MM9 upgrade or new install

[cway]

I have a MM5.5 customer that wants MM9. Should I upgrade their store or start with a fresh install and export/import everything?
Thanks!
Cameron

[Rick Wilson]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

Upgrading the store is fine, the only thing you miss that way is the template changes (but if you're doing a new design, you'll get them anyway by applying the base framework or picking a Ready Theme).

[lesliekirk]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

Suggestion - if possible, could the link to the template changes be referenced when being mentioned? Yes, I know it's a sticky

[Rick Wilson]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

Leslie,

Here you go: http://www.miva.com/version9-template-changes

It's worth reiterating though, if all you need is the template changes (and you're willing to go to a fresh install) the faster way to get that is to just apply the Version 9 CSSUI Framework.

[Dan - Glendale Designs]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

It's worth reiterating though, if all you need is the template changes (and you're willing to go to a fresh install) the faster way to get that is to just apply the Version 9 CSSUI Framework.

We hope to push out an article on this as we are seeing a lot of confusion in this area, and I feel it had a lot to do with how MM9 was promoted. We literally caught ourselves almost having to argue with certain clients that upgraded their previous stores expecting that all the new features would be point and click, ready to roll for the holidays. When we informed clients of the required template changes, which can be extensive based on the previous customizations made to a given store, we were hit with some serious push back and confusion.

Constructive Criticism: I think Miva should have had a "before you upgrade" article better outlining what MM9 means for existing stores prior to it's release, including the required template changes. The MM9 release announcement that went out seemed to have been interpreted as "everything is point and click" to a number of existing users.

[Rick Wilson]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

Dan,

That's a good suggestion and it's not too late for 90% of our customers.

What all do you think should be in such an email?

[Dan - Glendale Designs]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

What all do you think should be in such an email?

Morning Rick, at a minimum I would say the following topics should be covered:

• MM9 Videos
• Dev stores (let users know dev stores are an option so they can test before transition)
• New feature template changes (I would note that these template changes can become more extensive based on previous customizations/module usage)
• ReadyThemes (must be integrated with existing stores)
• Module compatibility (cover known module issues/upgrades)
• Seats (realize this is a hot topic, but I feel it needs to be clearly stated that upgrading to MM9 is the trigger point)
• Non Compliance (I don't think this has been reiterated/covered in some time)
• A link to Glendale Designs :)

Sure I missed something, but it's a start.

[Rick Wilson]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

That's a big letter but I do think we'll do something along those lines. Sorry, I'll stop hijacking this thread.

[Dan - Glendale Designs]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

How about an email with a link to an article covering all of this? That's where I am considering going if you don't, just so we don't have to explain it all over and over.

[Rick Wilson]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

I think that's a fair solution. A letter, linking to a FAQ/Blog style post.

[lesliekirk]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

LOL - I've added this to my email signature:

Questions about Miva Merchant 9?
Ask me, before you click that button.

[Bruce - PhosphorMedia]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

Well, I'll help with the hi-jacking...

I think the most serious problem is the "Upgrade Available" link. Which, looks exactly like the "Upgrade Available" link for PR8 Release 12--though the outcome if VASTLY different. Its quite apparent, that some store owners have already "just clicked update" cause that's what you've be training them to do. However, this update has a LOT more impact.

You need to somehow get a "Before you update" link in BEFORE they click that Continue button. (And no, just cause you had a billboard inside the admin for 9 months, don't think more than half ever looked at it :))

[Rick Wilson]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

Bruce,

We're sympathetic to that angle, but that would require a PR8 Update 13.

[Bruce - PhosphorMedia]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

yea, been bitten by that scenario before...

[Dan - Glendale Designs]

Re: MM9 upgrade or new install

Completely agree Bruce. Rick, will MM9 updates at least have the "are you sure you want to update" message in the future? (think any "before you upgrade" resources should be displayed at/or before that point)