Magento Migrations

Magento migrations: a smooth transition from Magento 1 to Magento 2

Magento is one of the most popular e-commerce platforms in the world. We began working with Magento 1 around 2009, collaborating with a major Dutch electronics retailer on their first Magento webshop. Since then, we have developed Magento 1 webshops for approximately 50 other professionals. In 2015, the new version, Magento 2, was introduced, bringing a range of improvements and new functionalities. For online business owners, this new version offered exciting opportunities but also posed questions and challenges. We are here to help you overcome these challenges with ease.

Many webshops still on Magento 1

Magento 2 has been available for more than ten years, and Magento 1 officially reached its end of life in 2020. Even so, a significant number of Dutch webshops still run on Magento 1. Magento no longer releases security patches or updates for it, so the risk of security issues and outdated technology grows every year. If your store is one of them, moving to Magento 2 is an important step. Below, we explain why migrating matters and how we help you avoid the biggest challenges.

Why migrate from Magento 1 to Magento 2?

There are several key reasons to migrate to Magento 2 if your online store is still on Magento 1. We mentioned security, but your store's performance might also start lagging behind. Here, we outline the primary reasons for making the switch to Magento 2.

Secure your online store

The security of your store is very important to both you and your customers. Magento 1 is no longer supported, meaning no security patches or updates are released. This makes a Magento 1 store vulnerable to hackers and data breaches. These risks can have significant consequences for your business and your customers.

Performance and speed of your store

A Magento 1 store no longer delivers the best performance, yet your customers expect nothing less. Magento 2 is designed to be faster and more efficient than Magento 1, with better overall performance and faster load times. This results in higher conversion rates and a more positive user experience.

An optimized mobile experience

More people are shopping via smartphones or tablets rather than desktops or laptops. It's important for your store to adapt to different screen sizes. Magento 2 offers better support for mobile users, providing an optimized mobile experience. Thanks to responsive design, your customers can shop easily across all types of devices.

Better prepared for the future

Online shopping is undoubtedly the shopping model of the future, with many physical stores already closing. Magento 2 offers functionalities that were simply not possible in Magento 1, such as improved scalability, a more intuitive admin panel, and an enhanced checkout process. These tools help make store management more efficient, increase customer satisfaction, and future-proof your online store.

Challenges in migrating from Magento 1 to Magento 2

If Magento 2 offers so many benefits over Magento 1, why are so many Dutch stores still on Magento 1? The answer lies in the complexity of a full migration. Migrating to Magento 2 is a significant undertaking, involving data transfer and a complete rebuild of the store on Magento 2. Many companies have found this transition difficult. Migration is complex, as custom themes and plugins must be upgraded, and the project requires significant time, effort, and cost. With years of experience in Magento development, our expertise in migrations can remove this complexity. We've developed specific tools and processes to make the transition from Magento 1 to Magento 2 faster, cheaper, and easier.

Our tools for efficient Magento migration

Over the years, we have developed several useful tools to streamline the migration to Magento 2, addressing common issues and challenges. Our tools securely and accurately transfer all critical data from Magento 1 to Magento 2, including product information, orders, and customer data. This ensures that no valuable data is lost and that your store remains fully functional. Many customized Magento 1 plugins and templates are not automatically compatible with Magento 2, but we can convert these plugins and templates to Magento 2, preserving the same look and feel while benefiting from the latest technology. We check each step of the process to minimize the risk of errors, ensuring a smooth and stable transition to Magento 2.

Your integrations come along

For many companies, the webshop isn't a standalone system. Orders go to Exact Online, stock comes from an ERP or inventory system, and B2B customers order through their own procurement platforms. These connections are often exactly why a migration keeps getting postponed: the store has been running for years, and nobody wants to risk breaking the links the business depends on.

Integrations are a core part of our daily work. We've built custom API connections between Magento and Exact Online, OCI connections for B2B customers who order through procurement systems, and integrations between Magento and the procurement platform Proquro. During a migration, we look at every connection your Magento 1 store relies on and make sure it works in Magento 2, so your data keeps flowing the way your team is used to.

Curious how we approach this? Below you'll find a few articles on Magento integrations, and more of our expertise under Cases.

Minor migrations within Magento 2

We don't just handle full migrations from Magento 1 to Magento 2. We can also assist with minor migrations within Magento 2, such as an upgrade from version 2.3 to 2.4. Newer versions bring new features and improvements, enhancing the performance and security of your store. It's often necessary to update plugins and templates to ensure compatibility with each version. Our extensive experience with these smaller migrations ensures that your store transitions smoothly to the latest version of Magento 2.

How long does a Magento migration take?

There are two ways to look at this: the development time, and the total time until your new store goes live. With our tools and experience, the development work for a full migration from Magento 1 to Magento 2 can take as little as 250 hours. The complete project usually takes 2 to 6 months from start to launch, because it also includes planning, testing, moving integrations, and review rounds with your team. The exact duration depends on the complexity of your store, the number of themes and plugins, the connections with other systems, and the extent of any custom functionality. We're happy to provide a free consultation, estimate, or cost breakdown, so you know exactly what to expect.

Why choose us for your Magento migration?

With years of experience in both Magento 1 and Magento 2, we have all the necessary knowledge and expertise to ensure a smooth migration. Having developed dozens of Magento 1 stores and conducted numerous Magento 2 migrations, we understand what it takes to handle each unique project. We listen to your needs and deliver a custom solution that aligns perfectly. Our processes and tools are flexible, allowing us to provide the best solution. You can trust that your data and customer information are secure with us. Using our accurate migration tools, we guarantee a secure and error-free transition from Magento 1 to Magento 2.

Are you ready to make the move to Magento 2?

Migrating is a big step, and we understand that you want to know exactly what it entails. That's why we offer a free consultation to analyze your store and provide a detailed cost estimate. Transitioning to Magento 2 is an investment in the future of your store, improving its performance and security to offer an optimized experience for your customers. We provide all the tools, expertise, and support needed for a smooth, efficient migration, preparing your store for a successful future. Ready to make the move to Magento 2? Contact us for a no-obligation consultation. We're here to help.