This document discusses planning for upgrading a website content management system (CMS) from version 7 to version 8. It provides tips in several areas to prepare for a successful upgrade: 1) Testing the new version thoroughly in advance, getting user feedback, and ensuring all normal tasks still work as expected. 2) Making sure the organization and its users are ready for the new user interface and have received proper training. 3) Planning adequate time for the upgrade, such as scheduling it during less busy periods, as the system will be down for users during the process. 4) Having robust backup systems and testing restorations in case issues arise during the upgrade.

1. Defining Digital Engagement
for Higher Education
Upgrading to 8
Planning for success!
Conor Farrell & Barry Flannery

2. • Why upgrade from v7 to v8?
• What you should do in advance
• What you should do post upgrade
• How to upgrade from v7 to v8
• Things to watch out for
Introduction
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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Introduction
“Successful planning is planning for success.”
- Conor, in a moment of corporate madness.

3. TERMINALFOUR v8 statistics
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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TERMINALFOUR v8 statistics
Are testing v8:
17
About to go live on v8:
10
Have site live on v8:
4
Releasing 8.1.0001
November 16th 2015
Released 8.0.0004 (GA)
July 1st 2015

4. • As with all major software releases there were some initial
teething issues.
• Since the summer we’ve been able to iron out these creases
• We’re now on track for the release of v8.1
• Thank you to our early adopters for their feedback and for
helping us get to where we are today.
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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Teething issues
Thank You to Our Early Adopters

5. • Improved user experience
• Enhanced Direct Edit
• Integrated Google Analytics metrics
• Brand new Form Builder engine
• Or, do you simply want the latest and greatest?
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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Make sure you’re upgrading for the right reasons
Preparation
Prep: Why are you upgrading?

6. • There are substantial UI differences between v7 and v8
• Are your less experienced users ready for this change?
• Have you spoken with our
Learning & Development team?
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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Are you and your team ready for this journey?
Preparation
Prep: Training

7. • Scheduling is important
• Avoid busy times and deadlines
• Typically a v8 upgrade can take half a day
• Users will not be able to use the system for the duration
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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How long is this going to take anyway?
Preparation
Prep: Downtime

8. • Testing is a vital part of your upgrade plan
• Ensure all of your day-to-day activities perform as expected
• Have a test plan
• Consider getting a test environment
• Encourage feedback from your users
• Talk to us! We’re here to help!
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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Getting acquainted with TERMINALFOUR 8
Preparation
Prep: Testing

9. • Make sure you have your backups in place
• Test them, can you restore from them?
• If TERMINALFOUR host your CMS then
we’ll be taking care of this for you
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Have your safety net ready just in case - always
Preparation
Prep: Backups
“Remember, backups are not just for Christmas!”

10. • TERMINALFOUR v8 has greater system requirements than before
• Our supported platforms have also changed
• You may need to invest in your infrastructure
• Are you being forced to upgrade
anyway, ex: Win 2003 to 2012?
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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Do you need an excuse to buy new stuff?
Preparation
Prep: Resources

11. • To give you a quick overview of the upgrade processes
• This will be quick, it’s a small collection of content and pages
• Upgrade from 7.4.0004 to 8.0.0008
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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What could possibly go wrong…
Live upgrade demo
Live upgrade time!

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Some Dos and Don’ts
Some Dos and Don’ts
DON’Ts
Rush into this
Ignore backups
Ignore user feedback
Panic!
DOs
Plan resources well
Have the right people
Test; thoroughly
Talk to us!

13. ?!
T44U 2015 – Upgrading to 8 – Conor Farrell, Barry Flannery, TERMINALFOUR Client Support
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Questions?
Questions? Comments?