Overview of Siebel Open UI

Introduction & History

Siebel Open UI is a modern web-based framework introduced by Oracle in 2013 as part of Siebel CRM Innovation Pack 2013. It replaced the legacy High-Interactivity (HI) client, which relied on ActiveX and Java applets, with a responsive, standards-based UI built on HTML5, JavaScript, and CSS. Designed to address limitations of older clients, Open UI enables customization while aligning with modern web practices.

Purpose

• Modernize User Experience: Replace outdated ActiveX/Java dependencies with a browser-agnostic, mobile-friendly interface.  
• Enhance Customization: Allow developers to modify UI behavior and appearance without altering core Siebel code.  
• Improve Integration: Facilitate seamless integration with third-party libraries (e.g., Google Maps, D3.js) and APIs.  
• Cross-Platform Support: Enable access on desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.  

Key Uses

• 1. UI Customization: Redesign layouts, themes, and workflows.  
• 2. Third-Party Integrations: Embed widgets (e.g., maps, charts) or external apps.  
• 3. Data Validation: Implement real-time input checks or dynamic field updates.  
• 4. Mobile Optimization: Adapt views for smaller screens or touch interactions.  
• 5. Performance Optimization: Reduce server load with client-side logic.  

Advantages

No Browser Plugins: Runs natively in modern browsers.  

• MVC Architecture: Separates Presentation Models (business logic) and Physical Renderers (UI rendering).  
• Upgrade-Safe: Customizations reside in external files, avoiding core code conflicts.  
• Rich Interactivity: Supports AJAX, drag-and-drop, and responsive design.  
• Cost Efficiency: Reduces reliance on Siebel Tools for UI changes.  

Detailed Use Cases & Solutions

1. Real-Time Data Validation

Problem: Users entered invalid formats for phone numbers, leading to data cleanup issues.  

Solution:  

• Presentation Model (PM): Add JavaScript logic to validate input on keystroke.  
• Physical Renderer (PR): Display error messages using CSS/HTML.  

Code Snippet:  

// In PM

function validatePhone(input) {

  const regex = /^\d{10}$/;

  if (!regex.test(input)) this.ShowError("Invalid Phone Number");

}

• Outcome: Reduced data entry errors by 70%.

2. Embedded Google Maps in Contact Management

Problem: Sales teams needed to visualize customer locations.  

Solution:  

• PR: Inject Google Maps API into the contact form’s HTML.  
• PM: Fetch address data from Siebel and pass coordinates to the map.  

Implementation:  

// In PR

renderMap: function(address) {

  const geocoder = new google.maps.Geocoder();

  geocoder.geocode({ address }, (results) => {

    new google.maps.Map(document.getElementById("map"), { center: results[0].geometry.location });

  });

}

• Outcome: Improved field efficiency with visual location data.

3. Financial Dashboard with D3.js

Problem: Managers lacked real-time insights into sales metrics.  

Solution:  

• PM: Fetch data via Siebel Business Service.  
• PR: Render interactive charts using D3.js.  

Code Snippet:  

// In PR

renderChart: function(data) {

  d3.select("#chart").append("svg")

    .selectAll("rect").data(data).enter()

    .append("rect")

    .attr("width", d => d.value * 10);

}

• Outcome: Enabled data-driven decision-making with live dashboards.

4. Mobile-Friendly Ticket Management

Problem: Field technicians struggled with desktop UI on mobile devices.  

Solution:  

• PR: Use media queries for responsive layouts.  
• PM: Simplify workflows for touch interactions.  
• Outcome: Mobile adoption increased by 50%, reducing resolution time.

5. In-App Chat Support

Problem: Support teams needed real-time communication.  

Solution:  

• PR: Embed a chat widget (e.g., WebSocket-based).  
• PM: Handle message routing via Siebel Business Service.  
• Outcome: Improved collaboration and faster ticket resolution.

Architecture

• Presentation Model (PM): Manages logic and data (e.g., validation, service calls).  
• Physical Renderer (PR): Handles DOM manipulation and UI rendering.  
• Proxy Files: Extend default behavior without modifying core files.  

Challenges

• Learning Curve: Requires proficiency in JavaScript and Siebel’s framework.  
• Performance Tuning: Heavy client-side logic may impact load times.