Drupal 7 Migration to the Latest Version
We’ll migrate your system from Drupal 7 to the latest version, preserving your data, functionality, and website layout. Optionally, we can improve the design, enhance functionalities, and fix any existing issues. We ensure a smooth transition without downtime, following the latest security standards. Tell us about your system.
Consequences of not updating Drupal 7 after the end of support
The end of support for Drupal 7 in January 2025 means no more security updates. Any new vulnerabilities will remain unpatched, leaving your website exposed to attacks. Hacks, data breaches, or DDoS attacks could seriously impact your website’s functionality and damage your company’s reputation. Lack of security also risks violating data protection regulations, leading to potential financial penalties.
The issue isn't limited to Drupal alone - you’ll also be forced to use an older version of PHP and libraries, as Drupal 7 will not be compatible with newer versions of these technologies. This means additional security risks not only within Drupal but across all connected technologies, which will have to remain in outdated versions. Maintaining such a system long-term becomes increasingly risky and costly.
While some companies may offer commercial support for Drupal 7, their limited availability will drive up prices for these services. In the long run, migrating to a newer version is not only safer but also more cost-effective.
Drupal migration options
Migrating from Drupal 7 to the latest version is more than just an upgrade – it’s a decision that will affect your website’s future performance and security. There are three primary migration options, each differing in time, cost, and scope of changes. Choosing the right strategy is key to the the successful Drupal migration and your website's continued growth.
What do you need to know about migrating from Drupal 7?
Migrating from Drupal 7 is a crucial step that significantly impacts your website’s security and functionality. Many businesses are wondering whether it’s necessary to migrate now or if they can delay the process. Below, we explain the risks of staying on Drupal 7, what you should consider before making a decision, and why migration is an investment in the future of your business.
Paid support for Drupal 7 after official support ends
While some companies offer commercial support for Drupal 7 after January 2025, you should be aware that the number of such providers will be limited, driving up the cost of their Drupal migration services. Additionally, paid support often doesn’t cover issues related to outdated versions of PHP and libraries that Drupal 7 relies on. As a result, maintaining your website on this version could lead to significant long-term costs.
Costs and complexity of migration
Migration might seem costly and time-consuming, especially for businesses with custom modules or large databases. However, investing in migration protects you from higher costs due to situations that may arise in the future - such as repairs after hacking attempts, increasing compatibility issues, or rising costs of maintaining outdated technologies.
Once you’ve migrated to the latest version of Drupal, you won’t need to undergo another full migration. From version 8 onward, Drupal allows seamless updates without the need to migrate data, making system maintenance cheaper over the years. Each new version of Drupal brings free features and improvements. At Droptica, we manage numerous systems that we've successfully upgraded from Drupal 8 to versions 9, 10, and beyond - some of which we’ve been maintaining this way since 2016.
Migration costs should be considered in the context of the total cost of ownership (TCO). With proper updates, Drupal can run stably for five years or more, significantly reducing long-term maintenance costs.
Migrating to another CMS or staying on Drupal?
Some businesses may consider moving to a different CMS, thinking it might be simpler or cheaper. However, migrating to another CMS can be more complicated than staying on Drupal - it requires a complete rebuild of your content, structure, and design. Drupal remains one of the most powerful platforms, especially for content-rich websites with complex structures. Migrating to the newest version of Drupal ensures long-term stability and growth.
There’s often a temptation to migrate to WordPress, but it’s technologically outdated. WordPress uses structured code, which can make it difficult to find developers willing to maintain complex, critical systems on the platform. Additionally, WordPress has a less user-friendly admin panel compared to what Drupal offers from version 11 onward. Many users who previously worked with WordPress confirm that managing the latest version of Drupal is much more convenient and intuitive.
It’s hard to find another system that is as technologically refined, developed for over 20 years, and backed by a large open-source community (such as Drupal community) creating thousands of modules. Drupal is user-friendly for editors, flexible enough to adapt to business processes, and ensures long-term reliability, unlike many frameworks and systems that have disappeared in recent years. While you could build a custom system tailored to your company’s needs, the costs would be significantly higher than with Drupal.
