Get started with DXP
Describes how to get started with Optimizely Digital Experience Platform (DXP). The onboarding process includes provisioning of environments and deployment setup. The onboarding steps are also described as part of the Cloud Accelerator Package.
Prerequisites
- Knowledge of cloud-based development, particularly Microsoft Azure, is valuable for getting the most out of DXP. See Microsoft Azure to learn more.
- Before you start, ensure that you use compatible versions of software, services, and tools for a smooth deployment procedure.
- To access the self-service capabilities for DXP and information about your projects in the Azure portal, you need an Optimizely cloud account. See Create an Optimizely cloud account.
Service provisioning
When your order is provisioned and activated, a technical contact associated with your order receives an email from Optimizely with the following information:
- Default URLs for each of the environments  included in your order.
- Contact information for support from Optimizely.
After receiving this information, you are ready to onboard and deploy websites.
Deployment scenarios
- Create an Optimizely Content Management System (CMS) site and deploy – I want to create a site based on the Optimizely CMS sample templates and start development using Optimizely Digital Experience Platform.
- Deploy an Optimizely CMS site – I have an existing Optimizely CMS site that I want to onboard to Optimizely Digital Experience Platform and continue to develop it using this service.
- Create an Optimizely Customized Commerce site and deploying – I want to create a site with Optimizely Customized Commerce and start development using Optimizely Digital Experience Platform.
- Deploy an existing Customized Commerce site – I have an existing Optimizely Customized Commerce site that I want to onboard to Optimizely Digital Experience Platform and continue to develop it using this service.
- Deploy code changes – I already use Optimizely Digital Experience Platform and have an existing site for which I want to deploy upgrades.
- DXP self-deployment guide
Cloud Accelerator Package
The Cloud Accelerator Package is designed to increase working knowledge around Optimizely Digital Experience Platform (DXP). The package includes tools to help bridge technical and operational gaps and ensure a firm onboarding and deployment process.
Onboarding process
This section shows the components of Cloud Accelerator.
1. Technical overview – kickoff
When an order is provisioned, and you have received the service provisioning information from Optimizely, a Customer Success project manager sets up a kickoff meeting. During this meeting, you review DXP services, roles and responsibilities, and steps to develop and launch to Production. Information also includes expectations for communication, processes, and deadlines.
About DXP
In Optimizely DXP, a web app is a solution built on the Optimizely platform. It operates as an Azure web app, including an SQL database, a BLOB storage, and an Optimizely Search & Navigation index. See Introduction to DXP and Development considerations.
Environments
Separate environments ensure your websites have developed and tested content before viewing it publicly. See also Environments.
- Integration environment – Involves the process of moving code and content between environments, such as from Development considerations to preproduction (UAT) to production, as part of a continuous deployment process. You can deploy Optimizely solutions using methods and tools supported by most development environments.
- Preproduction environment – A staging website where you test and assure the quality of content before it is transferred to the production environment.
- Production environment – The live, public website where editors and visitors interact with your website.
Elastic auto-scaling occurs when performance criteria are exceeded. There is no set number of servers, CPUs, or memory; extra allocation is provided when needed. If a sudden spike in activity occurs, capacity scales up quickly and scales back slowly as demand ebbs.
Note
To ensure seamless operation during upcoming campaigns or marketing events with anticipated high site traffic, you should open a proactive Support ticket 3 to 4 weeks in advance to give Optimizely time to assess your campaign's requirements and ascertain if supplementary resources are necessary for optimal performance.
During deployment, a copy of the content called a "slot" is created. Configuration transforms are applied to the slot, and when it is verified, it is swapped with the content on the website for seamless interaction. See Deployment process.
![swap-slot.png During deployment, a copy of the content called a slot is created](https://files.readme.io/6ace6b2-swap-slot.png)
2. Train to use DXP
Developing for the DXP is a one-day training course with two seats with your Cloud Accelerator Package purchase. This course's students should have skills equivalent to CMS Development Fundamentals. See Optimizely Education Services.
3. Implement and load test monitoring
Deployment to Preproduction provides the opportunity to load test and validate sites before going live. Through the DXP Management Portal, you can access self-service functionality for deploying between environments. Features include:
- One-click deployment
- Configuration transforms
- Validations when deploying
- Maintenance page
- Deployment progress and details
- Error handling and logging
See DXP self-deployment guide.
Deployment
See Deploy DXP and DXP self-deployment guide.
TestingÂ
Review these recommendations:
4. Go Live Certification
Before deploying to Production, Optimizely ensures that everything on the following checklists is completed as part of the Go Live Certification.
Partner/developer task checklist
DNS provider task checklist
- Reduce Time-to-Live (TTL) to 5 to 10 Minutes. This should take place several days before Go Live.
- Enter appropriate Go Live DNS records to cut over live traffic to the Microsoft Azure DNS app service.
Back-up and restore management
Optimizely provides redundancy precautions; see also Failover.
- Content Database
- Transaction log back-up every 5 minutes
- Full back-up hourly
- Point-in-time restore up to 35 days in the past
- Configuration and code
- Entire application back-up every 24 hours
- Configuration backup on the same schedule
- Azure Storage Accounts (BLOBs)
- Geo-Redundant
5. Go Live Support
Optimizely's Customer Success team provides support throughout onboarding until your site goes live. During onboarding, copy your onboarding Customer Success project manager on communications to ensure prompt assistance.
Responsibilities from Optimizely DXP Support and Partner/Client Management:
Optimizely's Support team is available throughout all phases of the onboarding process and after the launch of your website. Optimizely Managed Services Service Desk will support these service requests during business days:
- Non-standard deployments.
- CDN configuration changes.
- Placing IP addresses on the allow list.
- URL aliasing.
- DNS changes.
- Adding or removing user access.
- VPN configuration.
Contact information
- Email – [email protected] CC: Your onboarding project manager
- Web – Support Help Center (https://support.optimizely.com/)
- Phone –
- USA – +1-888-726-8127 or +1-877-383-0885 (Toll free)
- UK – +44 (0) 800 066 4784 (Toll free)
- SWE – +46 8-555 827 50
DXP Dashboard
The DXP Dashboard provides an overview of your site's usage and performance. It includes self-service capabilities as part of your DXP, access to data about usage, and availability for components associated with your subscription.
Related topics
- Request access to DXP Management Dashboard, Azure Portal Integration Environment, and Application Insights
- Access request form:Â Access Azure information
- DXP self-deployment guide
- Optimizely Support Portal
- To register:Â Authenticate to support.optimizely.com
- Support Help Center
Note
Password self-reset is disabled. Email customer support to reset a password for you.
- Developer Documentation and Community for Optimizely
Note
When using the Optimizely World website for the first time, you will need to register. Password self-reset is disabled. Email customer supportto reset a password for you.
- End-user documentation
- Visual Studio Publishing
- How to Restrict Access
- CDN Recommendations and Cache-control
- Partner/Developer – Set up Development Logging before going live
- Penetration Testing Rules of Engagement
- Optimizely Security Information
- RACI for Optimizely Services
- Blog post:Â Options for migrating to Episerver (Optimizely) DXP by David Knipe.
Updated 2 months ago