In this era where websites are like storefronts for many businesses, there is an increasing need for strong and flexible CMS. More than 2.3 million websites worldwide, including some of the biggest and most complex digital platforms, use Drupal!
But, handling large Drupal projects for enterprises is a twist. As the need for complex digital experiences grows, managing such setups comes with many difficulties. You have to make certain that everything works smoothly together, from integrating well with current systems to keeping high-level safety measures intact while also optimizing performance to handle heavy traffic.
The good news? You're not alone. The bad news? Handling a Drupal project at a large scale is different, and there are certain difficulties to deal with. You need new tactics, not just technical understanding, to overcome these obstacles. So, this article discovers the management of enterprise-level Drupal projects, exploring details of all the planning, development, and maintenance steps for business. Whether you are an expert in Drupal or someone who wants to create Enterprise-Level Projects on Drupal. Let the Golems team begin the journey together into learning how to manage big-scale Drupal projects as pros do!

Why Drupal Is the Right Choice for Enterprise-Level Projects?

With many users, complex features, and always growing, that's how the enterprise website looks like. Why does Drupal shine bright for enterprise-level businesses? 
Firstly, Drupal is not scared of big traffic. Many CMS are not built for big traffic loads, but Drupal is designed to scale. It can manage lots of content and keep your website working well even if hundreds or thousands of users visit it simultaneously.
Secondly, Drupal's power lies in its adaptability. It can be adjusted to fulfill the requirements of any business, making it a top choice for complicated and large-sized websites. This makes Drupal a good fit for all kinds of big projects. Does your project need a unique user management system? You got it. Do you need to add some specific features? Drupal can handle that, too!
Thirdly, Drupal has a strong core system and an active community that continuously finds & fixes vulnerabilities. Regular updates keep your site patched and protected, too. Numerous developers, designers, and contributors from all over the world are constantly striving to enhance this platform. So, next time you face a problem or require guidance, it is likely that someone within the community can help.
Last but not least, Drupal CMS can easily integrate with different third-party services and applications, like CRM systems. This means everything in your business environment can function together without any issues—it's like one single system working harmoniously for all administrators or users to use alike!

Managing Large-Scale Projects: Best Practices for Large Projects

So you've got an idea to create a big project on Drupal; exciting times! But, with great power comes great responsibility. Building and managing complex Drupal projects can be both challenging and fulfilling. Here are some key tips and steps to keep in mind for your large-scale Drupal project:

Plann and Scope Drupal Projects

Large-scale projects can sometimes feel like a lot to handle. Try to break them up into smaller phases that are easier to manage. This method helps provide clearer roadmaps, improved resource distribution and track progress easier. Pay special attention to the project scope from the beginning. We mean features, functionalities, and deadlines.
Make sure important interested parties participate in determining the scope to keep everyone aligned. Think about future requirements. Does the website have the potential for significant expansion? Could there be planned integrations in the future? Considering future needs during the planning phase can prevent issues later on.

Apply Agile

Agile methodologies are especially useful for big projects. As a result, development can be split into smaller sprints (aka cycles), enabling continuous feedback and adjustments. A key value of Agile is open communication and real-time tracking of what is going on with the project. It promotes cooperation and enables fast changes in direction.

Establish Effective Team Collaboration

Establish a leading platform for talking and organizing within your team, like software for managing projects or an application. Having a central hub keeps everyone on the same page and reduces information silos.
Don`t forget about using Git. It lets the team members follow modifications, work together on coding, and go back to older versions when necessary. Version control acts like a protective barrier, ensuring your project stays intact even when errors occur. Make sure to use automated testing at every step of the development process. The earlier you find bugs, the better for everyone. 

Famous Enterprise-Level Drupal Projects

1. Harvard University

 Harvard University, which is well-known worldwide, uses the Drupal system to manage its extensive online content. Harvard has utilized Drupal's strength and adaptability to create an online space that reflects its commitment to excellence, innovation, and inclusivity.
Key Features of Harvard University Website on Drupal

• The platform provides strong tools for managing content, letting administrators, students, and staff change different kinds of information, such as articles, news updates, events, and videos.
• Harvard's Drupal setup uses a multisite structure. This allows each school or department to control its own websites while using a shared base and other resources.
• Harvard University shows its dedication to accessibility by making its Drupal-based websites follow web accessibility rules, which means people with disabilities can use them.

2. The Australian Government

Could you imagine the Australian government using Drupal? For the Australian Government, Drupal is a fundamental part of its digital plan. They use Drupal on their enterprise-level website to provide services that put citizens at the center, make administrative tasks more efficient, and improve public participation.
Key Features of The Australian Government Website on Drupal

• Drupal functions as a single platform to hold government websites, intranets, and online services. This allows all sites to have uniform branding, navigation methods, and UX through different departments and agencies.
• For the Australian Government, security is very important, no doubt. That is why they use Drupal. Strong security methods keep sensitive information safe and protect citizen data with top-level cybersecurity standards.
• The Australian government has its own Drupal distribution named "aGov," which is made particularly for government websites. It is made to match with Drupal core and offers extra functionalities that are needed by government websites in Australia. This includes things like making sure it meets accessibility standards and follows the country's record-keeping practices.

3.  The BBC

The BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation), a notable news establishment, also uses Drupal to manage its website. This choice shows that Drupal can handle the complex requirements of a worldwide media giant. Let us understand more about why BBC and Drupal are an effective combination.
Key Features of The BBC Website on Drupal

• Drupal's strength in being scalable ensures that the website can manage this high amount of traffic without losing its performance quality. It helps users from everywhere to easily access fresh news and detailed stories.
• The website can show content in English, Spanish, Hindi or any other language that you install and set up.
• Because of Drupal, readers can incorporate personalization elements such as content suggestions and user accounts. This enables the BBC to make news more engaging for each user by tailoring it to their preferences and habits. 

Conclusion

Manage Enterprise-Level Drupal Project? Need a website that can handle growing demands, maintain high-security standards, and manage a lot of content? Then it's time to consider Drupal.
Drupal Trusted by Leaders: From the White House to Harvard, Drupal handles high-profile needs. Drupal Built to Scale: Millions of visitors? No problem. Security First in Drupal: Protect sensitive data with robust security features. Drupal Content Management Made Easy: Manage vast amounts of content efficiently. Power of Customization: Tailor Drupal to your unique needs.
Ready to take your enterprise website to the next level? Just let our Drupal developers know, and they will show you the full strength of Drupal CMS.