You have a system that doesn’t require content updates or new features
If your website is an archival system that needs to remain online but no longer requires content updates (e.g., past conference editions or archived projects), we recommend migrating to static HTML. In this case, the website will still be accessible to users, but its maintenance will be cheaper and more secure, as static sites aren’t vulnerable to attacks like dynamic systems without security updates.
However, if your website requires further development or is part of an active strategy, migrating to the latest version of Drupal will not only provide the necessary security but also make future management and development easier when needed.
Delaying migration - a risky move
Many website owners may think they can postpone migration for later. However, each month of delay increases the risk of technical issues, cyberattacks, and other threats. Additionally, the longer you wait, the more complex and costly migration will become, as the technologies supporting your web page become even more outdated.
It’s also important to remember that the number of companies specializing in professional Drupal migrations is limited. As January 2025 approaches and Drupal 7 loses support, these companies will become increasingly booked. Eventually, even if you decide to migrate, you might have to wait for an available slot, making it impossible to complete the migration before the support ends. Therefore, it’s essential to act now, avoiding time pressure and the risk of being left without support at a critical moment.
What is needed for the Drupal migration services?
To ensure a smooth and effective migration from Drupal 7 to the latest version, proper preparation and access to key tools are essential. Here's what is required:
1. Analysis of your Drupal 7 website
Before starting the migration, it's crucial to fully understand the structure and content of your current Drupal 7 website. We’ve developed a dedicated script for extracting metadata, which allows us to quickly gather all the necessary information about your web page. This enables us to conduct a preliminary analysis and estimate the actions needed for the migration. The entire process takes just a few minutes. Click the button below to learn more about how our migration scripts work.
2. List of changes during migration
Migration is the perfect opportunity to implement changes and improvements on your website. We’ve created a detailed checklist that includes various options that can be applied during the migration, from SEO improvements and content structure optimization to performance enhancements. You can choose which elements to modify, add, or remove, giving you full control over the scope of the migration. This list helps identify areas that need improvement and plan additional features and optimizations.
These two tools - the script and the checklist - allow for a seamless migration process and ensure that the new version of your website is fully tailored to your business needs.
How does the Drupal migration process work?
Migrating from Drupal 7 to the latest version involves several key stages. Below is a detailed overview of the entire migration process at Droptica. This well-structured migration guarantees a seamless transfer of your website and ensures its stable operation on the latest version of Drupal.
Analysis of the Drupal 7 website
We begin by using our migration scripts to extract metadata from your Drupal 7 website. This allows us to analyze the content, data structure, and functionality of the web page, which forms the foundation for the next steps. After the initial metadata analysis, we also review the code and system configuration.
Defining the list of changes
Together with the client, we establish a list of changes for the migration. Based on our analysis, we provide recommendations for improvements, and the client shares their desired changes. These may include new features, bug fixes, design updates, performance optimizations, or data structure modifications. This results in a comprehensive list of tasks to be executed during the migration from Drupal 7.
Cost
estimation
Based on the agreed-upon scope of work, we provide a detailed cost estimation for the migration. The cost depends on the complexity of the project and the modifications that need to be implemented.
Development and design work (if applicable)
Once the cost estimate is approved, the development team begins the migration process, transferring data, adjusting modules, and implementing the changes agreed with the client. If design changes are included in the project, our design team will either create a new layout or make the necessary updates to the existing look of the website to ensure consistency with the new Drupal version.
Testing
After the development and design work are completed, we conduct thorough system testing. These tests are done on a test server, where the client also has access to review and verify the results before the final deployment to the production server.
Deployment to the production server
Once testing is complete, the website is deployed to the production server. The deployment is carried out in a way that minimizes downtime, ensuring continuity of service for the website.
Stabilization phase
After deployment, we offer technical support as part of the stabilization phase. We monitor the site's performance and make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Ongoing development and maintenance
After the migration is completed, we offer long-term Drupal support, regular updates, and ongoing development. This ensures that the website remains up to date with modern standards and that all features and security measures are current.
How much does a Drupal 7 migration cost?
