Over the years, Sitecore has become a popular content management system (CMS) among organizations owing to its immense flexibility and extensibility. However, with the rise of cloud computing, many businesses are now opting to migrate their Sitecore platforms to the cloud. This migration to Sitecore’s revolutionary cloud-based, SaaS CMS, the Experience Manager (XM) Cloud, can have a significant impact on existing customizations, extensions, and integrations.

In this blog post, we will explore the kind of impact that a Sitecore migration to the cloud entails, analyze the different types of integrations that should be moved to NextJs, and understand what needs to be converted to Azure Functions or APIs.

The Impact on Existing Customizations and Extensions

When migrating to Sitecore XM Cloud, all customizations and extensions built on-premises must be reevaluated and tested for compatibility with the cloud environment. The primary impact is that any customizations that use Sitecore APIs or extend Sitecore functionality directly may need to be revised to ensure their compatibility with the cloud. Additionally, any custom code that integrates with other systems must also be evaluated for compatibility.

Third-party extensions like modules, plugins, or add-ons must be evaluated for compatibility with the cloud before migrating. Compatibility issues may arise if the third-party extensions are not built to work with Sitecore XM Cloud. This can lead to additional development and testing expenses to ensure compatibility.

The Impact on Integrations

A Sitecore XM Cloud migration can also have a notable impact on existing integrations. It is the type of integration that usually determines how the integrations should be moved to Sitecore XM Cloud.

NextJS Integration: Many organizations are transitioning from traditional SPA frameworks to the latest frontend technologies like React and NextJs. Integrating NextJs with Sitecore XM Cloud requires a Sitecore JSS (JavaScript Services) application. Sitecore JSS provides a framework for building isomorphic JavaScript applications that can consume Sitecore data. By utilizing Sitecore JSS, developers can leverage the fast and scalable cloud environment.

Azure Functions and APIs: Cloud-based Sitecore XM applications can seamlessly integrate with external systems through APIs or Azure Functions. Unlike traditional integrations that are connected to on-premises systems, APIs and Azure Functions are built to work in the cloud environment, ensuring optimal scalability and performance.

When converting an existing integration to an API or Azure Function, it is essential to monitor for any security vulnerabilities. Most integrations involve sensitive data, and developers must take necessary precautions to ensure that any data transmitted between the cloud and external systems is secure.

Concluding Thoughts

Migrating to Sitecore XM Cloud has several benefits including scalability, performance, and flexibility. However, it can have an impact on the existing customizations, extensions, and integrations. Organizations must reevaluate their existing customizations, extensions, and integrations to ensure compatibility with the cloud environment. Any issues that arise during this process must be addressed promptly to avoid any post-migration hiccups.

To fully leverage the cloud environment, organizations can remodel frontend technologies using frameworks like NextJs, while APIs or Azure Functions can be utilized to integrate with external systems securely. By making necessary adjustments to customizations, extensions, and integrations, organizations can take full advantage of Sitecore XM Cloud to deliver optimal digital experiences.

If you are curious to learn more or are looking to initiate a Sitecore XM Cloud migration to enjoy the benefits of a cloud-native infrastructure, then reach out to us. Our team of certified Sitecore experts will help you strategize and implement your digital transformation to meet the specific needs of your business.