still provide the tax API?

No. The ProductCart tax API and related services will be discontinued after January 11, 2027. Merchants will need to configure tax settings directly within their new ecommerce platform.

Will NetSource assist with data migration?

Yes. NetSource offers migration assistance as part of our Shopify website builds. If you choose NetSource to create your new Shopify site, the migration work is included in your project cost. If you plan to move to a different platform or work with another provider, migration support is available as a separate paid service. Our goal is to ensure a smooth transition no matter which path you choose.

What will happen to my SSL certificate when hosting ends?

SSL certificates managed through NetSource hosting will be discontinued after January 11, 2027. If you move your website to Shopify, SSL is included automatically in all Shopify plans. If you choose another hosting provider, you’ll need to contact that host directly for details on how they handle SSL setup and renewals.

What will happen to my email accounts?

Email services managed through NetSource hosting will end on January 11, 2027. However, NetSource can continue to provide email hosting separately from your website if you choose to keep your email services with us. Please contact NetSource for available options and pricing prior to the hosting end date to ensure uninterrupted email service.

What will happen to my ProductCart database and stored data?

All data, including product, customer, and order information, should be exported and downloaded before January 11, 2027. Merchants already have access to this information through their ProductCart control panel and can generate the necessary exports at any time.

What will happen to my domain name?

Your domain name registration is independent of ProductCart and will not be affected by the sunset. If your domain is registered through NetSource, we can continue to manage it for you or help transfer it to another registrar of your choice. If your domain is registered elsewhere, contact your registrar directly to ensure your DNS settings are updated when your new website goes live.

What if my ProductCart site integrates with other systems or has modifications?

If you choose to work with NetSource to build your new Shopify site, our team will review any existing integrations with you as part of your migration plan. Many modern platforms, including Shopify, offer built-in integrations or third-party apps that can replace older custom connections and modifications. If you migrate independently or to another platform, you’ll need to work with your new provider to evaluate and rebuild those integrations.

How will my existing SEO performance be handled during the migration?

When launching any new website, whether on the same platform or a different one, some fluctuation in search rankings is expected. However, much of your SEO value, including domain authority, backlinks, and high-quality content, can carry over when the migration is handled correctly. NetSource takes care to preserve your site structure, redirect old URLs, and maintain critical on-page elements to minimize disruption and help your visibility recover quickly after launch. If you migrate independently, we strongly recommend implementing 301 redirects and maintaining your content structure to protect rankings.

4. Licensing & Ownership

Do I still own my ProductCart license after the sunset?

Yes. Your license remains valid for your existing installation, even after ProductCart is sunset. You may continue using it, but there will be no further updates, reactivations, or support.

Will license keys continue to work after the sunset?

Existing license keys will continue functioning for current installations.

Will you issue refunds or credits for unused license or maintenance time?

Refunds will not be issued for perpetual licenses but hosting or maintenance contracts will be prorated as applicable through their end dates.

Can I still download my ProductCart installation files or backups?

Yes. Customers have access to download their ProductCart files, databases, and license information through the control panel. We strongly recommend keeping an archive for your records. NetSource will not be able to provide copies of these after January 11, 2027.

5. Shopify Migration

How much will it cost to migrate to Shopify?

Costs vary depending on your site’s size, features, and customization needs. For merchants who choose NetSource to build their new Shopify site, migration is included in the website project cost. If you choose another provider or platform, migration assistance is available as a separate paid service.

How long does it take to migrate to Shopify?

Typical migration timelines range from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of your current ProductCart site, the number of products, and any custom features. Projects will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend starting your migration early to secure a place in our production queue. A detailed project plan and timeline will be provided once your site is reviewed.

Can I do my own design (DIY) in Shopify?

Yes. Shopify offers a user-friendly visual editor that allows merchants to customize layouts, images, and text without coding. You can choose to handle your design in-house or have NetSource assist with setup, customization, and optimization.

Will I still be able to use QuickBooks with Shopify?

Yes. Shopify integrates with QuickBooks through official apps that handle order syncing, inventory updates, and reporting. We’ll help connect your accounting system during setup to ensure a smooth transition.

Are there pre-built design templates I can use in Shopify to keep design costs down?

Yes. Shopify offers a large selection of professionally designed themes, both free and paid, that can be customized to match your brand. Using a pre-built template can help reduce design and development time during your migration.

Can my apparel mod or configurator setup transfer to Shopify?

Shopify supports product customization through a variety of third-party apps or custom development. We’ll review your current setup during migration planning and recommend the best approach to replicate or improve your configurator features on Shopify.

We appreciate your trust in NetSource and remain committed to helping your business succeed online for years to come. If you’d like to discuss migration options or get started planning your transition, please contact us. Our team is ready to help guide you through the process.