The cost of migrating from Drupal 7 to the latest version depends on the project's complexity, the scope of changes being implemented, and the client's specific needs. Below are the basic pricing options:
Each project is priced individually depending on the specifics of the site and the client’s expectations.
What you gain by choosing a Drupal 7 migration with Droptica
Effective Drupal migration from A to Z
- Results tailored to your goals: Whether you want a quick and simple migration or plan to introduce major changes during the process, we adapt our work to meet your specific objectives.
- Comprehensive services: Beyond migration, we can redesign your website, optimize hosting, and add automation or integrations to ensure your website operates more efficiently.
- Recommendations for improvements: Based on our analysis, we provide suggestions for enhancements that can improve your site's performance, SEO, and user experience.
- Team training: After the migration, we offer training to your content team so they can easily manage the new Drupal version and its features.
Fast Drupal migration
- Efficient analysis: With our specialized tools, we can quickly conduct a thorough analysis of your Drupal 7 website, speeding up the migration.
- Prepared checklists: We have a set of ready-made recommendations and checklists to help quickly define the scope of work and implement the best solutions.
- Ready to act: With a large team of developers, we can begin the migration project immediately, without delays.
Minimal effort on your side
- Complete deployment: We take care of the entire deployment process, handling all the technical aspects of getting your site live, so you don't have to worry about it.
- No downtime: We perform seamless migration in a way that minimizes or eliminates downtime, ensuring that your site remains fully operational throughout the process.
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By choosing our migration service, you can rest assured that your website will be secure, optimized, and future-ready, with us handling everything from analysis to migration, deployment, and team training.
Why you can trust us
Experience: With over 10 years of experience in Drupal migrations. Our work on past projects has given us technical skills, tool knowledge, and solutions to recurring problems that we can apply directly to your website migration.
Certified expertise: As a "Drupal Certified Partner" and "Certified Migration Partner," our skills and service quality are recognized within the Drupal community.
Highly qualified team: Our team includes dozens of developers with Drupal certifications, guaranteeing a solid conceptual and practical approach to migration work.
What you should know before choosing Droptica for migration
Examples of our migrations – from simple to complex
Simple Drupal migration:
information portal
In one of our projects, we completed a successful Drupal migration of a simple information portal from Drupal 7 to a newer version.
- The migration included 24 content types and 1,700 files and took 220 work hours.
- The project focused on transferring content without changing the functionality or design, allowing for a quick and efficient migration.
Large Drupal migration:
advanced business portal
In a more advanced project, we migrated an extensive business portal from Drupal 7 to Drupal 10, which required handling a large amount of data:
- The migration involved 26 content types, 872,000 nodes, 8,500 users, 191,000 files (~110GB), and 101 custom modules, which were optimized and consolidated into 44 main modules and 59 submodules.
- The data migration took ~35 hours, but the entire project required advanced performance optimization and processing of large data sets.
- Key challenges included processing and personalizing vast amounts of data, generating reports, and implementing efficient caching.
These two examples demonstrate the extremes – from simple, fast migrations to highly complex projects. As you can see, we can handle both small migrations and comprehensive, multi-layered deployments, tailored to each client's specific needs.
Read our articles about migrating websites
Check our articles with technical experts’ tips on Drupal migration and updates.
Watch Droptica Webinar: The Future After Drupal 7
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If certain modules are not compatible, we’ll suggest alternative solutions. This could be using another module with similar functionality or rewriting the existing module for the latest version of Drupal based on the Drupal 7 code. Each case is evaluated individually to find the most optimal solution.
During the migration, we’ll transfer the entire URL structure (URL aliases), page titles, and header tag structure (H1, H2, H3...). If your website has a sitemap, robots.txt, or other SEO-related features, we’ll also migrate those. We assess every SEO element during the analysis stage to ensure full compliance and to maintain your website’s search engine rankings.
After the migration, we enter a stabilization phase during which we monitor the system's performance. If any issues arise, we promptly fix them. Following the stabilization phase, we offer support packages, which include regular Drupal updates to newer versions and ongoing enhancements and optimizations to ensure long-term stability.
