Adobe ColdFusion is a robust and reliable development platform for many businesses. However, that doesn’t mean you’ll stay on ColdFusion forever. Even if you’ve been using the platform for years, there are many reasons you might want to make the switch to a platform like NodeJS, Rails, or Java.  

Perhaps you’re ready to scale up your application, or you may simply lack the resources to keep up with the software’s demands. Whatever the reason, there are several best practices to keep in mind for a successful ColdFusion migration.  

Here are the dos and don’ts of moving your application off ColdFusion.  

DO work with a professional ColdFusion developer.  

Migrating data off ColdFusion is a difficult process, especially if you’re using an older version of the platform. This is why partnering with a ColdFusion support professional is key.  

There are a number of challenges that could arise during migration, but let’s consider an example: 

Adobe built ColdFusion to be highly versatile. However, some old monolith systems may exist with all pieces sharing one database.  

This is unlike some modern, microservices-oriented applications, which are typically made of interconnected modules.  

Migrating a ColdFusion web application may involve breaking up this monolith without disrupting the app, and this is a delicate process that calls for experienced hands. 

Without a doubt, making the move without downtime requires a team of experts.  

While you may be tempted to perform the migration in house, working with a professional ColdFusion developer is always the best approach. These developers will analyze your existing application and create a migration roadmap with your software goals in mind. If something goes wrong, you’ll proceed with confidence with a built-in support team on your side.  

DON’T rush the migration.  

Your team may be eager to move to a new platform as soon as possible. However, it’s important to balance efficiency and effectiveness. Running ColdFusion migration without the proper precautions can lead to unplanned downtime, security concerns, and ultimately, an even longer migration process.  

When mistakes lead to downtime and a prolonged migration, businesses eat up both money and time trying to solve these issues.  

Remember, a ColdFusion development firm will create a step-by-step plan for your company and manage the entire project. The key is to transfer your application successfully, not necessarily quickly. 

DO plan out your data migration. 

Migrating ColdFusion to another platform means migrating your data as well. You need a robust mechanism to move data from one location to another – and this mechanism requires a detailed plan.  

With the right plan, you’ll also ensure that the data stays consistent during the migration. Think of this as “syncing the data.” You should have a consistent experience using the old and new platform, and the data shouldn’t look different. 

Work with a ColdFusion professional to create a detailed process and plan for any errors. This way, you ensure that your data stays consistent and ends up where it needs to be.  

DON’T write off ColdFusion entirely.  

It’s possible that your team is set on moving your web app to a new platform. But how do you know if that’s the right decision? Some businesses have discovered that updating ColdFusion or changing your practices may be a better option than ditching the software altogether.  

With the right support, ColdFusion can be a powerful platform that’s easy to read, write, and maintain. And if you’re running a large web application, you might be able to sidestep migration. A savvy ColdFusion development team will help you make the right decision. 

DO prioritize security.  

Insufficient of complete absence of web application security could prove dangerous for both your company and your customers, as malicious actors look for vulnerabilities in your website. Talk to your ColdFusion developer about which security measures you need to take before you start migrating your application.  

Encrypting data, storing passwords, and tightening access privileges are all steps you should take to minimize the risk of data loss. It’s also essential to have an airtight disaster recovery plan if there is a security breach.  

It’s no secret that ColdFusion migration is a complicated process. The experienced ColdFusion developers at ITX bring decades of knowledge to your project. We’re here to optimize your ColdFusion application and facilitate migration when you’re ready to switch platforms. Contact us today to discuss your project.