The most sensible and safe answer in connection with upgrading to new, larger versions of software products in general would be “wait a few months for the few patches and following this let’s have a discussion about it”.
We will permit ourselves to say that the answer still lies within what we would call “good latin”, in connection with a Sitecore upgrade, especially if we are talking about upgrading between “major versions”, which could be, for example, from version 4.x to the new version 6.
Before one begins to dig deep and consider technicalities in connection with an upgrade it is always important to note that one should not upgrade just too upgrade and just because there is a new version. In our opinion there should always be a value adding argument for upgrading. If there are no rewards to be had by upgrading, then one should maybe refrain.
You should consider upgrading if:
- Your current solution is so obsolete that all support for that version has ceased. This is for example the situation with Sitecore version 4.x, where Sitecore no longer supports new patches etc.
- You are going to make such large changes with your current solution that it makes sense to upgrade at the same time.
- With the new version you receive a lot of new functions that you have been missing.
- That you feel you simply cannot live without the new, stylish “page editor” :-)
Is it just press a button and run a script?
Yes – partly. Sitecore has over time gained a good level of control over their conversion scripts, but it is always important to note that these conversion scripts cannot account for special functions that have been developed, naturally. Therefore, one should not count on just running a conversion script to upgrade from one version to another.
Choose an experienced Sitecore partner
We believe that it is of great importance to choose a Sitecore partner that has a large amount of experience upgrading from earlier solutions.