How to Migrate from Sitecore to a Modern CMS
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TL;DR
Migrating from Sitecore to a modern CMS is a significant undertaking due to Sitecore's tightly coupled architecture, custom renderings, and proprietary data structures. Start by inventorying content items, templates, and personalization rules. Export content via Sitecore's serialization tools or Item Web API, then restructure it for your target CMS. Plan for a phased migration to minimize risk and maintain business continuity.
Key Takeaways
- Sitecore's monolithic DXP architecture means migration touches content, presentation, personalization, and integrations simultaneously — scope carefully
- Use Sitecore's Item Web API or serialization tools (Unicorn, TDS, or SCS) to export content in a structured format
- Separate content migration from frontend rebuild — they can proceed in parallel but should be validated independently
- Phased migration (section by section or market by market) dramatically reduces cutover risk for large enterprise sites