Category: News

Specbee: Why and How to migrate your DotNetNuke (DNN) site to Drupal 10

Posted on by Michael G
First things first, let’s talk about why you’re here. You’ve got a DNN website that’s starting to show its age, and you’re eyeing that sleek, modern Drupal CMS like it’s the latest iPhone.
From DotNetNuke to DNN Platform to DNN Evoq-sometimes simply called Evoq-this CMS has seen a series of transformations. Once an extremely popular CMS solution for organizations (mostly enterprise-level), DNN Evoq has faced the inevitable challenge of staying relevant over two decades. It’s hard for any software to remain popular for over 20 years, especially with the changing world of web development and content management.
Drupal, despite being older than DNN (okay, a year older), is thriving! Over time, it has only evolved into a more modern, user-friendly, and robust CMS. Moreover, Drupal excels at what it was designed to do: effective content management. 
However, this is not intended to be a comparison blog of DNN vs. Drupal, even though we’ll touch on a few reasons to consider the switch. This article aims to shed light on the DNN to Drupal migration process and what it entails. Additionally, we will share a case study of one of  Specbee’s successful DNN to Drupal migrations. 

Why you should migrate from DNN Evoq to Drupal
To those who need to know some history of DNN, it was created by Shaun Walker and launched in late 2002. Written in C#, DNN is open source and relies on .NET framework and ASP.NET Web Forms. DNN soon became a platform known for its extensibility and seamless scalability which also brought in a lot of consultants and agencies to offer DNN development services. 
However, over the years, DNN has experienced significant changes. The shift to the ASP.NET MVC model in 2009, coupled with some acquisitions, led to a decline in its user base and community support. DNN started relying on outdated technologies (since the .NET framework stopped development in 2019) and is unable to adapt to modern technologies and advancements. This evolution made it less appealing for businesses looking for a robust and active platform. 
Now, why should you consider moving to Drupal, especially Drupal 10?

Active and Vibrant Community: Drupal has one of the largest open-source communities. This means continuous improvements, a wealth of modules and themes, and a support system that’s always buzzing.
Continuous innovation: Drupal’s constant innovation, driven by its passionate community, keeps it ahead with advanced features and enhancements. New strategic initiatives like Drupal Starshot, Project Browser, Experience Builder, Recipes, and Automatic Updates are poised to revolutionize the Drupal experience, making it more intuitive, efficient, and adaptable than ever before. 
Cutting-Edge Features: Drupal 10 comes packed with modern features. It leverages Symfony 6 and Twig 3, ensuring your site is not just robust but also future-proof. The new admin theme, Claro, and the front-end theme, Olivero, offer a more intuitive and visually appealing experience.
Effective editorial workflow system: With Drupal, end users can easily create and manage workflows tailored to their organization’s needs and adjust them on-demand as necessary which is becoming more and more of a demand today.  In comparison, DNN’s customization options and support for complex editorial workflows often require extensive coding knowledge. 
Scalability and Flexibility: Like DNN, Drupal is known for its scalability. However, Drupal takes it a step further with its flexible content architecture, allowing you to create and manage various content types with ease.
Security: Drupal is renowned for its strong security track record. The Drupal Security Team actively monitors and addresses vulnerabilities, giving you peace of mind.
SEO and Performance: Drupal 10 includes out-of-the-box features that help improve SEO and site performance. From clean URLs to advanced caching mechanisms, it’s designed to help your site rank better and load faster.
Accessibility: Drupal is committed to web accessibility standards, ensuring your site is usable by everyone.
Extensive Ecosystem: With thousands of modules and themes, Drupal offers a vast ecosystem to extend your site’s functionality without reinventing the wheel.

By switching to Drupal 10, you’re stepping into a future-ready, secure, and highly customizable environment. It’s a move that can significantly improve your digital presence and provide a solid foundation for growth.
Preparing for the migration
Before you begin your DNN to Drupal migration, we recommend reading this article to get yourself prepped for a migration regardless of the version. It covers what information you should share with your Drupal development partner. This migration is also a perfect time to add those extra features or third-party integrations you’ve always wanted. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to revamp your website’s design and user experience if needed. Consider your website’s current SEO positioning and how you would like to optimize it.
Once you’ve considered everything, create a backup of your website to avoid any accidental changes or data loss. Next, make a checklist of your content structure, including content types, URLs, metadata, and media files. After this, let the Drupal migration experts take over.

