Recently, I got the following question from a long term client:
Why does the migration make sense? benefits, cost, new features etc? (would this allow for customers to ‘compare products’?)
When a small business owner considers a Joomla site migration, she or he should always compare it to
the cost of doing nothing. So for the migration to be cost effective and provide a positive ROI, think of the following migration opportunities:
Better opportunity to realign your website with your changed business goals:
The recent recession and changes in the marketplace caused many small businesses to change their plans to accommodate for reduced revenues but also prepare for the return to business growth. As a result of recent big changes in your small business, new opportunities have emerged and your website may no longer reflect them. Therefore,
Joomla migration is an ideal time to analyze how to realign your website with your business goals again and improve site conversions.
Improved business automation and implementing new functionaliites:
If you currently have Joomla 1.0 site and you’re looking to implement certain new functionalities, it is likely to be better to first migrate to Joomla 1.5 or wait until the lack of automation and new site functionalities cannot any longer be tolerated. If implemented correctly, new functionlities and automation can provide cost savings and give you a competitive edge over your competitors.
Mobile device accessibility:
Mobile devices and their usage have changed significantly compared to 2 years ago. Therefore, it’s likely that you may be losing customers because your Joomla site is loading too slow, does not appear correctly and visitors cannot find what they are looking for on their iphone or android.
Improved website design:
When you implemented your previous website, it might have been fine but now your competitors have a better looking website and it may be a good idea to improve those landing pages and their design.
New Joomla CMS core features:
For example, the upcoming Joomla 1.6 comes with nested categories and better user access control. These types of changes would typically require core code changes in earlier versions that would be costly and not recommended.
Improved compatibility with Joomla extensions and hosting:
Are you finding that it is becoming more difficult for you to find extensions for Joomla 1.0? Certainly, if you check the official Joomla directory, you will not find Joomla 1.0 extensions listed. Additionally as Joomla hosting providers change php versions and programs that run Joomla, this is likely to result in functional issues because for example, your current
Joomla website may not compatible with the latest php5 versions.
Improved Joomla site security:
Joomla 1.0 is no longer being developed. Therefore, new security holes are less likely to be found and are not patched by the official Joomla team.
Better professional Joomla tech support and tutorials:
If you search with your favorite search engine, you would notice it harder to find
Joomla developers, programmers or consultants that provide professional support for your old Joomla 1.0 version. Also, most website tutorials that are being written are created for the latest version of Joomla CMS and therefore, it will be much harder and more costly to find tutorials and professional help you need.
Ogy Nikolic
Joomla Consultant
