Are you planning to upgrade your Sitecore applications? You can maximize its benefits if you take care of the following things.

Upgrading your website to Sitecore can be daunting, but it can also bring many benefits to your business. Sitecore is a powerful and versatile content management system (CMS) that can help you create a more engaging and personalized user experience, increase conversions, and streamline your digital marketing efforts. However, before you start planning your upgrade, there are a few things you need to consider to ensure a smooth and successful transition.

What is the latest Sitecore Upgrade version?

The latest Sitecore version is 10.2, which focuses on digital transformation, improvements towards automation through AI, and optimization. So, if you plan a Sitecore 10 upgrade, you will get these features:

• Custom CRM Integrations
• Sitecore Content Hub Integration
• Automation in Marketing
• Sitecore AI Video Support
• New Horizon Editor for Marketers
• Sitecore Container Support
• Sitecore Content Serialization

What are the things to consider while doing Sitecore Upgrade?

Supported Database Platforms

Do you currently use Microsoft SQL Server 2014 or older? A Sitecore 9 upgrade or above will require upgrading to a Microsoft solution like an SQL server.

While considering an upgrade to the new database, you need to evaluate the budget that will include the cost of the MSSQL license. Moving to a Microsoft database will be more expensive than MongoDB.

If you are already using MSSQL, you will still need to plan to migrate to a higher version like SQL Server 2016 SP1 or Azure SQL. Sitecore 9 does not support SQL Server 2008 R2 and SQL Server 2012. These migrations will require you to spin to new servers, create Azure SQL instances, purchase new MS SQL licenses, and migrate databases.

Sitecore Forms transition

Are you currently using Web Forms for marketers to create forms? If you upgrade to Sitecore 9 and above versions, it will not support Web Forms. So, you will have to rely on Sitecore Forms, the new tool introduced by Sitecore 9. So, your Sitecore upgrade brings an upgrade to Sitecore Forms.

Changes in infrastructure

The Sitecore 8.2 and above versions support the next-generation publishing service. So, your Sitecore upgrade from 8.2 to 10 will allow publishing through a web application independently of Sitecore.

Thus, to upgrade to the latest Sitecore versions, you will have to make changes in the infrastructure to give you the maximum benefits of the Sitecore upgrade.

Codebase cleanup

The outdated code is removed in the new Sitecore versions. Consider upgrading all your Sitecore API calls to the latest ones before upgrading to Sitecore’s advanced versions.

Express upgrade

Ensure to modify and upgrade your system templates and outdated Sitecore configuration files. It is essential to upgrade them to avoid roadblocks and get the maximum benefits of upgrading to Sitecore 9 or 10.

Azure migration

Whether you consider a Sitecore 9 upgrade or a Sitecore 10 upgrade, Azure cloud migration and the new subscription licensing model can be the most promising step to make. Migrating to the cloud will offer many benefits, such as paying based on the monthly traffic to your site and not on the production instances.

Another benefit involves enabling users to configure the infrastructure for added Sitecore instances online. It helps to handle higher traffic and user demands. In addition, it supports automated scaling per traffic needs without requiring new licenses.

Migrate critical functionalities first

You want to retain the critical information on your Sitecore websites. So consider listing the resources and functionalities for migration based on their importance. Migrate the essential items first.

Check site language variations.

If you want your Sitecore websites to support multiple languages, consider conveying the same to your developers beforehand. So, during the Sitecore upgrade, you can integrate multiple languages. It will save you from incurring extra costs on future changes.

Plan your content migration

Content migration is one of the most important things to consider while planning your Sitecore upgrade. You must migrate the content before the upgrade to avoid empty Sitecore implementation. You can migrate your content in 2 ways: manual and automated.

Right Team

Professional support to get the right Sitecore Upgrade Services is one of the most critical things to consider before the Sitecore upgrade. You will need to hire a top-ranking Sitecore development agency to make your Sitecore upgrade process smoother.

Third-party Tools

Upgrading to Sitecore will require you to use many third-party tools. Select the best ones that suit your project needs and the budget beforehand.|

Why do your applications need Sitecore Upgrade?

Upgrading to the latest versions of Sitecore offers many benefits. Here are some of the significant advantages:

Latest stack of features.

When you upgrade to the latest version of Sitecore, you get access to the latest features and functionalities of the new version. Thus, you can keep pace with the latest trends in the market and serve your customer with the most relevant services.

Personalized experiences.

Sitecore focuses on creating memorable experiences for customers. Every new version has improved the personalization capabilities, making the Sitecore applications more user-friendly. Thus, you can deliver more personalized digital experiences to your customers.

More flexibility.

The new Sitecore versions enable developers to build more flexible applications without dependency on legacy codes.

Endless third-party integrations

The new versions of Sitecore support endless and easy third-party app integrations. So, it is easier to expand the features for multiple requirements.

Conclusion

Upgrading to Sitecore is a great way to enhance your website and improve your digital marketing efforts. Remember, upgrading to Sitecore is an investment in your business, so it’s essential to take the time to do it right.

As a leading Sitecore development company, we help startups and enterprises with Sitecore app development, support, and upgrades. Based on our years of experience, we have listed the important things to consider while doing Sitecore upgrade.

Some of the most important factors to remember when planning your upgrade to Sitecore are budget, resources, timelines, and testing. Whether you’re a small business or a large enterprise, these tips will help you make an informed decision and avoid common pitfalls. If you have any questions or need help with your Sitecore upgrade, don’t hesitate to contact Sourceved- your Sitecore expert for guidance. Reach out to info@sourceved.com to avail of our Sitecore Upgrade Services or book a consultation.