DNN to Drupal migration process
Here’s a 4-step migration process that is (or should ideally be) followed by your Drupal migration partner:
1. Migration Audit

Identify your DNN website features, functionality, modules, and content structure
Conduct a detailed analysis to understand the digital landscape
Catalog content views for easier replication
Develop a strategic content migration strategy

2. Build Application

Meticulously rebuild content structure and theme
Replicate website features, add new features
Conduct thorough regression testing
Ensure a solid foundation, seamless functionality, and flawless performance

3. Migrate Content

Content extraction from your database in a CSV, XML or JSON format
Ensure a seamless transition from DNN to the latest Drupal version
Import all contents and valuable assets, match them with the freshly created content types and fields
Meticulously validate the entire data migration process for data accuracy and completeness.

4. Testing

Thoroughly test migrated data for sanity and integrity.
Subject replicated features to smoke testing and load testing.
Guarantee seamless performance under various scenarios.
Conduct meticulous security checks.

Watch this video of our step-by-step Drupal migration process, irrespective of the CMS you are coming from.
(To be embedded) https://youtu.be/D5JUud_a81k?feature=shared
A DNN to Drupal migration case study
The client (Stamats) approached us with a two-fold issue. They had three magazine sites on a legacy version of DNN that was riddled with malware and needed major work for the migration to Drupal. Among those sites was MeetingsToday.com. 
Meetings Today was several years old, and had more than 20,000 articles in DNN. There was also extensive functionality related to their physical magazine, events, podcasts, webinars, and more. Their primary goal was to retain and grow their audience. They were experiencing issues with editing, and an uncertain future. The challenge came to Specbee to create a Drupal distribution that could serve the core publishing needs of several online magazine sites built in DNN. 
So we built a custom Drupal distribution to save them time and money in the long term. This approach allowed any new feature developed for one site to be easily implemented across all sites while preserving their unique designs. It also gave them the ability to spin up a new publishing site without building a brand new website from scratch getting them to market 10x faster. 
Specbee delivered a solution that allowed for Drupal’s powerful editorial controls and publishing tools for multiple sites while allowing those sites to retain their unique functionality.
References
https://devessence.com/blog/!/22/what-is-your-dnn-migration-strategy/https://www.dnnsoftware.com/community-blog/cid/134716/asp-net-mvc-and-d…https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunbrucewalker/
Final thoughts
We understand that migrations are never an easy decision for any business. While entrusting a reliable technology partner can alleviate some concerns, it’s crucial to dedicate your attention and time before handing over the reins. By choosing the right Drupal partner (such as Specbee, a certified Drupal migration partner), you can streamline the migration process, making it as seamless and painless as possible. Still wondering if you should migrate your DNN website to Drupal? Give us a call and we’ll help you make the right decision.

Uncovering GenAI trends: Using local language models to explore 35 organizations 

Posted on by Michael G

(To read the complete analysis as well as the results of each language model, visit the mozilla.ai blog here.) Over the past few months, Mozilla.ai has engaged with several organizations to learn how they are using language models in practice. We spoke with 35 organizations across various sectors, including finance, government, startups, and large enterprises. […]

The post Uncovering GenAI trends: Using local language models to explore 35 organizations  appeared first on The Mozilla Blog.

