Streamlining Your CMS Journey: Our 7-Step Strategy for Brightspot Migration

This article was written by Arpit Rastogi, Senior Technical Architect 

Managing digital content and building an online presence is key for any modern business. A good content management system (CMS) seamlessly stores, edits and publishes text, images, videos and more across websites, apps and beyond. It simplifies the way organizations connect with customers everywhere. Brightspot, with its powerful and intuitive interface, flexible tools, built-in content types, templates and SEO features, enables editorial and marketing teams to manage workflows and design pages without the need for developer support. These capabilities make Brightspot an agile and scalable solution for modern businesses seeking efficiency and speed in building impactful digital experiences.  

However, an ideal CMS is not just a win for business teams, but it is also a game changer for front-end users who benefit from richer digital interactions across devices. Brightspot CMS enhances the virtual journey by delivering personalized content, ensuring an omnichannel experience with up-to-date and relevant information and offers. When businesses select Brightspot, they unlock not only efficiency but also consistent brand interactions for seamless customer engagement across all channels. 

But navigating the challenges of CMS migration is not an easy task; it demands a well-defined strategy. With our extensive expertise in large-scale CMS management and omnichannel digital experiences, Material excels in smooth migrations. Partnering with Brightspot, we ensure seamless integration, rapid deployment of new digital experiences and customized workflows for diverse content types — including articles, videos, data and visualization models.  

Considering a new CMS partner? Explore our comprehensive 7-step migration strategy, designed to streamline the process of moving your digital presence to Brightspot. 

1. Setting Up Data Structures 

In simple terms, data structure refers to how information is organized in a database. Modern CMS platforms like Brightspot make this easy with a user-friendly form-building interface. Brightspot comes with built-in data models for articles, work streams, pages, sections and media like images, audio and video. 

Material’s approach with Brightspot involves:  

• Reviewing the current data setup, including structured and unstructured pages. 

• Breaking down content types to understand each field within the content type. 

• Collaborating with the business team to understand the purpose of each field. 

• Identifying which data models can be used from Brightspot’s starter kit and which need custom definitions. 

• Mapping existing fields to Brightspot’s data models. 

• Setting up unstructured pages, such as sections and marketing pages, using Brightspot’s page data model and modules. 

2. Integrations 

When starting a Brightspot project, the initial step is to build a list of the required integrations to better understand the business goals and the integrations available in the current system. Brightspot offers a huge repository of readily available integrations which can be added to the project as plugins. Any gaps between what is needed and what Brightspot offers out-of-the-box can be addressed by leveraging Material’s professional services to develop custom solutions. 

3. Data Migration 

Successful data migration starts with preparing data models and mapping content. There are two main ways to migrate content to Brightspot, and choosing the appropriate method depends on the nature and complexity of your data.   

• Database Migration 
  This method is ideal for structured data. Brightspot’s built-in migration framework connects to the source database, processes data in a pre-migration phase and then maps the data to Brightspot’s fields during migration. 

•  Content Import API
  This method is suitable for unstructured and semi-structured data. It involves exporting content as CSV or via an API endpoint and then using a shell script to post the data to Brightspot’s content import API.
  Material excels at navigating these processes, ensuring a smooth and efficient migration, whether through database migration or content import.
   

4. Data Distribution and Rendering 

Data distribution involves making data available to the downstream consumers in an agreed contract. Material ensures efficient data distribution with Brightspot – through both traditional CMS setups with templates and modern headless approaches using GraphQL and REST APIs. We streamline migration processes and enhance backend/frontend integrations, prioritizing maintainability and optimal performance. 

When migrating tightly integrated websites (otherwise known as coupled websites), we may need to update Brightspot’s templates and styles. For headless sites, we work with frontend teams to use Brightspot’s GraphQL API, which is easier to maintain. If older APIs are necessary, Brightspot might need to replicate them, but adapting complex JSON API schemas can be challenging. In such cases, it is often better to redesign the frontend using Brightspot’s GraphQL for better performance and management. 

5. Infrastructure and Deployment Strategy 

Brightspot offers both on-premise and cloud-based deployments, with cloud deployment often preferred for its simplified migration process. The platform handles infrastructure setup and application tuning, ensuring readiness for current and future traffic. 

6. Customization and Skillset 

Material leverages its expertise in Java development for Brightspot, utilizing its native framework DARI. Transitioning to Brightspot is streamlined with popular front-end tools and a flexible handlebar templating system, supported by comprehensive developer resources like Yarn. 

7. Architecture Patterns 

One of the key aspects of cross-platform migration involves finding the equivalent support for large and complex architecture patterns. At Material, we focus on migrating projects seamlessly to Brightspot. We ensure smooth transitions for multisite setups, offering flexibility in maintaining consistent branding or creating distinct site experiences. Whether adopting headless, unified or hybrid approaches, we tailor solutions based on content delivery needs and editorial control while accommodating developer preferences. Our approach emphasizes clarity and efficiency, supporting transitions with a clear focus on architectural patterns that optimize code execution and separation of concerns. 

A well-defined migration strategy is critical to ensure a smooth transition for your website. Material’s 7-step approach can pave the way for a successful migration to Brightspot. 

At Material, we partner with CMS providers like Brightspot to help businesses implement tailored CMS solutions that streamline integration, rapid deployment and content versatility, excelling in large-scale content management and omnichannel digital projects. Reach out today for an expert consultation.