How a simple update change outsourcing options site inside out

Outsourcing Options got a make over and is presenting itself in a new look. Besides the obvious new template theme we got a lot of new functions as well. It has been a long process and it started all with a simple update...

The software behind outsourcing options got a little older and we thought an update now would be good, because we need to do it anyway some time soon. To make sure, we decided to have the new version in a subdirectory first and see what it does. It was up and ready in minutes and we started to have a look, added features and made a little change here and an other over there. By the time we where done, we had more than an update.

Now there is also a time limit for anything and for the update the time limit was last week over. We exchanged the the sites and it went very nice until we got to the old content. Let me tell you, that was and still is a disaster. A big lesson to learn here.

We had no idea what we got into. Actually the updating the database is a breeze, as long as you don't care to much about speed and useless files. We made some big mistakes as it turned out, we haven't planed that part at all. It never came to mind there would be a problem.

Anyway, at that point there was no turning back anymore. The data was put into the new database. The transfer went fine and fast. The result was not to bad as long as you did not care that the categories had no content, the tags didn't show. Big problem. A quick dirty solution was done to make the old url work. This way the search engines at least could reach the content and update to the new url over time.

What happens to the rest? Update by hand. Yes by hand. Why? As you might noticed we changed our categories as well and that is the reason for it.

Right now we are sort of in B-mode or beta mode. There are functions showing up and not showing anymore. You might see something one day and next time not. This is all beta related.

We are trying to bring everything in order, adding new better functions (at least we think so) and sometimes we have to test a few new features, like the content feed right now. It is not functioning the way we think it should and we have already some people working on it.

Outsourcing I hear you and I tell you we did some, but not all. Next time we will do it better, I promise. Next time we will plan it much better.

Lesson for you to take away.
When you plan on an update only, stick to an update only.
Always make a backup of everything and store it local on your computer, too. (we did that one)
When planing more than an update, make a detailed plan on what your goal is.
Call it a project and give it a name.
Give it 50% more time than you think it will take or scale it down.
If you have no clue and not the time to learn the skills or not interested get a professional.
Yes a professional is worth the money.
Your project will be done faster, with less headache, while you can do what you can do best

So how do you like the new look and feel? Missing something ... love something.... share it with us in the comment section !!!