A Technical Roadmap for Businesses to Migrate from Web2 to Web3

The evolution of the internet has revolutionized business models and user interaction paradigms. Although Web2 enables dynamic, user-generated experiences, it still relies on centralized servers, third-party control, and opaque data management. Web3 offers blockchain-based architecture with smart contracts and tokenized ecosystems, which presents extraordinary opportunities for businesses to build Web3 applications and trustless environments for users, with greater control and trust in the final experience.

The advantages of Web3 applications are compelling enough for businesses to take the bold step of migrating from a Web2 to Web3 environment. However, this transition is far from simple. It requires careful consideration of various factors, including the choice of technology stack, underlying Layer 1 protocol, development methodologies, and robust security measures.

In this blog, we will unpack a holistic technical roadmap for businesses ready to embrace the promise of decentralization via Web3 technologies. Whether you are a startup or enterprise, we hope to pass on clarity, precision, and insight as you navigate the opportunity of the life cycle of Web3 adoption. 

Understanding the Transition: Why Move from Web2 to Web3

Web2 is the current generation of the internet. It has centralized servers, user-generated content, and interactivity. However, there are inherent limitations, one of which is the fact that data is centralized. The user does not have privacy. They cannot claim ownership to their data and have to rely on a middleman who controls their access to whatever platform they choose to use.

Key Challenges in Web 2 Application

• Centralized control
• Lack of data ownership
• Single points of failure
• Monetization-favoring platforms
• Limited interoperability
• Low transparency

Web3 application development offers a decentralized, trustless, permissionless web that maintains transparency and uses blockchain, cryptographic hashing, and smart contracts.

Benefits of Web2 to Web3 Migration

Moving a business from Web2 to Web3 provides a variety of benefits:

• Data Ownership and Privacy: Users own their data, thus eliminating third-party centralization and reliance. 
• Accountability and Immutability: The blockchain keeps records that cannot be altered. 
• Decentralized Business model: Revenue share and tokenization are enabled through Web3. 
• Increased Security: Smart contracts are verified through cryptography, allowing for automated agreements to be contractually binding. 
• New and Different Business Models: NFTs, DeFi, and decentralized identity generate many new avenues of monetization. 

Such benefits demonstrate the worth of Web3 enterprise solutions for businesses from every industry imaginable, including but not limited to finance, gaming, supply chain, healthcare, and real estate.

How Web2 Application Architecture Differs from Web3

For businesses to successfully transition a Web2 application to Web3, they must first understand the differences in architecture.

Web2 Application Architecture

Typically, Web 2 applications consist of three layers: 

• Frontend: The user interface that is built with standard application technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, for the users to interact with the app.
• Backend: The server-side logic where requests are processed, business rules are executed, and where communication with the database occurs.
• Database: The common storage or repository where all the app’s data is stored, including user profiles, posts, and other content.

In this traditional Web 2 architecture, the backend retrieves data from the centralized database based on user actions, serves it to the frontend (the client), and uses APIs to enable data exchange and functionality. For instance, whether a user scrolls a social media feed or edits a profile, it is the backend application that processes data and returns the appropriate responses to the frontend. Such a model reflects a centralized pattern of control, where the server acts on the user’s behalf. This centralization introduces a single point of failure and places trust in a third-party service provider to manage and safeguard user data.

The Distinctive Web3 Application Architecture

Web3 apps, also known as decentralized applications (dApps), have a unique architecture based on decentralization and blockchain. Web3 applications usually have three components:

1. Application Frontend: The application’s frontend is built using standard web technologies, such as HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, to deliver the user interface. It interacts with backend services to handle business logic and data processing. Most visual and textual design patterns commonly seen in Web2 applications are fully supported and relatively easy to implement, offering frontend developers a familiar and efficient development experience.

2. Nodes: These are the gateways to the blockchain network. The frontend interacts with the blockchain network through nodes, which enable both ‘read’ operations, such as querying blockchain data, and ‘submit’ operations, including broadcasting transactions to the network.

