Installing the Melbis Shop Client

The Melbis Shop platform is based on a unique hybrid architecture and consists of two essential parts: the server core and the local client application. As its name suggests, the server core is installed and deployed directly on your remote server. It is shared across the entire project, handles global database storage, and manages interaction with customers on the website (we will cover it in more detail later). For now, our main task is to focus on the Melbis Shop client side, which will become your primary working tool.

Unlike the server core, which exists strictly as a single instance, the Melbis Shop client application can be used in multiple copies. It is installed on the local computers or laptops of every employee in your company who has access to process management: from the business owner and chief administrators to content managers, logistics staff, and support operators. It is through the client application that high-speed batch work with your remote server is performed, where the main database is stored. The main technical requirement for stable operation of the application is a computer running Windows (all modern versions are supported).

Step 1. Downloading and installing the distribution package

First of all, we need to obtain the official and secure installation package of the program. To do this, go to the official Melbis website and open the specialized downloads section "Installation Packages": https://melbis.com/en/download/

On this page, you will see a chronological list of all released versions of the Melbis Shop software suite. You will need the latest and most up-to-date platform build (it is usually at the very top of the list), as it contains the newest performance optimizations, fixes, and tools. Click the download button for the executable EXE file, and it will be saved to your hard drive.

Once the download is complete, run the installer file you received. A standard and intuitive Windows installation wizard will appear on the screen. Simply follow its step-by-step prompts by clicking the “Next” button. For most users, the default standard configuration offered by the system will be ideal. The file copying process will take only a few seconds.


Step 2. Initializing and configuring the local database

After the installation is complete, find the program shortcut on your desktop and launch it. On the very first startup, Melbis Shop will automatically open a dialog window for creating the local database of your online store. The architecture of our platform is designed to be very flexible: if you own an entire network of projects, you will be able to manage all your stores from this single client application. However, keep in mind that for each individual website, you will need to initialize its own separate local database. 

What exactly is a local database? In essence, it is your personal temporary storage (a buffer or “smart cache”) directly on your computer. The client application downloads the required set of data from the main server database into this local database so that you can instantly edit thousands of products, prices, and attributes without delays and without constantly waiting for a response from the internet. You do not need to worry at all about the safety or backup of these local files — this is only a temporary working snapshot. If something happens to your computer, all data can be easily and completely restored from the server the next time you connect. Nevertheless, you still need to allocate the right location on the disk for this database. 

By default, we strongly recommend placing the local database in any empty folder you create yourself, but NOT on the system drive C:/. This is a critically important nuance related to the particular sensitivity of the Windows operating system (including User Account Control, UAC, mechanisms). Windows treats the C:/ drive as a strictly system area and, for security reasons, may block or restrict background file writing by the application, which will lead to errors. If your computer is configured in such a way that the system has only one physical drive C:/, you will definitely need to make it a rule to always run the Melbis Shop shortcut as an administrator (right-click — “Run as administrator”).

When all directories have been specified and the paths selected, click the "Start" button to continue the file initialization process.


Step 3. Configuring connection parameters for the remote store

The following configuration window will open, in which the program will ask you to specify the connection parameters for your remote store. This includes the project web address, as well as the unique user login and password for authorization in the system.

Carefully fill out the form provided by entering the following initial values:

In addition, in the same interface you can switch to the adjacent tab called "Connection settings". This section contains the network data exchange parameters. The Melbis Shop developers have provided convenient presets here: you can simply click the button that visually matches the current speed of your internet connection. The program will automatically adapt packet sizes and traffic compression algorithms to your communication channel. This is part of our signature traffic minimization philosophy, which allows comfortable work even on unstable mobile internet. This setting is not fixed — you can adjust it at any time in the future.


When all fields are filled in, click the "Save" button. The program will save the configuration profile, automatically open the main manager window, and make its first attempt to contact the remote server. Naturally, at this stage the connection will temporarily fail, because your purchased server is still completely clean, and it does not yet have the most important component — the server core. We need to prepare the server environment and deploy the Melbis Shop platform core. This technical process is covered in the next detailed step of our documentation: Melbis Shop server installation.