Many organizations are still dealing with older Drupal implementations that have become difficult to maintain. Over time, content structures drift, custom code accumulates, and upgrades become harder to plan.

A migration is an opportunity to reset that foundation.

We work with universities, government agencies, and other organizations to migrate Drupal sites in a way that preserves what is working, improves what is not, and sets the platform up for long-term sustainability. That often includes moving from Drupal 7 to more modern versions, but the broader goal is to simplify and strengthen the system as a whole.

What a Migration Involves

A Drupal migration is not just a technical upgrade. It touches content, structure, design, and integrations.

Our approach typically includes:

• Reviewing the existing site to understand content, structure, and technical constraints
• Identifying what should be carried forward, restructured, or retired
• Mapping content into a new model that supports long-term use
• Rebuilding templates and components in a more maintainable way
• Migrating content, files, and relationships into the new system

This is a chance to correct issues that have built up over time, not just replicate them in a new version.

Drupal 7 to Modern Drupal

Many migrations are driven by the need to move off Drupal 7.

In these cases, it is important to treat the migration as more than a version upgrade. Drupal has changed significantly, and older patterns do not always translate directly.

We help organizations move to current versions of Drupal with an approach that focuses on:

• modern content modeling
• flexible, reusable components
• improved editorial workflows
• better alignment with accessibility standards

The goal is not just to get onto a supported version, but to end up with a system that is easier to manage and extend.

Content and Structure

Content is often the most complex part of a migration.

Large sites may include thousands of pages, documents, and relationships between content types. In many cases, content has been created by multiple teams over time, leading to inconsistencies.

We take a structured approach to content migration, including:

• auditing content to identify what should be kept, revised, or removed
• defining clear content types and relationships
• mapping existing content into the new structure
• testing migrations to ensure accuracy and completeness

This reduces the risk of carrying forward issues that make the new system harder to manage.

Integrations and Data

Drupal sites are often connected to other systems, including CRMs, student systems, search platforms, and external APIs.

We plan for these integrations early in the process, identifying what needs to be preserved and what can be improved. In some cases, migrations are an opportunity to simplify or standardize how systems connect.

The goal is to ensure that data continues to flow correctly while reducing complexity where possible.

Risks and How We Approach Them

Migrations carry risk. The most common issues include:

• incomplete or inconsistent content
• unexpected dependencies in custom code
• integrations that are not well documented
• timelines that do not account for content cleanup

We address these risks by working in phases, validating assumptions early, and testing migrations before full rollout. Clear communication and realistic planning are a big part of making these projects successful.

After the Migration

A successful migration should leave you with a system that is easier to work with.

That includes:

• clearer content structures
• more consistent templates and components
• improved editorial workflows
• a platform that can be maintained and extended over time

We also provide support after launch, helping teams adjust to the new system and addressing any issues that arise as the site evolves.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Drupal migration take?
It depends on the size and complexity of the site. Smaller projects may take a few months, while larger, multi-site environments can take longer and are often approached in phases.

Is it possible to migrate without redesigning the site?
Yes, but it is often worth revisiting structure and templates during a migration. This is a good opportunity to address issues that have built up over time.

What happens to our existing content?
Content is typically mapped and migrated into the new system. In many cases, some content is revised or retired as part of the process.

Can we migrate incrementally?
In some cases, yes. Phased approaches can reduce risk and allow parts of the site to transition over time.