Tuxedo showcases prototype Linux laptop with Snapdragon X Elite

Posted on by Michael G
I’ve long been waiting for a powerful ARM laptop that can run Linux comfortably, and it seems that with Qualcomm’s new Snapdragon X Elite SoC, that’s finally going to happen. We talked earlier about how for once, Qualcomm is taking Linux support for their new laptop-focused processors very seriously, and that promise and associated effort is paying dividend. Tuxedo, a popular Linux OEM from Germany, has announced it’s working on a laptop with the Snapdragon X Elite chip, and they showed off a working prototype at Computex in Taiwan. We have been working with a first prototype for some time, which will soon be replaced by a second one. The development is still in the alpha stage, as some drivers are still missing, which will hopefully be available with the next two kernel versions. It is quite conceivable that an ARM notebook from TUXEDO will be under your Christmas tree in 2024. However, there are still too many pieces of the hardware, software and delivery capability puzzle missing to even begin to set a release date. TUXEDO for ARM will come, but we don’t yet know exactly when. ↫ Tuxedo’s website Their timeline of more Qualcomm drivers making it into the next two kernel versions lines up with Qualcomm’s own timeline, so it seems we’re mostly just waiting for them to finish their Linux drivers and add them to the kernel. This is quite exciting, and a much better option for Linux users than buying a Windows version of an X Elite or Pro laptop and hoping for the best.

Mobile App Development Company In usa

Posted on by Michael G
Welcome to 86Agency, your premier destination for innovative and bespoke mobile app development Company in the USA. With a dedicated team of experienced developers, designers, and strategists, we transform your vision into powerful, user-friendly mobile applications. Our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction sets us apart in the fast-paced world of mobile technology.

Chevrolet Chevy Bel Air

Posted on by Michael G
The Chevrolet Chevy Bel Air, an iconic American classic, is renowned for its sleek design, powerful performance, and distinctive chrome trim. Produced from 1950 to 1981, it epitomizes 1950s automotive style and innovation. Its status as a symbol of mid-20th-century American culture remains unparalleled among vintage car enthusiasts.

Race to get Coppet Hall to Wisemans Bridge route open before summer holidays

Posted on by Michael G
Work is progressing to reopen the landslide-hit coastal tunnels connecting Coppet Hall to Wisemans Bridge.
The popular path has been closed since the turn of the year and sectioned off by Pembrokeshire County Council for safety reasons, after being hit by a series of landslips.
The aim is to get the tunnels that adjoin Saundersfoot with its neighbouring seaside village of Wisemans Bridge back open by the start of the summer holidays, although this is dependent on a number of factors.
The contract for the cliff stabilisation works was awarded to iBEX Technical Access who have extensive experience of this type of work and have worked in the Saundersfoot area previously.
“It is envisaged work will be completed and the path reopened around July 12. This date is provisional, and subject to satisfactory progress of work being achieved,” said a spokesperson for the Local Authority.
PCC highway infrastructure engineer Neil Morgan remarked: “Works are going well on site. There is a lot more loose rock to the face of the cliffs which requires removal but this should not cause too much of an issue.
“We have had an issue with settlement of the sea wall backfill material nearer Wisemans Bridge causing a hole in the path. This is a result of coastal erosion to the seawall which will be repaired this week.
“We are still working towards opening the tunnels on July 12, this is however, as always, dependent on many factors.”
Saundersfoot county councillor for the south ward Cllr Chris Williams, who has been keen to ensure that the tunnels are reopened ahead of the summer season, to benefit local businesses, residents and visitors alike, said: “It is great to see works going ahead at the tunnels recently and was lovely to have a quick catch up with the contractors while I had a meeting at Coppet Hall.
“Works are progressing well on site and there is a lot more loose rock on the cliffs that requires removal. This should not cause too much of an issue.
“A lot of time has been spent clearing away all the loose materials and an area at the top of the cliff has been cleared because it was overhanging. This has meant that some trees have had to be taken down and it has left an incredible view from this area.
“Once these works are completed, they will then work on the area near Wisemans Bridge that will also need clearing and making safe.
“There has been additional works planned due to an issue with settlement of the sea wall backfill material nearer Wisemans Bridge, causing a hole in the path. This is a result of coastal erosion to the seawall, that will be repaired next week.”

“How To Start Blogging And Earn Money” For Beginners How to start blogging

Posted on by Michael G
How do I start blogging?

