Magento 1.0 made its inception in March 2008 and Magento 2.0 in November 2015 with various upgraded features. Some of the features include improved page caching, enterprise-grade scalability, seamless customization, and more.
Magento has gained ground as one of the most reliable, powerful, and highly popular e-commerce platforms. The fact that you can use Magento for developing web applications, mobile applications, and websites makes it one of the most preferred choices amongst developers.
At present, Magento powers around 1% of the internet with a client base of 2.5 million merchants. It has a share of 1.9% in the Content Management System market.
There are several reasons why developers need to migrate from version 1.0 to 2.0. Magento has already announced it officially that it will stop all its support for Magento 1.0 in June next year. Therefore, upgrade your e-commerce store today rather than leaving the task for later.
Secondly, considering the cut-throat competition in the e-commerce sector, you need a robust platform that can manage and streamline your entire web store.
Before we dive into the fundamentals of Magento 2 Migration, let’s discuss the components. The Official Magento Documentation categorizes migrating to the Magento 2 in four different categories or stages.
- Theme Migration
- Extension Migration
- Custom Migration
- Data Migration
Theme Migration
Magento 2 has enhanced methods and techniques to improve the shopping experience of the customers. The merchants receive surging store experience. The new version has introduced new tools that allow developers to create advanced themes or upgrade existing ones. The developers need to make the themes compatible with Magento 2 standards.
Extension Migration
Extension migration is an essential component of Magento 2 allowing developers to add new features and functionalities to the web store. You will have to install the Magento 2 extension available on the marketplace.
Please take note that Magento 1 extensions will not be supported and work on Magento 2. If you are trying to integrate Magento 2 extensions with Magento 1, it will be a very tricky task.
Custom Migration
There are various instances where the custom codes used in Magento 1 is compatible with Magento 2. Magento provides a Code Migration ToolKit to help you easily move your codes. You also need to ensure that the custom code is successfully integrated with the Magento 2 store.
Data Migration
Data Migration is important when you need to migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2. You have to move your Magento 1 settings and data to Magento 2. Magento has introduced a Magento 2 Data Migration Tool to simplify the process of moving store data and settings using CLI commands. Thus, you can easily migrate to different data such as categories, products, orders, configurations, and settings.
Important Points to Consider When Migrating a Web Store to Magento 2
The Challenges of Magento 2 Migration
Let’s face it. You are upgrading your web store to a higher platform. You will encounter a few challenges. Therefore, you should brace for it. Also, keep in mind that the database design and architecture of Magento 2 comprehensively varies from the earlier version.
According to the Official Magento team, migrating e-commerce platform to version 2 is 20% larger in comparison to the Magento 1 upgrade. Thus, you need to invest more time and effort. However, it depends on the number of extensions running on the site and the type of customizations the client wants.
Customer and Product Data Import
Importing product and customer data to Magento 2 is an integral part of the migration process. You need to download and install the data migration tool. The tool helps to transfer your data to Magento 2 using map files. It also establishes consistency between the database structure of Magento 1 and 2. You can use the tool to keep track of migration status, develop log files and conduct data validation tests.
The data migration tool carries out its tasks in three ways-
- Migration to Configuration Settings.
- Migrating the main data into the database.
- Transferring additional data upgrades to the admin panel and storefront.
Magento Development Services created a useful migrating tool to streamline the data migration so that customers can maximize their benefits.
Import Media Files
The importing of media files such as videos or images is different from that of customer and product data. Thus, you have to migrate the various media files through a manual process.
Moving Themes and Extensions
We have already indicated that Magento 1 extensions are not compatible with version 2.0. Thus, you will have to take the support of Code Migration ToolKit in order to move some customized codes and extensions.
Plus, you also need to re-create Magento 1 themes and extensions if you want them to work seamlessly on Magento 2 structure.
Monitor the Performance of a Web Store
You have to constantly keep an eye on the performance of your web store. It is essential to ensure that your e-commerce platform remains bug-free and there are no technical glitches. At times, you can run into some unexpected errors but solve the problem through proper plan implementation and execution.
Steps to Magento 2.0 Migration
Checking the Site Extensions
First and foremost, you have to check your existing Magento 1 extensions and decide what extensions you need in the upgraded version. Also, verify if current extensions are available in Magento 2. Remove any unwanted or unnecessary data from version 1.0.
Choose the Capacity of Magento 2 Platform
When you choose the capacity of the Magento 2 platform, you need to go with high-end functionality that matches the standards. Thus, you need to plan everything effectively.
Create and Test the Magento Platform
Here you have to deal with two distinguished components that include the installation of Magento 2 and establishing the store with a design similar to Magento 1.
Beginning with the Migration
This is one of the most important parts of the migration process. It starts by stopping all admin panel activities and cron jobs in Magento 1. Next, you should run your engines and save order management functions. Always choose an authentic Magento 1 database instance to migrate your data.
Once the migration process is complete, testing Magento 2 stores is compulsory before launching the site.
Upgrading Any Additional Data
Ok. your Magento 2 testing has been successful. Now what? Obviously, you need to upgrade all incremental data including new orders, changes, and reviews. Everything has to be moved to the Magento 2 platform.
Going Live
Congratulations! You are now ready to go live. You may have to face the challenge of store downtime for some time. It is for reindexing and modification of DNS settings.
The Bottom Line
If you want a more professional and innovative look for your web store, you need to consider Magento Module Development. Magento 2 module comes with several benefits such as multi-store facilities, integrated APIs, SEO-friendly tools, and more. Also, get in touch with a hands-on experienced company to migrate successfully from Magento 1 to Magento 2.
