Engineering a solution to a complex upgrade

The Department of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford was facing a critical challenge: over 70 interconnected websites running on Umbraco v7, a version fast approaching its End of Life in September 2023. With no official upgrade path and more than 200 active content editors across the platform, a fast, stable, and disruption-free migration was essential.

Their website is a high-traffic hub used to communicate world-leading research, attract diverse talent, and support global student recruitment. Delays weren’t an option, and the scale and complexity demanded expert hands.

We proposed a phased upgrade and migration approach:

1. Upgrade to Umbraco v10 (LTS)

2. Migrate all 70+ sites to Umbraco Cloud

3. Enhance functionality and usability for both users and editors

As long-time Umbraco developers and Platinum Partners, we had the confidence — and the contacts — to execute what others might have rebuilt from scratch. Collaborating directly with Umbraco HQ’s development team allowed us to fine-tune cloud configuration and resolve technical blockers with speed and precision.

While Umbraco Cloud is typically self-service, the scale of this project warranted close collaboration. As Platinum Partners, we leveraged our relationship with Umbraco to gain direct access to their dev team, enabling faster configuration, smoother migration, and a more efficient transition to the cloud.

This partnership-first approach was critical in ensuring the platform’s future security, maintainability, and performance.

The Department of Engineering Science now has a fully upgraded, secure, and scalable digital platform. Built on Umbraco Cloud, it’s easier to maintain, update, and grow. The solution protects their digital presence for the long term, while also enhancing the experience for editors and end users alike.