Start a blogging can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor. Here are the steps to get you started:

1. Choose Your Niche
Select a topic you are passionate about and knowledgeable in. This will help you stay motivated and produce quality content. Common niches include:

Travel
Food
Technology
Fashion
Lifestyle
Personal Finance
Health and Fitness
2. Pick a Blogging Platform
There are several platforms to choose from. Popular ones include:

WordPress.org: Highly customizable and self-hosted.
WordPress.com: Hosted version, easier but with some limitations.
Blogger: Free and easy to use, owned by Google.
Medium: Great for writers who want a built-in audience.

3. Choose a Domain Name and Hosting
Domain Name: Choose a unique and memorable domain name. Use sites like Namecheap or GoDaddy to purchase it.
Hosting: For self-hosted blogs (like WordPress.org), you’ll need a hosting provider. Popular options include Bluehost, SiteGround, and HostGator.

4. Set Up Your Blog
Install WordPress: Most hosting providers offer a one-click installation.
Choose a Theme: Select a theme that suits your style and niche. There are many free and paid options available.
Customize Your Blog: Adjust the settings, design, and layout according to your preferences.

5. Create Essential Pages

Start with some basic pages:

About Page: Introduce yourself and explain what your blog is about.
Contact Page: Provide a way for readers to reach you.
Privacy Policy and Disclaimer: These are essential for legal and trust reasons.

6. Start Writing Content
Plan Your Content: Create an editorial calendar to plan your posts.
Write High-Quality Posts: Focus on creating informative, engaging, and valuable content. Use images, videos, and other media to enhance your posts.
SEO Optimization: Use keywords, meta descriptions, and proper headings to make your content search-engine friendly.

7. Promote Your Blog
Social Media: Share your posts on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Engage with Other Bloggers: Comment on other blogs and join blogging communities.
Email Marketing: Build an email list to keep in touch with your readers.

8. Monetize Your Blog (Optional)
Once you have a steady flow of traffic, you can explore monetization options:

Affiliate Marketing: Promote products and earn commissions.
Ad Networks: Display ads on your blog through networks like Google AdSense.
Sponsored Posts: Partner with brands to create content.
Selling Products/Services: Offer your own products, courses, or services.

9. Analyze and Improve
Analytics: Use tools like Google Analytics to track your traffic and understand your audience.
Feedback: Encourage reader feedback and use it to improve your content and blog.

10. Stay Consistent
Regular Posting: Consistency is key to growing your blog. Stick to your editorial calendar.
Continuous Learning: Stay updated with the latest blogging trends and SEO practices.

Starting a blog involves effort and dedication, but wi

#! code: Drupal 10: Testing Migration Process Plugins

Posted on by Michael G

Drupal’s migration system allows the use of a number of different plugins to perform source, processing, and destination functions. 

Process plugins are responsible for copying and sometimes manipulating data into the destination. There are a number of different process plugins that allow you to get data in different ways and and apply it to your destination fields.

Both the core Migrate module and the excellent Migrate Plus module contain a number of different process plugins that you can use to process your data in different ways.

Out of the box, the default process plugin is the get plugin, which can be used like this in your migration scripts.

destination_field:
  plugin: get
  source: source_field

This is often shortened to the following, which has exactly the same functionality.

destination_field: source_field

Most of the time you will want to avoid creating custom plugins, but sometimes your migration requirements will necessitate their use. You might find that your source data is very messy and needs to be cleaned up before importing it into the site. Process plugins are a really good way of doing this, but it is essential that you write tests to cover every situation that you might encounter. 

In this article we will look at two custom migrate process plugins that are built in different ways and how to test them. This will dive into some concepts around Drupal plugin management, dependency injection, as well as unit testing and data providers with PHPUnit.

First, let’s look at the migration script that we will be using in this article. All of the source code for this migration example is available on GitHub.

Read more

What is PID 0?

Posted on by Michael G
The very short version: Unix PIDs do start at 0! PID 0 just isn’t shown to userspace through traditional APIs. PID 0 starts the kernel, then retires to a quiet life of helping a bit with process scheduling and power management. Also the entire web is mostly wrong about PID 0, because of one sentence on Wikipedia from 16 years ago. There’s a slightly longer short version right at the end, or you can stick with me for the extremely long middle bit! But surely you could just google what PID 0 is, right? Why am I even publishing this? ↫ David Anderson What a great read. Just great.