OpenUI - the other user interface

Order the OpenUI

The Open User Interface (OpenUI) is an alternate user interface that can be used with Miva Merchant versions 2.0 and higher.

A user interface is what controls how the store functions and, as a result, how it looks and feels. Thus, the term "Look and Feel."

Before changing to the OpenUI, there are things to consider. Be sure to read this entire section so you have a clear understanding.

In a Nutshell...
By default, Miva Merchant uses the Miva Merchant Look & Feel (MMUI). The mmui.mv is one large file that contains all of the core functionality coding in order for your store to operate as a store. Additional files, called modules, "plug in" to Miva Merchant, allowing other things to happen.

For example, the meremail.mv module tells Miva Merchant to send an order confirmation email to the merchant. The stdacct.mv module tells Miva Merchant to allow for the running and display of a batch report.

Third-party modules (modules created by developers other than Miva Corp.) must also "plug in" to Miva Merchant. However, under the MMUI, this usually requires coding changes. For example, in order to install a coupon redemption module, not only must the module itself be installed, but coding must be done to the MMUI file.

The OpenUI instead uses one core UI file and several supporting files. The OpenUI uses "hook points," which allows developers to create modules that "hook in" to Miva Merchant. Therefore, while a MMUI store will require coding for the Coupon module to prompt a user to enter the coupon code, the OpenUI version of the same module will "hook in." In layman's terms, the developer will have the coupon module tell the OpenUI where to display this information.

Since the OpenUI modules are using hook points, they can simply be installed to the store and used immediately requiring no additional coding to the core MMUI file. In fact, once the OpenUI is installed properly, the MMUI is not even used.

Benefits of the OpenUI...
The most prominent advantage of using the OpenUI is the ability to install stock features with little experience and not lose them when you upgrade.

With each new release of Miva Merchant - whether it be a complete upgrade or an update to an existing version - the MMUI file is overwritten. This means in order to keep any changes made to the store, someone will need to recode the new mmui.mv.

With the OpenUI, the changes will not be lost. This is because the OpenUI uses hook points to call features in. Now, the third-party module may have to be upgraded, but since there were no coding changes that had to be made to make the module work, there are none overwritten.

Note: Though no changes will need to be made to make the upgraded third-party modules function as described, any previously customized third-party modules may require additional work in order to "look and feel" the same as before.

Another advantage of the OpenUI is the several additional features that are available as modules. Many new "look and feel" modules are available for the OpenUI. This is because any "look and feel" changes on an MMUI store will need to be hard-coded into the MMUI.

For example, DesignExtend.com offers a Plug N Play pack which includes a module that will remove the shipping weight from display on the product screen. In the MMUI, this needs to be commented out with coding. While before you might have to hire a developer to work on the MMUI file, now you can simply install a module and activate it in the store and instantly see the change.

Overall Changes...
The OpenUI does not make Miva Merchant itself look, feel or act any differently. In a straight-Miva Merchant store that includes no third-party add-ons, the same functionality available in an MMUI store is available in the OpenUI environment.

The administrative area for Miva Merchant will also operate the same.

OpenUI Concerns...
While there are advantages, there are also potential disadvantages. Here are some of the issues we have been faced with.

Speed...
Some shared servers on shared hosting environments have noticed slow down after installing the OpenUI. This is due to several Miva Merchant sites being hooked into one Empresa engine (which is required to run Miva Merchant), and server's not being configured to handle such multiple requests.

Generally, all stores will see a minute decrease in speed. In many cases this decrease is not enough to notice.

Also, stores that have scores of modules will notice more of a decrease than those with a few. However, this is due to the fact that more items need to be processed before Miva Merchant can return the page to the visitor. Again, it is usually not a major concern, but can be one on some shared hosting environments depending on the amount of traffic and server configuration.

If you have a concern about this, you should contact your host and ask for example sites that use the OpenUI.

Confliction
Since the OpenUI uses "hook points" for nearly each specific task that is otherwise outlined in the MMUI, two modules that use the same "hook points" may conflict with each other. This depends on the module and the module developer.

OpenUI Installation Issues...
While the Open Look & Feel's installation instructions are similar to those of any Miva Merchant module, there are specific steps to take and issues you may face. Read our OpenUI Installation Tips for further information.

Getting the OpenUI...
You can order the OpenUI at the DesignExtend.com store.

Discussing Issues...
Our User-to-User Message Boards is a place to discuss anything regarding Miva Merchant.

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