Meet Magento Florida & Beyond: A Conversation with Ravi Mittal

September 23, 2024September 12, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

In this blog post, inspired by my recent podcast conversation with Ravi Mittal, a leading figure in the Magento world, we delve into the dynamic landscape of Magento ecommerce. Ravi, the driving force behind Rave Digital, Aheadworks, and the successful Meet Magento Florida event, shared invaluable insights into Magento’s strengths, the importance of community, and the future of this versatile platform. Let’s explore the key takeaways from our discussion.

Magento: A Platform Built for Growth and Flexibility

Ravi’s extensive experience in the Magento ecosystem, dating back to 2008, has given him a unique perspective. He emphasizes the “rent vs. own” analogy, highlighting that with Magento, you’re not just leasing a platform—you own the code, the data, and the customer relationships. This ownership empowers businesses to adapt, grow, and evolve without being bound by platform limitations.

From my own experience, I’ve seen this flexibility firsthand. I’ve worked with many ecommerce platforms, and Magento’s ability to handle complex business requirements and customization is truly remarkable. This opens doors for businesses to create truly unique experiences for their customers.

The Power of Community and Meet Magento Florida

Ravi’s passion for the Magento community shines through in his efforts with Meet Magento Florida. He’s recreated the vibrant energy of Magento Imagine in a more accessible and engaging format. His motivation for creating this event is simple: the joy of fostering a strong community and providing a platform for knowledge sharing and growth.

I’ve had the pleasure of attending several Magento events over the years, and I agree that fostering a strong community is vital. Ravi’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere is evident. He encourages merchants and developers alike, regardless of their platform experience, to attend and contribute to this active and supportive community. The excursions and extra-curricular activities are fantastic examples of creating a ‘full experience’, which he was inspired to create by my own experience running at Magento Imagine. I agree that these elements help sponsors find greater ROI and help attendees enjoy the event beyond the scheduled sessions.

The Role of the Magento Association

Ravi highlights the critical role of the Magento Association in safeguarding the future of Magento’s open-source foundation. The association acts as a bridge between the community and Adobe, advocating for open-source features and ensuring the platform remains accessible and robust for a vast community of developers and merchants.

I wholeheartedly agree that a dedicated advocate for the open-source project is crucial. It’s important for developers, especially, to recognize the value of supporting the Magento Association. Their efforts help ensure a thriving ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.

Magento’s Future: Open, Adaptable, and Community-Driven

Ravi’s belief in Magento’s open-source ethos and the power of a thriving community are truly inspiring. He views Magento as a platform that caters to both the needs of free and paid users, offering a flexible solution for businesses of all sizes. The platform’s strength lies in its adaptability, customization, and the powerful community that drives innovation.

As we wrapped up our conversation, Ravi shared a final thought: “Just attend Meet Magento Florida!” I can’t agree more. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with the community, learn about the latest trends and advancements, and contribute to the growth of the Magento ecosystem.

Want to learn more about Magento and the thriving community around it? Be sure to listen to the full podcast episode with Ravi Mittal on Talk Commerce.

I hope you enjoyed this glimpse into the world of Magento!

Click here for more podcasts about Meet Magento

Meet Magento Malaysia: A Hub for Southeast Asian Commerce

August 26, 2024August 18, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

Hey Commerce fans! This week on Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of chatting with Muliadi Jeo, the CTO of CirClo and a driving force behind Meet Magento events in Southeast Asia. We dove into the exciting upcoming Meet Magento Malaysia, the importance of the Magento Association, and the enduring strength of the Magento community. Muliadi’s passion for Magento and his dedication to fostering its growth in the region is truly inspiring. Let’s dive into the highlights of our conversation!

A New Chapter for Magento in Malaysia

Muliadi shared the exciting news about the upcoming Meet Magento Malaysia, taking place on August 27th. He explained how he saw a need for a dedicated Magento event in Malaysia, a central hub between Singapore and Indonesia, and how the event will cater specifically to the needs of the Malaysian Magento community.

This really resonated with me. I remember the early days of Meet Magento events, and how challenging it could be to gain traction. Starting smaller and focusing on local needs is a fantastic strategy, and I applaud Muliadi’s vision for building a strong foundation for the Magento community in Malaysia.

The Power of Localized Events

Muliadi emphasized the importance of prioritizing local needs and building a strong local ecosystem. Meet Magento Malaysia will focus on connecting Malaysian merchants with local payment partners, shipping providers, and other key players in the ecommerce landscape.

I think this is a crucial aspect of building a thriving community. While large-scale events have their place, smaller, localized gatherings allow for more intimate networking and knowledge sharing, fostering deeper connections within the community.

The Magento Association: Connecting and Empowering

A Vital Resource for the Community

We also discussed the Magento Association and its role in supporting the Magento community. Muliadi highlighted the importance of the Association as a forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and advocacy.

