Good afternoon,
As you’re aware, University Communications and MSU IT are working to implement a new content management system – Sitecore XM Cloud – and migrate MSU’s existing websites from the old Sitecore XP system to this new upgraded system. This all needs to be completed by January 31, 2025. Please read below for an update on this project, as well as information about what units should expect during the migration phase.
Progress update
We are wrapping up phase one of this work. During this phase we established the foundations for Sitecore XM Cloud, developed the base components and built our first website in the system. Once final testing is complete, we will be ready to begin migrating websites that can be constructed using the foundational components. Some websites require additional components that will be developed during our next phase of work. These websites will be eligible to migrate once those components are completed and tested. Units that will be starting over in the new system will be similarly scheduled, depending on the components needed for their website.
We’ve also been confirming with website owners which websites need to be migrated and noting any timing constraints around these migrations. Thank you to all who have provided information to facilitate these efforts.
Migration plan
In late March we announced that university leadership made additional resources available for migration. 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.
To complete the migration, there are around 100 websites that need to be built in the new system over the next nine months. To accomplish this, we’ve mapped out a scheduled order of all websites that we have confirmed need to be migrated. We’ve done our best to take unit timing constraints into account whenever possible. The migration order was informed by many factors, including unit availability, components needed for the website, migration staff availability and efficiency of build order.
What to expect during migration
Two weeks prior to the anticipated start date for a unit’s website migration the website owner will receive notification and confirmation of timing for their website migration. We can’t provide specific start dates for all websites right now because migrations will happen on a rolling basis and some sites will move faster than others.
Once migration begins, content changes will need to be minimized to ensure that all content is accurately migrated. Any changes made after the initial migration data export will need to be done in both systems prior to the site launches in Sitecore XM Cloud.
Websites will be migrated as-is. This will not be a time to reimagine layouts or change website structure. Website owners may receive communications from the assigned migration staff throughout the migration process if there are questions related to the content and website.
Owners will be able to review the migrated website before it is launched. Users will receive training and will be able to return to managing the website once it is live in XM Cloud.
Making updates or finishing websites
If your website is nearing completion in Sitecore XP but has not launched, please continue to work on and finish the website. It will be easier to migrate a complete, live website than a work-in-progress.
Units can continue to make updates to their live Sitecore XP websites until their migration. If you have major changes in mind and have questions on whether it is best to make these ahead of your migration or after, please contact me for more information.
Demos and questions
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. 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