Migrating from Umbraco to Sitefinity involves a structured approach to ensure data integrity, functionality preservation, and minimal downtime. Here’s a comprehensive guide detailing the process, tools, and code samples to facilitate a smooth transition.

Migration Strategy Overview

  1. Assessment & Planning: Evaluate the existing Umbraco setup, including content types, templates, media, and custom functionalities.

  2. Data Mapping: Establish a correspondence between Umbraco’s content structures and Sitefinity’s modules.

  3. Tool Selection: Choose appropriate tools for content extraction, transformation, and loading (ETL).

  4. Development & Customization: Develop necessary modules and templates in Sitefinity to accommodate migrated content.

  5. Testing: Perform thorough testing to ensure content accuracy and functionality.

  6. Deployment: Deploy the migrated site to the production environment with minimal disruption.Progress.com+2IDS LOGIC UK+2Progress.com+2

 

Tools & Resources

1. Umbraco Data Extraction

  • Umbraco Deploy: Facilitates content serialization and deployment.Umbraco Dev Agency

  • Custom Scripts: Utilize Umbraco’s APIs to extract content and media.

    Example:

var contentService = Services.ContentService;
var rootContent = contentService.GetRootContent();
foreach (var content in rootContent)
{
var title = content.GetValue<string>(“title”);
var body = content.GetValue<string>(“bodyText”);
// Export logic here
}

2. Sitefinity Content Import

  • DynamicModuleManager: Used to create and manage dynamic content types in Sitefinity.stegriff.co.uk

    Example:

var dynamicModuleManager = DynamicModuleManager.GetManager();
var type = TypeResolutionService.ResolveType(“Telerik.Sitefinity.DynamicTypes.Model.News.NewsItem”);
var newsItem = dynamicModuleManager.CreateDataItem(type);
newsItem.SetValue(“Title”, “Sample Title”);
newsItem.SetValue(“Content”, “Sample Content”);
newsItem.SetString(“UrlName”, “sample-title”);
newsItem.Owner = SecurityManager.GetCurrentUserId();
newsItem.ApprovalWorkflowState = “Published”;
dynamicModuleManager.SaveChanges();

Sitefinity CLI: Assists in automating migration tasks, including page and template migration.

Usage:

sf migrate –cmsUrl “https://yoursite.com” –token “your-token” –replace –action publish

Mapping Umbraco to Sitefinity

Umbraco ElementSitefinity Equivalent
Document TypesDynamic Modules
Content NodesContent Items
Media LibraryLibraries
TemplatesPage Templates
Macros/PartialsWidgets
Custom Data TypesCustom Fields in Dynamic Modules

Testing & Validation

  • Content Verification: Ensure all content has been accurately migrated.

  • Functionality Testing: Test custom functionalities and integrations.

  • Performance Assessment: Evaluate site performance post-migration.

  • User Acceptance Testing (UAT): Involve stakeholders to validate the migrated site.

Deployment & Post-Migration

  • Backup: Ensure backups are taken before final deployment.

  • Go-Live: Deploy the migrated site during low-traffic periods to minimize impact.

  • Monitoring: Monitor site performance and address any issues promptly.

  • Training: Provide training to content editors and administrators on the new system.

Umbraco to Sitefinity Migration Timeline

Phase 1: Planning & Assessment (Week 1)

  • Activities:

    • Conduct a comprehensive audit of the existing Umbraco site, including content types, media assets, templates, and custom functionalities.

    • Define migration objectives, scope, and success criteria.

    • Identify stakeholders and assign roles and responsibilities.

  • Deliverables:

    • Migration project plan with timelines and milestones.

    • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Phase 2: Environment Setup (Week 2)

  • Activities:

    • Set up the Sitefinity development environment, including necessary infrastructure and tools.

    • Install and configure Sitefinity CMS, ensuring compatibility with desired features.

    • Establish version control and deployment pipelines.

  • Deliverables:

    • Operational Sitefinity development environment.

    • Documented setup procedures for reproducibility.Progress.com

Phase 3: Content Migration (Weeks 3–4)

  • Activities:

    • Map Umbraco content structures to Sitefinity equivalents.

    • Develop scripts or utilize tools to extract content from Umbraco and import into Sitefinity.

    • Migrate media assets, ensuring proper organization and referencing.

  • Deliverables:

Phase 4: Template & Functionality Migration (Weeks 5–6)

  • Activities:

    • Recreate or adapt templates and layouts from Umbraco to Sitefinity.

    • Implement necessary functionalities, including custom modules and widgets.

    • Ensure responsive design and cross-browser compatibility.

  • Deliverables:

    • Fully functional templates and features in Sitefinity.

    • Documentation of custom implementations.Spinbox

Phase 5: Testing & Quality Assurance (Week 7)

  • Activities:

    • Perform comprehensive testing, including functional, integration, and user acceptance tests.

    • Validate SEO elements, such as URLs, metadata, and redirects.

    • Address any identified issues or discrepancies.

  • Deliverables:

    • Test reports with resolved issues.

    • Approval for production deployment.

Phase 6: Deployment & Training (Week 8)

  • Activities:

    • Deploy the new Sitefinity site to the production environment.

    • Conduct training sessions for content editors and administrators.

    • Establish monitoring and support protocols.

  • Deliverables:

    • Live Sitefinity website with all functionalities operational.

    • Trained staff ready to manage and maintain the site.

By following this structured approach and utilizing the appropriate tools and code samples, migrating from Umbraco to Sitefinity can be executed efficiently, ensuring a robust and scalable web presence.

If you require further assistance or have specific questions about the migration process, feel free to ask!