A hands-on guide to migrating from Confluence - why it’s more than just a technical shift

18 Nov 2024 5 min read

Written by

Stefana Nazare

, Product Owner Cloud & Pro Apps

Making the move from Confluence to XWiki is a bold choice that puts you in full control of your data and frees you from the limitations of vendor lock-in, all thanks to the flexibility of open-source. While the idea of migrating can seem daunting, with the right approach, it can be a game-changer for how your team collaborates and manages knowledge.

At XWiki, we understand that migrations come with unique challenges. Over the years, we’ve worked closely with organizations of all sizes, listening to our clients and continuously refining our tools to handle complex data scenarios and adapt to the ever-evolving needs of our users.

XWiki’s Confluence Migration Toolkit doesn’t just handle the technical aspects. It includes all Pro Apps, recommended extensions, and expert guidance to make your migration seamless from start to finish.

Why migrate to XWiki?

XWiki is a dynamic, open-source platform that puts organizations in complete control over their content and collaboration. Here’s what sets XWiki apart:

  • Full data ownership: Your data stays in your hands, free from vendor lock-in. This means your team can customize and manage your knowledge base to suit your changing needs. 
  • A flexible and customizable structure: Organize, automate, and present content your way. With detailed permissions and adaptable page layouts, XWiki makes it easy to tailor your collaboration environment to your team’s workflow.
  • Top-tier migration tools: We've developed probably the best open-source migration solution available—including page history, users, permissions, attachments, and metadata—quickly and efficiently.

What you need before you migrate

Before starting your migration from Confluence to XWiki, it’s essential to have a clear plan and the right resources in place. Here’s what you’ll need:

  • An XWiki instance with administrator access: This includes having an advanced user who can view hidden pages and manage configurations.
  • Access to your XWiki instance's configuration files: Necessary if you are running XWiki on premises.
  • A Confluence server XML backup file: This backup will be used to migrate all your data efficiently.

More than just data transfer

Migrating isn’t just about moving information. What truly sets us apart is how we approach migration to ensure a smooth and efficient transition:

  • Comprehensive roadmap: We’ll guide you on how to identify the scope, set key objectives, and establish a realistic timeline for your migration.
  • Understanding your content: Assess your current Confluence setup, prioritize critical data, and strategize on how to transition your content to XWiki effectively.
  • Data preservation: We don’t make drastic promises like “zero broken links,” but we do focus on strategies to preserve as much data as possible, including permissions, links, and history. Our toolkit has built-in features to minimize disruptions and keep your content functional.
  • Evolving tools: Migration needs are constantly changing, and so are our tools. We actively listen to our users and update our solutions to tackle new challenges, like our soon-to-be-released batch migrator for managing large-scale migrations that can’t be handled with a simple site export.
  • Expert support: We know migration isn’t a one-person job. That’s why, if you need help managing the switch, you have the option to purchase expert consulting for hands-on, step-by-step support through every part of the process—including change management.

“What if something goes wrong?”
We understand—migration can feel daunting. With so much valuable information at stake, it’s natural to worry about potential issues like broken links, lost data, or unexpected downtime. But at XWiki, we’ve built our migration process with risk management at its core.

“Will my team adapt easily?”
Switching platforms doesn’t have to be difficult for your team. XWiki’s user-friendly interface can even be customized to mirror familiar aspects of Confluence, making it easier for users to hit the ground running. Plus, we provide comprehensive guidance and resources to help everyone get comfortable quickly, so your team can start collaborating effectively without missing a beat.

For more on how XWiki handles migration challenges, check out our guide on the easiest migration from Confluence to XWiki.

Making the most of XWiki

Once your migration to XWiki is complete, the real magic begins. The platform’s flexibility and open-source nature mean you’re not just inheriting a new tool—you’re gaining a highly customizable environment that can be tailored to fit your team’s evolving needs.

Imagine a workspace where you’re in full control. Want to streamline workflows or save your team time on repetitive tasks? You can leverage a wide range of extensions to add new features and even automate processes. Need deeper integration with other tools your team depends on? XWiki’s open framework makes it easy to connect with external systems, creating a cohesive, efficient workspace.

But we don’t stop at giving you customization power. We’re also committed to keeping XWiki ahead of the curve. Our development team constantly works to improve the platform, rolling out regular updates driven by user feedback and the latest technology advancements. As your organization grows and your requirements change, XWiki evolves alongside you, adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

In essence, choosing XWiki means investing in a living, breathing platform that empowers your team to work smarter, stay agile, and continuously improve.

Ready to make your move from Confluence to XWiki?

Join our live webinar, “A Hands-on guide to migrating from Confluence,” to get the insights you need for a successful transition.

Why should you join:

  • Get a clear, actionable migration roadmap.
  • Learn how to keep essential elements intact, ensuring a seamless transition for your team.
  • See firsthand how XWiki handles even the most complex data scenarios, making migration easier than you ever thought possible.
  • Benefit from real-world insights and tips that will help you manage your migration efficiently and effectively.
  • Participate in a live Q&A with our expert in Confluence migrations.

Ready to take the leap? Don’t miss out—register now and set your team up for long-term success with XWiki

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