Migrating content to Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service (AEMaaCS) is a crucial step for organizations transitioning from AEM 6.5 or earlier versions. As a modern, cloud-native platform, AEMaaCS offers automatic updates, enhanced performance, and high scalability.
This article provides an overview of the key aspects of AEMaaCS content migration and introduces essential tools like the Content Transfer Tool, Content Copy Tool, AEM Easy Content Upgrade, and the Package Manager.
What Does AEMaaCS Content Migration Involve?
Migrating to AEMaaCS involves transitioning from an on-premise or managed service setup to a fully cloud-based environment. Unlike traditional upgrades, content migration to AEMaaCS requires structural and technical adjustments:
Code Refactoring: Adjusting custom components to be compatible with the cloud architecture.
Content Migration: Transferring repositories while ensuring data integrity.
Infrastructure Adaptation: Shifting to a containerized, scalable environment.
Workflow Redesign: Integrating with AEMaaCS's automated processes.
Adobe provides structured migration paths and tools to streamline the content migration to AEMaaCS. To make these tools more tangible, we have created an overview and a comparison:
Content Transfer Tool (CTT)
The Content Transfer Tool (CTT) is Adobe’s primary tool for large-scale AEMaaCS content migration from AEM 6.x instances.
Key Features:
Supports AEM 6.3+ (preferably 6.5) and Java 8.
Installed via the AEM Package Manager.
Two-phase process: Extraction → Ingestion into AEMaaCS.
Optimized for enterprise-scale migrations.
Migration Workflow:
Preparation: Check compatibility and storage requirements.
Installation: Download CTT from the Adobe Software Distribution Portal.
Create Migration Set: Use the Cloud Acceleration Manager (CAM).
Extraction: Export content and upload to Adobe-managed cloud storage.
Ingestion: Import content into AEMaaCS, optionally using the “Wipe” function.
Validation: Review content and use “top-up” migration for post-migration updates.
Content Copy Tool
The Content Copy Tool enables on-demand synchronization between AEMaaCS environments, ideal for smaller, ongoing transfers within the cloud.
Features:
Automated sync via the Developer Console.
Supports full and partial content path replication.
Exclusive to AEMaaCS → AEMaaCS use cases.
Benefits:
Minimizes manual content replication.
Maintains consistency across environments.
Ideal for staging or QA scenarios.
Package Manager
The traditional Package Manager is suitable for small-scale, manual transfers—particularly during development or testing phases.
Characteristics:
Allows manual packaging and installation of content.
Select specific content paths for transfer.
Useful for ad hoc content migrations in AEM.
Limitations:
Time-consuming for large migrations.
Prone to manual errors.
Lacks cloud-native automation.
AEM Easy Content Upgrade
This Groovy-based library is ideal for automated content adjustments during or after AEMaaCS content migration.
Use Cases:
Bulk content updates.
Metadata or structural adjustments in repositories.
Pre- and post-migration content optimization.
Benefits:
Reduces manual rework.
Script-based automation saves time.
Ideal for refining migrated content for AEMaaCS.
Additional Ressources:
Conclusion: Successful Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service (AEMaaCS) Content Migration
Migrating content into Adobe’s cloud requires both strategic planning and technical expertise. A successful Adobe Experience Manager as a Cloud Service (AEMaaCS) content migration depends on:
Thorough preparation: Code refactoring, workflow redesign, infrastructure alignment.
Choosing the right tool: Based on scale and automation needs.
Collaboration with Adobe: Leverage expert support and best practices.
With the right setup, organizations can fully leverage the power of AEMaaCS—from automated deployments to scalable cloud-based content governance. We are happy to support you!
Amey Tripathi
