Migrating Sitecore 6.6 to Sitecore 8

Question

Recently Sitecore 8 has released and it has came up with lot of exciting new features. So our team decided to move from Sitecore 6.6 to Sitecore 8. Before migrating, i would like to know what all things i should be having in handy. Such as, .net Framework , Hardware configuration , environment etc.

Also, i would like to know the procedure to migrate from 6.6 to 8? I, never involved in sitecore migration project before. Please suggest me some good articles or post here your thoughts.

Thanks in advance. :)

Answer 1

See the Sitecore Compatibility Table for the .NET Framework, SQL Server version and Windows version.

Two common approaches.

1) Follow the Sitecore upgrade path.

2) Package the content, and start with a clean install.

Currently I working on a upgrade with an scripted upgrade that follow the Sitecore path. So I can easy repeat the steps and have the latest content in the databases.

I have some of my findings put down here Sitecore update and modules this article contain also a Related links section. Such as the upgrade white paper from Varun

Answer 2

根据您现有实例的“混乱”程度，您可能还需要考虑安装Sitecore 8的新副本，然后迁移您的数据/代码以避免达到8所需的所有跃点。

Answer 3

May be the following blog might help. Take a look at it. https://varunvns.wordpress.com/2014/11/11/sitecore-version-upgrade-whitepaper/

Answer 4

I would recommend you make a backup of your site to use as a "sandbox" for the upgrade. Copy your databases and the web root for your site to a new location and then set up an IIS site with appropriate permissions pointing to your copy, and change your connection strings in the copy to point to a copy of the databases you backed up.

Perform the update there and ensure everything is working correctly. Work slowly to make sure you are following instructions correctly and note any special actions you had to take to perform the upgrade. Once you have it upgraded, perform the same process on the "real" site.

If you work with a Sitecore partner, I would highly encourage you to discuss the process with them to learn more specifics about the risks and challenges you may encounter during your upgrade.