Good morning,
University Communications and MSU IT previously announced a system upgrade for Sitecore. I’m now writing with an update on plans for migration of websites in production (i.e., live websites).
University leadership has provided additional migration resources to migrate live websites into the new platform, Sitecore XM Cloud. Previously, units would have had to rebuild websites and migrate the content into the new system. This will now be handled for units by central project staff.
How will migration work?
University Communications will coordinate with units to determine a migration time frame. During the website’s migration window, a website freeze will be put in place. The freeze duration is dependent on the website size and complexity but will typically last 1-2 weeks. No changes can be made to the website during this time. During the website freeze, migration project staff will migrate the website, as-is, to Sitecore XM Cloud. After migration, the unit can review and approve the new website and then the website will launch. Following launch, unit staff can begin updating and managing the website in Sitecore XM Cloud. Training will be provided. The old website in Sitecore XP will be retired. We expect migrations to be scheduled beginning May 1.
Note: we are confirming details for the migration process of QA (unpublished) websites. An update on this process will be provided in the future to those impacted.
What are the next steps?
Website owners should have received an email yesterday with a migration decision form link. Units need to submit this form for each website to confirm if the website should be migrated and to provide information regarding dates that could impact migration timelines. University Communications will use this information to build the migration schedule. Please submit your form by April 9.
We will host demo sessions where you can view the platform in action on a live MSU website that has been migrated to Sitecore XM Cloud. These are slated to begin in April. Please look for an invitation to these in the coming weeks.
We’ve created a webpage with Frequently Asked Questions, which we will continue to update as more information becomes available. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact me.
Regards,
Katie Kelly
Director, Digital Engagement Optimization
University Communications