In a software ecosystem, upgrading it is a natural part of the process. Sitecore upgrade is an essential procedure when you are using Sitecore services or products. When you want to deliver exceptional customer experiences, you need to have fast, efficient and effective products that revolutionize the digital experiences you want to provide.
Before you go for a Sitecore Upgrade Service though, let us understand a little bit about Sitecore, the different versions of Sitecore, and then jump into what things you can keep in mind or on your checklist to upgrade Sitecore.
What is Sitecore and Sitecore Upgrade?
As we have already established, Sitecore is one of the world’s leading digital experiences providers. It is powered by .NET technology and its powerful CMS is one that is constantly evolving, upgrading and coming up with interesting new updates and versions.
Why are they coming up with new versions? Apart from the fact that it is always better to bring innovations, advancements and new updates, Sitecore comes up with new versions because they want to be independent of the legacy codes.
They are always rolling out new features with advanced functionalities for ensuring extraordinary, digital user experiences. This is why, it is also not just a requirement but a luxury and a privilege to get Sitecore Upgrade.
By getting Sitecore Upgrade Services, the users can keep leveraging the power of whatever new advancements are brought by Sitecore.
Why do you have to do Sitecore Upgrade?
There are many perks to upgrading Sitecore but let us dive deep into some of the major reasons behind getting a Sitecore Upgrade.
- Latest Stack of Features and Functionalities
- Provide Personalized Experiences
- More Independence and Flexibility
- Endless Third-party Integrations
- Refinement in Architecture
1. Latest Stack of Features and Functionalities
You can freshen up your website when you get Sitecore Upgrade. Through upgradation, your website will be up to date with the latest market trends and very relevant for the users and the visitors. Of course, when you upgrade Sitecore, the major benefit apart from keeping your website updated is that you get to use a variety of new functions and features that have been released along with the version you choose.
2. Provide Personalized Experiences
With each new version that is launched by Sitecore, they have strived to improve its capabilities of personalization. The market is customer-centric and hyper-personalization, real-time personalization, just about any personalization is the need of the hour.
Sitecore has with each new version worked on the personalization capabilities to make it more user-friendly and consumer-centric. This is to ensure that the users can have an exceptional digital experience when they are visiting your website.
3. More Independence and Flexibility
With the newer versions, Sitecore has become more and more flexible and convenient for its users. They have reengineered the newer versions for ensuring zero dependency on the legacy codes. This is for making the newer versions advanced, independent and flexible for the usage.
4. Endless Third-Party Integrations
When you upgrade Sitecore, it allows Sitecore in becoming a part of your entire digital ecosystem. This also means that when you want to add third-party integrations, your system is open to it. Sitecore with newer versions actually has become open to endless third-party integrations for the multiple, varied business requirements of your different business functions.
5. Refinement in Architecture
When you are getting a Sitecore Upgrade Service, one of the perks that you get is refinement. Your website gets refinements in its architecture when the process of upgradation is going on. This way, your website will be fixed (if any issues,) refined and also polished as new.
A Checklist of things to consider when doing Sitecore Upgrade
If you are opting for Sitecore Upgrade, there are certain points that you need to absolutely keep in mind.
1. Stakeholders in Alignment
Getting a Sitecore Upgrade is a huge decision. It costs money, time, effort, resources. Ensure that all of your stakeholders should be aligned with the objectives of your project and the project roadmap.
2. The Right Team
You have to have the right team before getting a Sitecore Upgrade. Do you have the consultants, the internal staff, the vendor resources, etc.? You need them for breaking down the responsibilities and handling the overall assignment.
3. Decisions on Third-Party Tools
You must be having third-party tools integrated with your website or platform. If you are going to upgrade Sitecore, even then you need to decide about which third-party integrations are needed. Are you going to use or add search, user-generated content, live chat, authentication, translation, etc. to your platform?
4. Identification of Risks
There are always risks associated with changes and upgrades. When you are getting a Sitecore Upgrade service, make a list of potential risks and limitations that can cause hindrance and errors into the process. These risks need to be identified and communicated to all the parties involved.
5. Approach of Migration
Is there a unanimous approach decided for the migration of Sitecore version X (existing version) to Sitecore version X (the new version of your choice?) Are you going to be lifting and then shifting the entire thing? Are you going to rebuild the entire thing? Are there any changes in the content? These points also need to be discussed.
The Sitecore Upgradation Process
For getting Sitecore Upgrade Services, there is a dedicated process to follow.
- Project initiation and set up
- Database and content migration
- Platform and code upgrade
- Infrastructure side to side set up
- UAT
- Bug fixes
- Going live
What is the latest Sitecore version?
The latest version to upgrade Sitecore to is Sitecore 10.2 specifically designed with a focus on digital transformation and optimization. Some of its major features are:
- Custom CRM Integrations
- Sitecore Content Hub Integration
- Marketing Automation
- Sitecore AI Video Support
- Horizon Editor for Marketers
- Sitecore Content Serialization
- Sitecore Container Support
Conclusion
A decision to upgrade a major system is a huge one and needs to be taken after a lot of thought process. Sitecore Upgrade is not only necessary but rather also very beneficial to your business. By getting the Sitecore Upgrade Service, you will be able to give your customers the best digital experience possible and also make your business stronger.