Content management system (CMS) migration is a complex process that involves various types of migrations, including major updates, system changes, carve-outs, and lift & shift. Each type of migration requires careful planning, quality assurance, and customization to ensure that all content and functionality is seamlessly migrated to the new system, eliminating technical debt and maximizing positive business impact.

Types and Opportunities of CMS Migration

Migrating content management systems (CMS) is an exciting challenge that goes far beyond simply moving content. It offers the opportunity to analyze existing systems, develop a clear strategy and fully exploit the potential of new technologies. There are different types of CMS migrations, each with its own specific requirements and opportunities.

1. Major update of the CMS software

One of the most common forms of CMS migration is the major update, where a software is updated to a higher major version. Such an update requires careful planning to ensure that all existing functions also work perfectly in the new system. This includes comprehensive quality assurance to avoid errors and ensure the stability of the system. The new system usually also brings with it new functions that are made available to users. Such a migration is often also used to find a new service provider for implementation. In this case, a precise tender is recommended to ensure that the best partner is found for the project.

2. Replacement of the CMS system

A system change from one CMS product to another opens up the opportunity to seamlessly transfer existing content to the new system without having to laboriously recreate it. Migrating content requires in-depth knowledge of both the old and the new system. A well-structured content plan helps to successfully migrate all important content. This process can be automated by using specialized tools, which saves time and resources and increases the accuracy of the migration.

3. "Carve-Out" Migration

A "carve-out" offers the possibility of separating out part of the CMS and transferring it into a standalone system. This is particularly relevant in the case of organizational changes, such as company mergers or spin-offs. In such cases, a new CMS system is set up and the affected website is transferred to the new system with all its content and functions. This type of migration requires careful planning to maintain the continuity of the digital presence and to ensure that the new system meets the specific requirements of the new organization.

4. “Lift & Shift” migration

In a "lift & shift" migration, the CMS is transferred from a self-hosted system to the provider's service cloud. This type of migration offers numerous advantages, including easier scalability, predefined processes for deployment and operation, and better and more cost-effective operational management by the service provider. With this type of migration, responsibility for product and operation lies in one hand, which ensures an optimal service level.

combinations and complexity

Of course, CMS migrations can also occur in combinations of the above types. The success of such a migration depends crucially on a thorough analysis of the current situation and coordinated planning. Stakeholders should be involved at an early stage to coordinate possible downtimes and ensure that all requirements are taken into account. In addition, the migration offers an excellent opportunity to reduce technical debt and eliminate outdated functions or processes, the so-called "legacy".

Important questions for CMS migration

  • Contents: What content is still relevant and worth broadcasting?
  • Features: Which functions can be replaced by new, more efficient functions in the new system?
  • Change Management: How can operational and editorial processes be optimized using the new system?
  • External effects: How does the change affect the outside world? Will the SEO ranking be maintained? Are URL redirects required? Do DNS changes need to be made? Will all plugins and interfaces continue to work?

experience and support

With experience from over 20 migration projects, we offer comprehensive support in the planning, implementation and control of CMS migrations. Proven processes and a deep understanding of the technical and organizational requirements ensure that the migration runs smoothly and that the new CMS system is optimally adapted to the needs of the company.