How to migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2

Magento is one of the most popular and widely used content management systems (CMS) focused on e-commerce. It was released in 2008, and it’s used by thousands of e-commerce businesses worldwide. It’s an open-source software used for creating e-commerce sites that offers a wide range of customization options and possibilities. It is also one of the most powerful yet versatile platforms for developing e-commerce and is available in two versions: Magento 1 and Magento 2.

In mid-2018, rumors surged around Magento 1 coming to an end. At the time, some experts suggested instantly migrating to Magento 2, but Magento technicians gave us some time to adjust. In an official announcement, they gave us until June 2020 to keep receiving support for Magento 1. When that time comes, Adobe Magento will no longer offer official Magento 1 support, so it’s strongly advised that you have version 2 of Magento up and running by then, specifically the latest stable version of Magento 2.3.

But, what does it really mean when we say that Magento will no longer provide support? What support does Adobe Magento provide for Magento 1? What should we keep in mind when migrating? These are some of the questions we get from our clients at Sinapsis regarding the end of Magento and the migration to Magento 2.

1. What will happen to Magento 1 support?

The deadline is June 2020. That’s when Adobe Magento will stop offering support for Magento 1. What does this mean? As with any other software, Magento can also encounter security problems, which is why continuous updates are provided. This is something we see with any operating system, program, and even with mobile apps. As of June, Adobe Magento will no longer provide security patches and updates for Magento 1. Moreover, using a CMS like Magento without security patches or updates will make an online business vulnerable.

✅ What implies the change for an eCommerce?

If you have Magento 1 and don’t migrate to Magento 2, you won’t notice any particular change after June. Your website won’t undergo any sudden changes, and you won’t lose any information. It basically means you won’t have any technical support if any incidents come up. Your website will be vulnerable to security problems, and there won’t be any official patches to solve them.

Is that enough of a reason to worry? It depends on the project, but as of now there’s no reason to be alarmed. However, you are advised to make a budget estimate for migrating to Magento 2 either way. This is because if it’s not done in 2020, it will be vital in 2021 to prevent these vulnerabilities.

What should we keep in mind when migrating to Magento 2?

Upgrading from Magento 1 to Magento 2 doesn’t just get rid of the support problem, it also brings with it all the advantages of the new platform.

First of all, from a technical perspective, you’ll have a higher-performing e-commerce business and a simpler, more user-friendly admin panel. Furthermore, this change is a good opportunity to think about the features you want your online store to have as well as the types of products, category structure, and additional tools you’d like to implement. It’s also an excellent opportunity to revamp your website’s design. But let’s take a detailed look at the different aspects to be taken into account when migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2.

• In reality, the most important aspect is that we’re not talking about an update or a migration. Upgrading from Magento 1 to Magento 2 involves tackling an entirely new project in which all the developments and patches that had been implemented throughout the life of the project, which could have lasted years in some cases, must be implemented once again. And, in terms of budget, it requires redoing all the functions.

• It’s also important to keep in mind that it’s a fantastic chance to “clean up” our project. In long-term projects, it’s normal to have plugins that are no longer in use, discarded developments, unfinished things that can be solved in a simpler and more optimal way, or that even Magento can now natively do itself. Therefore, the upgrade from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is the perfect time to clean up and start off with a brand-new project.

• Aesthetically speaking, it’s not necessary to touch that aspect of the project. You can actually keep it as it is, except for having to redo the layout. Nonetheless, it could be a good time to revamp your website’s design as we previously mentioned.

• Another aspect to keep in mind is that, when it comes to the server, Magento 2 is more demanding than Magento 1. Similarly, in terms of interfaces and integrations with third parties, version 2 of Magento has GREATLY improved its API. Therefore, you are recommended to forget old integrations that use files to develop a system through API.

• With regard to web positioning, it offers the option of backing up the SEO to save all the organic traffic and all the customers that you have made with your e-commerce business.

• And, in regard to timing, the migration from Magento 1 to Magento 2 is a project that generally tends to take between three to six months, depending on the particular customizations and developments to be implemented.

To sum up, migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2 will be inevitable in the end, but there’s no reason for it to be traumatic or to worry about it. What’s more, this is a change for the better that will bring your website all of the advantages of this improved platform: features designed to improve the everyday management of the website, optimize on-page marketing measures, and above all, the performance and security of the page. It’s time to gradually think about a smooth transition.

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Post written by Francesc Barrio
Francesc Barrio is responsible for the Content Marketing department of Sinapsis (Doofinder’s partner).
With more than ten years of dedication to copywriting he has accumulated a great experience in  diverse topics, although his greatest passion is still online marketing. Freak at heart, in SEO he has found a way to continue to have fun .