Migrate from knowledgecollaborationdocumentationwith less risk and faster delivery

Move your requirements from DOORS 9 to DOORS Next Generation (DNG) with a structured approach, proven automation, and hands-on guidance. Softacus helps you plan the target setup, migrate the right data, validate outcomes, and support users after go-live.

Migration

Modernise requirements management on the Jazz platform

DOORS Classic remains reliable, but many teams outgrow its client-based architecture and collaboration limits. DOORS Next runs on the Jazz platform and supports web-based collaboration, a stronger foundation for traceability across the lifecycle, and a more scalable way to work across teams and sites.

Work in a web-based, collaborative environment

Enable broader participation in reviews and day-to-day requirements work without relying on thick clients. Make collaboration easier across engineering, quality, and suppliers while keeping requirements organised and accessible.

Build lifecycle traceability, not just documents

DOORS Next is designed to fit into the wider IBM Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) ecosystem. That makes it easier to connect requirements with related work items and test activities when your process needs end-to-end traceability.

Prepare for growth and long-term governance

A move to DOORS Next is an opportunity to standardise attributes, rethink linking concepts, and align roles and access rights for consistent governance across projects and product lines.

Get a free migration readiness assessment

Not sure what should be migrated, what will not migrate “out of the box”, or what your safest migration approach is?
Start with a free initial analysis to clarify scope, constraints, and next steps.

Migration is rarely “export and import”

DOORS Classic and DOORS Next differ in data structures, concepts, and extensibility.
A successful migration depends on understanding limitations early, preparing data intentionally,
and validating results with real users.

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Not everything migrates with the IBM standard package

The IBM migiz-based approach does not migrate several DOORS Classic concepts and artefacts such as baselines and baseline set definitions, module history, discussions, access controls, incompatible views, and other elements. These gaps need an explicit strategy.

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Baselining and configuration concepts change

Baselines in DOORS Classic do not map 1:1 to how configuration is managed in DOORS Next. Many organisations decide whether to recreate baselines via Global Configuration Management, migrate selected baseline information via scripts, or keep legacy baselines for reference in an archived DOORS database.

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Views, DXL layouts, and customisation do not transfer directly

DOORS Next does not use DXL in the same way as DOORS Classic. Special views using DXL layouts or complex mechanisms can become static representations or require redesign using DOORS Next capabilities and extensions.

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OLE objects, tables, and rich formatting can be painful

OLE objects in attributes, embedded tables, and complex formatting often require careful conversion rules. Without a specialised approach, teams risk losing readability, structure, or critical context embedded in legacy modules.

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Links across projects and applications need a defined strategy

Traceability can include external links, cross-project links, and link modules. Rebuilding link integrity in the target environment requires planning, especially if you restructure project areas or introduce Global Configuration Management.

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Validation and user adoption determine success

Even if the data imports successfully, teams still need confidence that the right modules, versions, attributes, and links arrived as expected. Adoption also requires training, role alignment, and post-migration support to avoid rework and frustration.

What should be migrated (and what to leave behind)

Migration scope should be intentional. Migrate what delivers value in the new environment and avoid dragging in legacy clutter that no one will validate or maintain.

Typical migration scope includes:

● Formal modules and their structure (including key hierarchy and organisation rules)
● Objects and their mapped attributes (including primary text and selected rich content)
● Links and traceability relationships between migrated modules
● Compatible views (and a plan for redesigning incompatible views)
● Essential history references where needed (handled via scripts when appropriate)
● A catalogue of DXL scripts and extensions to retire, replace, or rebuild
● Roles and access rights mapping for the target project structure
● Decisions on baselines: recreate in DOORS Next, migrate selectively via scripts, or retain as read-only legacy reference
● Exclusions, such as completed or archived projects with no clear owner to validate migration rules

How we migrate: delivery approach, piece-by-piece options, and automation

Softacus applies an agile delivery style where it fits: prioritising epics and stories, delivering early feedback cycles, and running regular stakeholder check-ins. You get a clear single point of contact and a plan that addresses both tooling and ways of working.

Migration approach (project based vs big bang)

Project-based migration is often less risky and
can be more cost-effective, but it may run
longer. Big bang migration requires a higher
level of preparation and is sometimes necessary
for strongly interconnected DOORS project
areas. We help you choose the right approach
based on your dependency structure, timelines,
and governance needs.


Piece-by-piece (project-by-project) migration

For teams that want to reduce disruption, we
can migrate smaller projects incrementally. This
approach is also useful when you want to start
new projects directly in DOORS Next while
keeping selected legacy projects in DOORS
for reference.



About the Softacus Migrator tool

For medium and large migrations, especially with
interconnected projects, automation becomes
critical to reduce manual effort and avoid errors
at scale. Softacus uses dedicated migration
tooling and validation practices to support
complex conversions and to help teams reach a
stable, usable target state faster.

5 Days of expert tips

A focused, time-boxed engagement to review your current DOORS setup, clarify limitations, and define a practical migration plan. Ideal for teams building an internal business case, estimating effort, and deciding what to migrate.

Migrate project by project

A piece-by-piece migration for teams that want to start with a smaller scope, reduce disruption, and validate results in manageable steps. Works well for pilot-first strategies or organisations with clearly separated project areas.

Do it for me

End-to-end migration delivery including analysis, target setup guidance, scripts, trial migration(s), production cutover, and validation support. Best for teams that need a predictable outcome with minimal internal workload.

Scripts and training

Keep migration moving by combining clean-up and post-migration scripts with tailored training for authors, reviewers, admins, and power users. Useful when the core migration is done, but usability and adoption need uplift.

Post-migration services

Hypercare after go-live: small clean-ups based on real usage, usability improvements, process refinement, custom scripting, and support for integrations, upgrades, and performance tuning.

Tools and utilities that make the migration practical

A reliable migration depends on more than a one-time import. Softacus combines automation and reusable assets to reduce manual work, control risk, and support adoption.

Migrator

A specialised automation tool used to support medium and large migrations, particularly for interconnected projects. It helps teams execute conversions with repeatability and control, reducing the likelihood of manual errors and enabling faster iteration during trial migrations.

Know-how toolbox

A practical set of migration playbooks, checklists, patterns, and lessons learned from prior migration projects. It supports decision-making on scope, limitations, validation, and adoption so your team does not have to reinvent the process.

Scripts

Reusable DOORS Classic clean-up scripts and DOORS Next scripts help prepare data, address known gaps, and improve usability after migration. Softacus maintains a library of migration-related scripts and extensions, including clean-up scripts used during preparation and post-migration improvements.

Widgets

DOORS Next widget extensions can help teams bridge usability gaps and speed up adoption for former DOORS Classic users. Widgets can be introduced selectively to improve day-to-day work, especially where teams relied on advanced behaviours in legacy environments.

FAQ

Get In Touch

+41 43 5087081

jan.jancar@softacus.com
info@softacus.com

Löwenstrasse 20 8001 Zürich Switzerland

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