Magento Version Upgrades - Zero-Downtime Platform Modernisation
Overview
Expert Magento and Adobe Commerce version upgrades with zero downtime and full compatibility testing. From Magento 1 to Magento 2 migrations through latest 2.4.x releases, we handle complexity while you stay current and secure.
Upgrade Services
Magento 2.4 Version Upgrades
Systematic upgrades from Magento 2.1.x through latest 2.4.7+ releases. Compatibility testing with custom modules and extensions. Zero-downtime deployment strategies. Database schema updates and data migrations.
Adobe Commerce Migration
Migration from Magento 2 to Adobe Commerce cloud platform. Infrastructure optimisation for cloud deployment. API-first architecture transition. Cloud-specific features and capabilities.
Magento 1 to Magento 2 Migrations
Complex migration from legacy Magento 1 to modern Magento 2.4. Database migration and data transformation. Custom module rewriting for new platform. Extension replacement and custom feature reimplementation. Staged migration approach minimising business disruption.
Extension Compatibility Assessment
Audit of all installed extensions for version compatibility. Identification of extensions requiring updates or replacement. Creation of compatibility matrix documenting all dependencies. Planning for extension updates or rewrites.
Custom Code Migration
Rewriting custom modules for new Magento versions. Plugin and observer pattern updates. Service contract implementation for API-first approach. Test coverage implementation for custom code.
Database Migration
Backup creation before migration ensuring recovery capability. Schema updates for new Magento versions. Data transformation and normalisation. Verification of data integrity post-migration. Rollback procedures if issues occur.
Performance Optimisation Post-Upgrade
Validation of performance against pre-upgrade baselines. Caching strategy adjustment for new platform. Database index review and adjustment. Infrastructure tuning post-migration.
Documentation & Training
Complete migration documentation and runbooks. Team training on new platform features. Custom module documentation for new architecture. Knowledge transfer ensuring team autonomy.
Migration Approach
Pre-Upgrade Assessment
Comprehensive audit of current Magento 1 or 2 installation. Extension and custom module inventory. Data quality and integrity verification. Infrastructure capacity assessment. Create backup plan and rollback procedures.
Staged Environment
Build isolated staging environment mirroring production. Deploy new Magento version. Execute complete migration avoiding production risk. Comprehensive testing before touching production.
Testing Strategy
Functionality testing covering all customer journeys. Performance testing against baselines. Extension testing for compatibility. Custom code testing in new environment. Regression testing ensuring nothing breaks.
Deployment Planning
Zero-downtime deployment strategy (blue-green or canary). Coordinated timing during low-traffic windows. Traffic direction and DNS management. Rollback procedures if issues occur. Communication plan for stakeholders.
Post-Upgrade Support
Monitoring for issues in first 48 hours. Performance baseline validation. Error log review and resolution. Customer feedback monitoring and response. Documentation of issues and resolutions.
Version-Specific Considerations
Magento 1.x to 2.4.x Migration
Complete architectural rewrite (1.x uses EAV heavily, 2.x uses attributes). Extension ecosystem complete rebuild. Custom module rewriting required. Data transformation handling legacy formats. Performance improvements from better architecture.
Magento 2.1 to 2.4.x Upgrade
Smaller migration focused on new features. Extension updates rather than rewrites. GraphQL API implementation opportunities. Progressive Web App capabilities.
Latest Version Adoption
Adobe Commerce 2.4.7 introduces PHP 8.4 support. AI-powered merchandising features. Enhanced security and compliance. Performance improvements and modern architecture patterns.
Upgrade Scope
Minor Upgrade (2.4.5 → 2.4.6): 1-2 weeks. Extension updates, testing, deployment.
Major Upgrade (2.3 → 2.4): 4-8 weeks. Custom code updates, database changes, comprehensive testing.
Platform Migration (1.x → 2.4): 12-24 weeks. Complete rebuild with data migration and module rewriting.
Business Benefits
Security: Latest Magento versions include critical security updates. Protection against known vulnerabilities.
Performance: Newer versions include performance improvements. 20-30% typical performance increase from upgrades.
Features: New capabilities for revenue growth. AI merchandising, advanced checkout, headless commerce.
Compliance: Latest versions meet current compliance requirements (PCI DSS, GDPR, accessibility).
Support: Extended support for latest versions. Vendor commitment to long-term maintenance.
Technology Stack
- Magento: 2.4.x or Adobe Commerce cloud
- PHP: 8.1, 8.2, 8.3 support depending on Magento version
- Database: MySQL 8.0+, optimised for Magento 2.4
- Elasticsearch: 7.x or 8.x for search
- Infrastructure: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure, private cloud
- DevOps: Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines
Upgrade Timeline
- Weeks 1-2: Assessment, planning, staging environment setup
- Weeks 3-4: Data migration and staging deployment
- Weeks 5-8: Testing, custom code updates, extension verification
- Week 9: Final testing and deployment planning
- Week 10: Production deployment and post-upgrade support
Common Upgrade Challenges
Extension Compatibility: Many Magento 1 extensions don't work in Magento 2. Requires extension replacement or rewriting.
Custom Code: Custom modules must be rewritten for new architecture patterns. Service contracts and dependency injection required.
Data Migration: Legacy data transformation challenging with Magento 1 EAV model differences.
Performance Regression: Improper configuration can cause performance regression post-upgrade.
Team Capability: Learning new platform and architecture takes time.
Upgrade Prevention Strategies
Regular Updates: Stay current with minor releases preventing large jumps.
Extension Management: Use actively maintained extensions to avoid upgrade blockers.
Code Standards: Build custom code following Magento best practices enabling easier upgrades.
Testing: Comprehensive testing suite enabling confident upgrades.
Post-Upgrade Optimization
- Performance Tuning: Caching, database optimisation, infrastructure tuning
- Feature Adoption: Leverage new capabilities (AI merchandising, advanced checkout)
- Security Hardening: Latest security features and best practices
- Monitoring: Establish baselines and alerting for new platform
Why Choose Our Upgrade Services
Magento Specialists: 18+ years experience with all Magento versions and migrations.
Zero-Downtime: Blue-green deployments ensuring no customer disruption.
Comprehensive Testing: Full test coverage before and after migration.
Risk Management: Documented rollback procedures if issues occur.
Related Services
- Custom Development: Implement new features enabled by upgrade
- Performance Optimisation: Optimise performance post-upgrade
- Infrastructure: Cloud migration and infrastructure tuning
- Team Augmentation: Senior developers supporting learning curve
Migration Costs
- Minor Upgrade (2.4.5 → 2.4.6): £10,000-£20,000
- Major Upgrade (2.3 → 2.4): £25,000-£50,000
- Magento 1 → 2.4: £50,000-£150,000+
- Complex Systems: Larger budgets for extensive custom code or unusual requirements
Next Steps
Modernise your Magento platform. Contact us to discuss upgrade options and create a migration plan for your business.