From Nodes to Web Parts: A Developer’s Guide to Migrating Drupal Content to SharePoint

Migrating content from one CMS to another—especially from Drupal to SharePoint—can be a complex and time-consuming task. The challenge becomes even greater when the two systems have different data structures and content models. Nonetheless, the core principles of content migration stay consistent across platforms.

If you’re planning to migrate Site Pages from Drupal to SharePoint (or from any CMS to SharePoint), here’s a high-level checklist to guide your process:

Step-by-Step Migration Process

1. Find Source CMS and Content Types
   • Start by identifying the content types in Drupal that need to be migrated.
   • Understand the structure, fields, and relationships within those content types.
2. List Reference and Dependent Fields
   • Document all reference fields (e.g., taxonomy, media, users) and dependent fields (e.g., nested paragraphs or components).
   • This helps ensure data integrity during migration.
3. Build Export APIs
   • Create two APIs:
     • One for exporting reference/dependent data.
     • Another for exporting the main content. This is especially useful for large datasets.
4. Export Small Datasets Manually (Optional)
   • For a small number of pages, consider exporting content in CSV, XML, or JSON format.
   • This can simplify the process if automation is not required.
5. Replicate Content Types in SharePoint
   • Set up equivalent content types and fields in SharePoint.
   • Ensure field types and naming conventions align closely with the source.
6. Create a Unique Identifier
   • Add a unique ID field in SharePoint to store the original Drupal content ID.
   • This helps with traceability and prevents duplication during re-runs.
7. Design SharePoint Page Templates
   • Create a SharePoint page template using web parts.
   • Map Drupal fields (including paragraphs) to corresponding web part configurations.
8. Automate Page Creation
   • Use PnP PowerShell, CSOM, or a custom script to:
     • Read data from the exported CSV or API.
     • Generate SharePoint pages dynamically using the predefined template.
     • Populate content and overwrite web part properties at runtime.

Bonus Tip: Handling Date Fields

If your content includes date fields, ensure they are mapped correctly to the corresponding SharePoint date fields. Pay attention to time zones and formatting to avoid inconsistencies.

Final Thoughts

While CMS migrations are rarely straightforward, a structured approach can significantly reduce complexity and risk. Plan ahead. Automate where possible. Maintain a clear mapping between source and destination systems. These steps ensure a smooth transition from Drupal to SharePoint.