A store archive file (.sar) is a ZIP archive file that contains all the assets necessary to create a store or site. It is primarily used as a vehicle for packaging and delivering stores. You only need to publish a store archive to the commerce server to create a functioning store or site that you can view, browse, and shop.
Store archive files are also used to
package and deliver organization structures, predefined user roles, and access
control policies necessary to create the environment for your store or site, as
well as to package collections of assets used to create a catalog or
storefront.
WebSphere Commerce includes several sample store archives on which you can base your store. For a list of the sample store archives available with WebSphere Commerce, see Sample store archives (Business Edition).
For more detailed information on the composition of sample store archives included with WebSphere Commerce, see the WebSphere Commerce Sample Store Guide. For more information on how store archives work, as well as how to package your store as an archive, see the WebSphere Commerce Store Development Guide.