Migration from Magento 1 to Magento 2

Since the launch of Magento 2 in 2015, its popularity has primarily increased, and it has seen more people ditch Magento 1. Magento 2 features an entirely different architecture from Magento 1 with more added features. The upgrade is fantastic, as it delivers a modern, scalable eCommerce solution for businesses of all sizes, and it offers unmatched flexibility and customizations. Compared to Magento 1, Magento 2 can process more orders per hour on the same hardware with faster server response times, which provides customers with a stress-free experience. Moreover, it is anticipated that the Magento 1 will close soon (by June 2020) and it is about time that people handle the migration move with more significant concern.

Benefits of Magento 2

Enhanced security

Security plays a great importance, especially in the eCommerce set up. With the Magento 2 introduction, there have been significant advancements in the protection of the eCommerce website. The user details are well secured, translating to a warranted checkout process. Safety has been improved in the following ways:

for the passwords, SHA-256 hashing algorithms have been incorporated, to provide better protection;
it gives a 2-factor authentication extension that provides more excellent protection;
ultimate protection from hackers by providing a unique admin URL;
improved security through a dynamic backup system;
enhanced development procedure that is simpler and quicker.

Better performance and scalability

As expected, an upgrade is equal to improved performance. Magento 2 has an upgraded indexer that aids in higher performance speed. With the eminent HTTP accelerator technology, Magento 2 makes it easier to make quick cache requests. The varnish cache allows more than one user to make edits on the eCommerce products. On the other hand, in terms of scalability:

better web pages allow fast delivery;
upgraded expertise of backend operations;
more rapid server responses for all website activities;
easier management of peak loads with the improved scalability and database flexibility.

Enhanced checkout process

Magento provides a quick and secure checkout for your eCommerce website. The platform does not include the registration form or login needed for users to proceed with the checkout process. Magento 2 identifies visitors as guests. To make it easy for your clients, Magento 2 facilitates a convenient payment method at the checkout. It also features an actual shipping rate per region, country, and postal code. As a merchant, you can utilize any payment module that seems convenient, with the platform offering PayPal and Braintree.

Improved reporting

In an eCommerce website, reporting is essential. With the advances that have occurred, the admin can provide 20 reports via the web interface. The reports indicate the number of products as well as showing the bestselling. They also indicate the number of accounts and display the number of orders made. The report can also show the taxes, shipping fees, and AOV. This allows you to have a comfortable and smooth time handling your eCommerce business. We are sure that you will love and enjoy using Magento 2 as a trusted, reliable, and efficient eCommerce site.

Critical upgrades in Magento 2

1. Data

Magento 2 features an integrated data migration tool that allows developers to migrate their settings and store data with the aid of CLI commands. This is an upgrade that makes the migration process flawless and makes it easier to move critical data. Some of the data that you will be required to move from Magento 1 to Magento 2 will include orders, products, store configuration, categories, and store settings. The move from Magento 1 to 2 is based on rules defined in XML files. The upgrades available in Magento 2, make the data migration process more manageable than before.

2. Themes and customization

As an eCommerce website user, it’s now easier to personalize your online store to your most suited theme and customization. With Magento 2, you get a variety of themes to choose from. Some of the available themes include; minimalism theme, responsive rope theme, Instagram theme, couture fashion responsive theme, and modern print store theme. You need a theme that perfectly portrays the product that you are selling and one that allows you to attain the right level of optimization. This is definitely a valid reason as to why you should consider migrating to Magento 2.

3. Extensions

The great news is that the Magento community has improved and validated major extensions for Magento 2. You can access the extension from the marketplace. Some of the available extensions in Magento 2 are abandoned cart email, customer segmentation, and SEO suite ultimate. Upon migrating, you will save on time you would have spent searching for extensions. This makes the migration process extremely easy, and you do not have to go through the challenges of looking for new extension options. Magento 2 is the way to go.

Precautions to take before migration

While shifting from Magento 1 to Magento 2, there are some factors that you will have to consider. These precautions have to be undertaken to ensure that you have an easy process during the migration and to prevent challenges such as corrupted functionality and data loss.

Below are the safety measures that you can utilize:

backup all database, folders, and files to prevent loss of essential data, in the process of migration from Magento 1 to Magento 2;
eliminate useless and outdated data, such as the recently viewed products and logs. This data is of no importance, and yet it takes up space;
evaluate the store and decide on the items that you want to retain as you delete useless items;
on the same hosting server you had your Magento 1, install Magento 2;
relocate the data obtained from the cloned database of your previous store;
find out how compatible the extensions, themes and custom codes are, with Magento 2, for a better experience during the migration move.

Migration process

Now you are ready to make a move. So Magento 2 migration includes four components: data, extensions and custom code, themes, and customizations. Below are some of the steps that you need to follow.

1. Create a migration plan

During the planning process, you will consider the data details, project planning, and project specifications. A plan is essential in making the right decisions and in saving a lot of time during the development process. At the initial stage, you hold a meeting with the internal team, shareholders, and external team, and decide on an effective plan. Upon getting to an agreement, the code can be written.

2. Prepare the testing environment

Any tests that require to be done should be undertaken in a separate environment to avoid causing harmful changes to the current store. So at this point, you should prepare a test development environment and install the default Magento 2 platform (Open Source or Commerce), and configure the version control system (Git/SVN) to make sure everything is ready to run the project. It’s also important to involve a good DevOps engineer at this step.

3. Installation of extensions and custom development

After testing, install the custom development and extensions. At this step, you can also develop additional features and custom extensions.

4. Magento data migration

Magento 2 features an integrated tool that makes it easier and manageable to undertake data migration. This is a key and essential feature in the migration move, as it involves the content of your eCommerce site. It allows you to move all the bulk information and includes an automated tool for all the data transfers. Magento 2 is an upgrade from Magento 1, which makes this move easier and manageable.

5. Design your Magento 2 site

The themes present in Magento 1 and those in Magento 2 are incompatible. Although, it is possible to copy your current theme for Magento 1.x to Magento 2, but this will require some elbow grease, and we highly recommend updating the design because so many more features are available in Magento 2.If you have difficulties with the design process, it’s best if you get a default theme from the marketplace.

With the theme set, your site will be almost ready for launching, since you have tackled the challenging part of the migration.

6. Launching

After concluding with the design process, it’s about time you undertake final data synchronization. This ensures that all pending orders are well tackled and that no stone is left unturned during the shifting process. When everything is working well, you can now confirm that the site is ready for launching. With all the information in order and with everything working out as you anticipated, it is easier to make any operation on the site. Once you’ve tested the final version and ensured everything works, the store is ready to launch.

7. Magento 2 store launch on a live server

This is the last step of migration — launch day. If everything was done correctly and according to the plan, your engineering team will perform a smooth transition to the new store so you can start selling and shipping products right away.

Takeaway

Magento 2 has been brought forth to transform the eCommerce space and make it a better, convenient, and reliable platform for online shopping.

The Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration teaches you patience, and as we near June 2020, it’s looking like everyone will have no choice but to relocate (but with clear benefits). Hopefully, after reading this article you have a better understanding of what’s involved with Magento 2 migration.

We’re always available to help you upgrade your store to Magento 2. Check out our Magento 1 to Magento 2 migration services. And please feel free to contact us with any questions.

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