Platform Migration Path
Strategic Platform Switching Without Business Disruption
Chapter 4: The Art of Platform Migration
Why Operators Switch Platforms
Push Factors (Problems)
- Platform limitations blocking growth
- Poor customer booking experience
- Escalating costs without value
- Unreliable system performance
- Non-responsive vendor support
Pull Factors (Opportunities)
- Better features becoming available
- Improved conversion rates possible
- Enhanced automation capabilities
- Stronger integration ecosystem
- Strategic business evolution
The Three Migration Strategies
Strategy 1: Big Bang Migration
Switch everything at once over a weekend or holiday period.
Pros:
- • Quick transition (2-3 days)
- • No double data entry
- • Clear cutover date
- • Lower total cost
Cons:
- • High risk if issues arise
- • Stressful for team
- • No rollback option
- • Customer confusion possible
Best for: Small operators (under 100 bookings/month) with simple operations
Strategy 2: Phased Migration
Migrate different aspects of your business gradually over 30-90 days.
Pros:
- • Lower risk per phase
- • Time to adjust and learn
- • Can fix issues as you go
- • Staff training easier
Cons:
- • Longer transition (1-3 months)
- • Temporary double work
- • Complex coordination
- • Higher total effort
Best for: Medium operators (100-500 bookings/month) with multiple experiences or locations
Strategy 3: Parallel Run
Run both systems simultaneously for a defined period before switching.
Pros:
- • Lowest risk approach
- • Full rollback capability
- • Thorough testing possible
- • No business disruption
Cons:
- • Most expensive (double fees)
- • Double data entry required
- • Can create confusion
- • Team may resist change
Best for: Large operators (500+ bookings/month) or those in peak season
Data Migration Essentials
What Must Be Migrated
Critical Data
- • Future bookings
- • Customer records
- • Payment information
- • Availability calendar
Important Data
- • Historical bookings
- • Customer preferences
- • Email templates
- • Pricing rules
Nice to Have
- • Analytics history
- • Old customer reviews
- • Archived reports
- • Marketing campaigns
The Migration Timeline
Discovery & Planning
Select new platform, audit current data, create migration plan
Setup & Configuration
Configure new platform, set up integrations, begin staff training
Data Migration & Testing
Migrate data, test all workflows, train remaining staff
Final Preparations
Customer communications, final data sync, go-live checklist
Go Live
Switch systems, monitor closely, address issues immediately
Optimization
Gather feedback, optimize workflows, advanced feature adoption