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MSDynamicsWorld (MSDW) is a digital platform delivering technology-related content for Microsoft Dynamics professionals. It offers registered users access to the latest news, expert insights, best practices, case studies, white papers, and more, with a focus on Dynamics 365, Power Platform, and the Microsoft Cloud ecosystem.

MSDW needed to modernize their website and migrate it from Drupal 7 to the latest version of the system. They aim to preserve all existing data and functionality while introducing a streamlined, user-friendly design that aligns with business goals.
 

Describe the project (goals, requirements and outcome)

Challenge

The MSDW platform needed to support content publishing and lead generation more effectively. Key goals included making the layout modern, lightweight, and intuitive for vendors and regular users while addressing the needs of a large user base with diverse roles and permissions.

Some key points:

  • Safely migrating extensive legacy data to the new system.
  • Empowering editors to customize the look and feel of pages and easily edit content. 
  • Integrating system with various APIs, including Amazon S3, video streaming platforms, and Mautic.
  • Enabling users to decide whether their files should be protected via web forms.

Solutions

To address the challenges faced by the MSDW platform, a range of targeted solutions was implemented to modernize its infrastructure and improve user experience.

  • Data migration - legacy data was migrated using a structured migration process to ensure consistency and reliability.
  • User roles and permissions - the CMS was enhanced with roles and a robust permission system to streamline group management.
  • Lead management - lead data became fully customizable entities that react dynamically within the CMS.
  • Simplified content editing - complex forms were modularized for ease of use, enabling users to edit smaller sections independently.
  • API Integrations - custom plugins enabled seamless interaction with external tools.

Result

The website was successfully migrated to the latest Drupal version, preserving and restructuring legacy data to align with new models. Key functionalities were retained and improved to enhance the user experience for both administrators and regular users. The platform now enables seamless lead management and faster data access through intuitive tools and export options. A modern, lightweight design ensures quicker load times and an overall improved browsing experience.

Examples of implemented features:  

  • Automated lead collection - leads are automatically generated based on user interactions, with seamless integration for external APIs like Mautic.
  • Customizable content design - the layout builder allows users to personalize content pages using predefined components for a consistent yet flexible design experience.
  • Search functionality - advanced search powered by SOLR ensures quick and accurate results.
  • Autogenerated media thumbnails - automatic graphic generation for media files simplifies media management and enhances visual consistency.
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Why Drupal was chosen

The MSDW website was already built on Drupal 7, but the platform required modernization to meet changing user expectations and simplify administrative workflows. Upgrading to the latest version of Drupal provided access to advanced features, improved usability, and a scalable foundation for future growth. With its flexibility, modern design, and robust APIs, Drupal offers the ideal solution for both vendors and regular users.

Technical Specifications

Drupal version: