By cynthiam on

We currently have a large static html wesbite built on Dreamweaver templates. We would like to install Drupal and migrate all the content over to it but with a new navigation map. So there will be some necessary changes in taxonomy.

We will also, surely, require some modules placed. I'm not sure what else we'll need. But my question is this: is this a difficult task for someone new to Drupal and content management systems in general? My role to date as webmaster has been updating the website with new content, updating the templates to make necessary changes to the website pages, placing forms, video players, etc.

Can I handle a project like this or is it necessary for us to hire a developer? Are there some things I could handle easily myself along with other web saavy staff and certain other things that would be better placed in the hands of a developer?

Thanks for your input.

Cynthia

Comments

pepemty’s picture

pepemty commented

I guess it all depends on your time schedule.

Are you in a hurry to migrate? If your answer is yes, probably your best bet is to hire somebody to do the job.

Do you have the time to invest in Drupal's (already famous) learning curve? Then do so.

Warm regards from sunny México!
Pepe
:-)

Warm regards from sunny México!
Pepe
:-)

darumaki’s picture

darumaki commented

It shouldn't be difficult at all,

step 1 - install drupal locally so as not to interfere with the current site on sever
step 2 - you can begin to add the content from other site into drupal right away before anything else
step 3 - choose your modules and templates
step 4 - when you feel it's all ready, put it offline then export database to server and you can finish up there

easy 123...4 :)

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - ->
contemplating the meaning of existance, what else would I be doing

Anonymous’s picture

Anonymous (not verified) commented

You can cut and paste your content into new nodes, or you can use one of the html import modules. In fact, I helped create a module for importing Macromedia Contribute content. It hasn't been updated for a long time, but if you'd like to talk about it as a possible collaboration, contact me.

Doug Gough

aufumy’s picture

aufumy commented

There is a module to import html, however it requires the knowledge of xslt. I would recommend getting a developer.

nevets’s picture

nevets commented

From you information it sounds like you have images and videos in the content, while you can still bring it over to Drupal the cut and paste approach may cause you problems.

johnhanley’s picture

johnhanley commented

I just just performed this task for one of my clients.

They had a large number of static content pages, which included a significant number of hard-coded links to external resource documents (i.e. ppt, doc, pdf, etc.)

I simply replicated the static website structure with book nodes using child pages and attaching files as required. It's not exceedingly elegant, but is very serviceable and easy to maintain.

-------------------------------------------------------

"The sting in any rebuke is the truth." - Benjamin Franklin

rimian’s picture

rimian commented

If you've got the budget for it then you should get someone to atleast point you in the right direction so you learn faster and make less mistakes. it would probably work out cheaper in the long run anyway.

The learning curve of Drupal isn't always easy. But if you've decided Drupal is the way to go then you're already on the right path!

http://www.rimian.com.au
http://www.freelancewebdeveloper.net.au

cynthiam’s picture

cynthiam commented

Thanks to all of you! I was expecting an email notification of replies to my post and got none so I assumed I got no answers. Sorry about that. :o)

Lots of encouraging advice. I'll have to sort through this but yes - I'll install and start and see how it goes. Thanks!!

mm167’s picture

mm167 commented

if u are new to Drupal and NOT a very strong programmer and this is a biz instead of a game ...

u better get a tutor to help u.
reserve some budget ..at least to buy some beers to your master ..

Drupal is NOT that easy for beginners ... ;-)

Sownn’s picture

Sownn commented

Developing Module is not easy.

I am proficient in CSS + XHTML and basic PHP + MYSQL skills, and has experience on coding forum templates, customize wordpress
but I usually lose on coding drupal themes.

Long learning curve:
http://drupal.org/node/324237

if your website similar to drupal.org, it is not too hard to do it