Migration: Joomla 1.7 - prospects of success, problems, opportunities
As of: January 31, 2024
Migrating from a Joomla 1.7 website to a newer version has specific considerations that must be taken into account. Here is a rating based on your criteria:
Is it worth it?
- Short to medium term : Migrating to Joomla 2.5 may make sense as this version offers many improvements and a more stable platform. However, Joomla 2.5 is no longer the latest version, which is why migrating to an even newer version may make more sense in the long term.
- Long term : Migrating directly to Joomla 3.10, 4.4 or 5.0 offers significant security, functionality and usability benefits. These versions are more modern and offer better support for current web standards and technologies.
complexity
- Regarding 2.5 : Migrating from 1.7 to 2.5 is relatively straightforward as both versions have similar fundamentals and the migration process is well documented.
- Regarding 3.10 : The migration to Joomla 3.10 is more complex, but does not require extreme adjustments. Joomla 3.x offers an improved user experience and expanded features compared to previous versions.
- To 4.4, 5.0 : Migrating to Joomla 4.4 or 5.0 is the most complex because these versions make extensive changes to the core system and extensions. This migration requires careful planning and may require replacing incompatible extensions or templates.
Chances of success
- To 2.5 : High because the migration path from 1.7 to 2.5 is well established and documented.
- Regarding 3.10 : Good chance of success with adequate preparation and testing, especially since there are many resources and community support available.
- Regarding 4.4, 5.0 : Variable, depending on the complexity of the website and the availability of extensions and templates compatible with these versions. The chances of success are good if the necessary resources and expertise are available.
It's better to do it completely new
- If the site is severely outdated, both in terms of design and functionality, or relies on outdated extensions that are no longer supported, a rebuild could be more effective and future-proof. A new build makes it possible to take advantage of the latest web technologies, standards and security practices.
Security risks
- Migration : Migrating to a newer Joomla version can improve security by fixing known security vulnerabilities and implementing more modern security features.
- Rebuild : A rebuild provides the opportunity to start from scratch with the best security practices and protect the website against current and future threats.
Problems that cannot be solved with a migration
- Design and user experience : A migration does not automatically update the design or improve the user experience. These aspects need to be addressed separately to ensure that the website meets modern standards.
- Deprecated extensions : Some extensions used on Joomla 1.7 may not be compatible with newer versions. This can lead to loss of functionality if no adequate alternatives are available.
- Technical Debt : Existing issues in the website's codebase or architecture cannot be resolved by a simple migration and may require refactoring or redevelopment.
Conclusion
Migrating from Joomla 1.7 to a newer version may make sense depending on the site's specific needs and goals. For websites that need major modernization or want to benefit from the latest web technologies, a rebuild might be a better choice, especially when transitioning to Joomla 4.x or 5.0.