onCourse Web Migration: From Apache Tapestry to React JS with Next.js
- Anne Flores
- Aug 14
- 3 min read
A Future-Ready Upgrade for Your Customer-Facing Website
We’re thrilled to introduce a powerful new upgrade option for onCourse customers: a modern, high-performance React JS interface enhanced with Next.js for server-side rendering (SSR). This is a strategic step toward building a faster, more scalable, and intuitive user experience—without disrupting your admin tools or internal workflows.
Why the Change?
The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and customer expectations are higher than ever. By moving your customer-facing website from Apache Tapestry to a React + Next.js stack, you’ll unlock significant improvements in speed, usability, and long-term adaptability.
React JS is one of the world’s most trusted front-end libraries, used by companies like Meta, Netflix, and Airbnb. When paired with Next.js, it brings:
Server-side rendering for faster page loads and better SEO
Modern architecture for easier scalability and maintainability
Optimized performance, even during peak traffic periods
What You’ll Experience with the Upgrade
Ultra-Fast Load Times
Deliver lightning-fast experiences, keeping customers engaged and conversion rates high.
Enterprise-Grade Reliability
Scale confidently with a robust infrastructure that’s designed to grow with your business.
Faster Feature Rollouts
A modern development workflow means quicker enhancements, updates, and bug fixes.
Future-Ready Tech Stack
Stay aligned with modern web standards, integrations, and security practices.
What’s Changing (and What’s Not)
Feature | Staying the Same | Getting an Upgrade |
Admin interface | ✓ No changes | |
Internal tools & workflows | ✓ Unaffected | |
Customer-facing website | ✓ React + Next.js UI | |
Performance & SEO | ✓ Major boost | |
Feature deployment speed | ✓ Faster cycles | |
Mobile & accessibility | ✓ Enhanced support |
Frequently Asked Questions: Everything You Need to Know
Question | Answer |
---|---|
Is this upgrade mandatory? | No. This is an optional upgrade designed for organisations ready to invest in a more future-proof solution. |
Will it affect my admin tools? | Not at all. Your admin panel and internal workflows remain unchanged |
How does it improve performance? | React’s virtual DOM enables efficient UI updates, while Next.js uses server-side rendering to deliver faster load times—even during traffic spikes. |
How does it improve scalability and reliability? | Thanks to a modular architecture, your platform becomes easier to scale, more reliable, and simpler to maintain. |
What are the SEO and accessibility benefits? | Server-rendered pages improve discoverability by search engines and ensure compatibility with assistive technologies. |
Is it secure? | Yes. Next.js includes built-in security features like route handling, caching, and secure SSR for sensitive content. |
How much does it cost? | The upgrade is available for an additional fee, based on your organisation’s specific needs. Get in touch for a tailored quote. |
Tapestry vs React + Next.js: Technical Comparison
Category | Apache Tapestry | React JS + Next.js |
---|---|---|
Performance | Slower SSR | Fast SSR + Virtual DOM |
User Experience | Traditional, page-based UI | Interactive components |
Scalability | Monolithic architecture | Modular, component-based |
Development Speed | Slower cycles, limited reuse | Fast cycles with reusable parts |
Cross-Platform | Web-only | Web + mobile-friendly SSR |
Standards Support | Outdated | Actively maintained, future-ready |
Community Support | Niche | Massive global community |
Testing & QA | Limited tools | Jest, Cypress, React Testing Lib |
SEO & Accessibility | Limited options | Excellent with SSR |
Architecture | Tightly coupled | Decoupled with API integration |
PWA Capabilities | Not supported | Supported |
Talent Availability | Limited | Broad developer base |
Integrations | Manual & complex | Fast, flexible SDK integration |
Key Terms
SSR (Server-Side Rendering): Pages are built on the server for better speed and SEO.
Virtual DOM: Updates only parts of the page that change—boosts speed.
Component-Based UI: Website built from reusable building blocks.
Monolithic vs Modular: Modular systems are easier to scale and maintain.
SEO & Accessibility: Better discoverability and usability for all users.
PWA (Progressive Web App): Mobile app-like experience from a browser.
API & SDKs: Tools for adding features and integrating other systems.
Ready to Explore the Upgrade?
We’re here to help you evaluate if this move is the right fit for your organisation. If you’re ready to boost performance, scalability, and customer satisfaction, let’s talk.
Contact us at info@ish.com.au
Or log a support ticket via Support
Invest in a platform built for today—and ready for tomorrow.
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