I couldn’t agree more. The Magento Association provides a valuable platform for Magento users, developers, and partners to connect, learn, and contribute to the growth of the platform.

The Strength of the Magento Community

Throughout our conversation, Muliadi’s passion for the Magento community shone through. He spoke about the unique camaraderie and collaborative spirit that sets the Magento community apart.

Having been involved in both the Magento and Shopify communities, I can attest to the special bond within the Magento ecosystem. The willingness to share knowledge, help each other, and push the boundaries of what’s possible is truly remarkable.

It was a pleasure chatting with Muliadi about the exciting developments in the Southeast Asian Magento community. Meet Magento Malaysia promises to be a fantastic event, and I encourage anyone in the region to attend. The Magento community continues to thrive, driven by passionate individuals like Muliadi who are dedicated to its growth and success.

To learn more about Meet Magento Malaysia, visit meetmagento.asia. And be sure to listen to the full podcast episode for even more insights from Muliadi!

What are your thoughts on the future of the Magento community? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Learn More about the Magento Association

Adventure Racing to E-commerce: Insights from Magento Master Kuba Zwolinski

August 21, 2024August 16, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

In this special episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Kuba Zwolinski, a true Magento community veteran and the mastermind behind Meet Magento Poland. Kuba’s journey in the e-commerce world is as adventurous as his passion for outdoor activities. From introducing Magento to Poland in 2009 to running a successful commerce support agency, Snowdog, Kuba’s insights are as refreshing as a swim in a mountain lake during a swimrun event.

The Birth of Magento in Poland

Kuba’s story with Magento begins in 2009 when he single-handedly introduced the platform to Poland. He recalls, “I did the first translation to Polish language, so made it more useful for the market.” This initiative kickstarted a journey that would see him become a four-time Magento Master and a pivotal figure in the Polish e-commerce landscape.

As someone who’s witnessed the evolution of Magento firsthand, I can attest to the impact of such grassroots efforts in shaping our community. It’s these passionate individuals who truly drive innovation and adoption in our ecosystem.

Meet Magento Poland: A Decade of Community Building

One of Kuba’s proudest achievements is organizing ten editions of Meet Magento Poland. “We had guests from all over the world, from so many continents,” he shared enthusiastically. The event has become a cornerstone of the Magento community calendar, known for its innovative formats and international flair.

I’ve had the privilege of attending Meet Magento Poland, and I can vouch for its status as a premier event. Kuba’s attention to detail extends beyond the conference halls, creating memorable experiences that showcase the best of Poland alongside cutting-edge e-commerce discussions.

The Return of Meet Magento Poland

After a two-year hiatus, Kuba announced the comeback of Meet Magento Poland, scheduled for September 30th and October 1st in Pozna?. The event promises a fresh format with two distinct focuses:

Day One: Business case studies featuring merchants on stage
Day Two: Community ecosystem discussions and panels

What excites me most about this format is the emphasis on real-world merchant experiences. As Kuba puts it, “That should make it a little bit more, you know, realistic.” It’s this kind of practical insight that can truly elevate our understanding of e-commerce challenges and solutions.

Meet Commerce: Broadening the Horizon

Recognizing the need for a more inclusive platform, Kuba introduced Meet Commerce, an event that goes beyond Magento to explore the broader e-commerce landscape. “It’s challenging because of course every platform is competing. So when we put them all on stage, it’s really hard to make it a peaceful conversation,” Kuba admitted.

As someone who’s always advocated for cross-platform learning, I find this initiative particularly valuable. It reminds me of the importance of staying open to new ideas and solutions, regardless of our primary platform allegiance.

The Importance of Community Support

Our conversation naturally led to the role of the Magento Association. Kuba emphasized the need for an independent organization to support the open-source ecosystem: “Every open source needs an independent organization that will take care of it because Magento is right now a product of Adobe, but company has its own goals and open source should have some independent support.”

I couldn’t agree more. The strength of our community lies in its ability to self-organize and advocate for the platform’s future. It’s why I’ve been involved with the Magento Association and why I encourage everyone in our ecosystem to consider joining.

Adventure Racing: The Other Side of Kuba

What truly sets Kuba apart is his passion for adventure racing. “I’m practicing a niche sport called adventure racing, which basically means running with compass and biking and paddling somewhere in the wild,” he explained. This spirit of adventure seems to infuse his approach to business and community building as well.

Kuba’s introduction of swimrun to me is a perfect example of how our community extends beyond just e-commerce. It’s these personal connections and shared experiences that make the Magento ecosystem so unique and vibrant.

As our conversation wrapped up, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Kuba’s multifaceted approach to life and business. From organizing world-class e-commerce events to volunteering in mountain rescue services, Kuba Zwolinski embodies the spirit of adventure and community that makes the Magento ecosystem so special.

Whether you’re a seasoned Magento developer or new to the world of e-commerce, there’s something to learn from Kuba’s journey. And if you’re looking to expand your horizons, both professionally and personally, keep an eye out for the upcoming Meet Magento Poland and Meet Commerce events. Who knows, you might find yourself discussing the future of e-commerce one day and planning an adventure race the next!

Remember, in the world of e-commerce and open-source communities, the adventure never really ends. It just takes on new forms, much like Kuba’s journey from mountain trails to digital marketplaces.

Click here for more post about Magento

The Future of Magento with Sanne Bolkenstein

September 12, 2024July 29, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

In this episode of Talk Commerce, I had the pleasure of chatting with Sanne Bolkenstein, Commercial Director at Hyva. We dove deep into the world of Magento, exploring the challenges it faces, the innovative solutions Hyva offers, and the exciting potential of MageOS for the platform’s future. Sanne’s insights were incredibly valuable, and this blog post summarizes the key takeaways from our conversation, including my personal reflections on the Magento landscape.

Magento’s Performance Woes and Hyva’s Solution

One of the major issues Sanne and I discussed is the performance of many Magento sites. I believe that a significant percentage of Magento stores are quite slow, and this is a big problem for merchants. Sanne highlighted how the default Luma front-end, which is over a decade old, can lead to frustrating development times and impact performance. This frustration, shared by many Magento developers, was what led Willem Wigman to create Hyva.

Hyva, with its Hoover front-end, aims to address these challenges head-on. As Sanne explained, Hoover offers a lightweight and efficient solution compared to Luma, with fewer dependencies and significantly improved performance. This leads to faster loading times, a better user experience, and reduced development costs for merchants. I’ve heard similar feedback from others in the community, which solidifies my belief that Hyva can be a game-changer for many Magento sites.

Hyva vs. PWA Studio & Luma: A Clear Choice?

Naturally, we discussed Hyva in relation to other solutions like PWA Studio and sticking with Luma. Sanne’s perspective was clear: PWA Studio is in maintenance mode, and choosing it wouldn’t be the best decision for most merchants. As for Luma, she couldn’t fathom why anyone would opt for it considering the performance and development drawbacks. I personally agree with Sanne that, for Magento users, especially those seeking improved performance, Hyva is a much more attractive and cost-effective solution.

The Magento Community: A European Perspective

During our conversation, Sanne and I discussed the differences in the Magento community between Europe and the US. I’ve noticed a sense that the US community is perhaps not as vibrant or as actively involved as the European community. Sanne highlighted the collaborative and trusting environment in the European Magento community, with agencies even working together despite being competitors.

This collaborative approach is inspiring, and it made me think about how we can foster a stronger sense of community in the US. Sanne’s advice to start small with Magento meetups and events is something I’d like to see more of. Maybe we need to embrace a more organic approach, starting with smaller, more focused events, rather than aiming for massive gatherings.

The Rise of MageOS: A Hope for Magento’s Future

Sanne and I also discussed the growing significance of MageOS, a community-driven initiative that aims to ensure the long-term viability of Magento. I was initially skeptical of the MageOS fork but have since changed my perspective. The lack of innovation in the core Magento product from Adobe is a concern for many in the community, and MageOS is a powerful response to this issue.

Sanne emphasized that MageOS empowers the community to drive innovation, which is crucial to Magento’s future. She believes that features currently available in Adobe Commerce, but potentially not prioritized in the future, can be incorporated into MageOS, offering Magento users a greater range of options. I agree that MageOS is an exciting development, and I’m eager to see how it shapes the future of the platform.

Conclusion: Embracing the Community & Innovation

The conversation with Sanne was insightful and inspiring. It reinforced the importance of community, innovation, and recognizing the need for more diversity in the Magento world. It’s clear that Magento is a dynamic platform with both challenges and opportunities.

Hyva offers a fantastic front-end solution for those seeking improved performance and developer efficiency. And MageOS presents a beacon of hope for the future of Magento, ensuring its continued relevance and innovation through a community-driven approach.

I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode to gain a deeper understanding of Hyva, MageOS, and the current state of the Magento landscape. Thanks for joining me on this journey!

See these episodes for more insight into Hyva

Navigating Challenges and Embracing Collaboration: Insights from Matthias Schreiber

January 22, 2024January 10, 2024 Brent W. Peterson

Join the insightful journey with Matthias Schreiber on “Talk Commerce” as we delve into the open source ecosystem, Magento’s evolution, and the collaborative future of e-commerce.

The 411 on the Magento Community

October 20, 2023 Nicolas Bailliache

The Magento community provides a rock-solid foundation for the continued success of the platform. The connections, collaboration, and shared vision of community members give Magento unique advantages.