3. Blockchain Network/Infrastructure: The blockchain is an immutable ledger distributed over the entire peer-to-peer network of nodes. The blockchain, along with the smart contracts that run on the node validators, is the infrastructure of Web3. The foundation structure consists of smart contracts, EVM, and blocks. 

In addition, Web3 utilities employ decentralized storage systems like IPFS (InterPlanetary File System) for storing files off-chain and securely, as well as indexing protocols that assist in seamlessly retrieving data from on-chain data sources. Rather, user authentication is handled by using a user’s cryptographic wallet (e.g., MetaMask) acting as the signer with the ability to interact, providing a secure, permissioned interaction rather than a traditional username/password login.

Primary Components to Migrate from Web2 to Web3 Application 

While Web2 to Web3 migration, companies should consider these components:

1. Infrastructure Migration

It involves shifting from centralized databases to decentralized blockchain infrastructure. Essentially, this means deploying smart contracts on a blockchain network and using distributed nodes to validate and store data. The frontend user journey remains consistent from Web2 to Web3, but the backend logic will transition to the blockchain protocols.

2. Data Storage Methods

Storing data on-chain without cost implications is impractical. Further, this approach is also not scalable. Enterprises will continue to use various data cloud providers (e.g., AWS, Azure) to support the vast majority of large data sets, while utilizing decentralized storage methods (e.g, IPFS) to securely distribute data over the network.

3. Off-Chain Data along with Oracles

Oracles are an external solution that helps transfer off-chain data that smart contracts require to support complex applications (e.g., price feeds, weather).  Oracles should be decentralized or built using decentralized principles because the computational influence and accessibility that oracles provide are important.

4. Payment Gateways and Wallet Connections

Web3 applications must connect to crypto wallets since they will be required to manage all their digital assets, sign transactions, and interact with smart contracts. Popular crypto wallets (e.g., Metamask), among others, are considered non-custodial as they let users completely control their keys and assets. Alternatively, traditional fiat payment gateways are still possible with these hybrid models.

5. Codebase Migration

Depending on the platform, the existing codebase may need to be partially rewritten or changed. For example, backend logic written in JavaScript in a Web2 environment may need to be reimplemented using smart contract languages such as Solidity or Rust. However, many modern blockchains are now adopting more familiar programming languages like JavaScript, TypeScript, or Go, which helps reduce the learning curve and lowers the overall migration effort. 

6. User Flow Adjustments 

The user experience overall will largely be the same. However, new interaction flows are introduced, such as connecting to the wallet, signing a transaction, and managing on-chain assets (e.g., minting NFTs). These flows will also inherently require the user to adjust to managing their private keys and larger concepts of understanding what being a “decentralized identity” means.

Tech Stack for Migrating Web2 Applications to Web3

Transitioning from Web2 to Web3 applications requires a complete overhaul of the underlying infrastructure, using a decentralized tech stack spanning across layers. Each layer provides essential elements that can guarantee decentralized, scalable, and secure operation of your application.

Layer 1: Blockchain Protocols

The very first layer of Web3 is blockchain. When it comes to choosing a blockchain, Ethereum continues to be popular primarily due to its strong developer ecosystem and the maturity of the tools available. However, based on project needs, such as scalability, gas fees, and speed of transactions, businesses may consider alternatives, such as Solana, Polygon, or Avalanche. Businesses can also look into Layer-2 scaling solutions (e.g., Arbitrum, ZKSync), or even app-specific chains, like Cosmos Zones and Substrate-based Blockchains.

Layer 2: Blockchain Nodes

Nodes are the middle layer, connecting the application and the blockchain. Nodes validate transactions, store data, and confirm consensus with the rest of the network. Business can run their own node and maintain control, but that comes with a requirement for technical skill to maintain the node. To get around this, many businesses use Node-as-a-Service providers, which provide users with extreme scalability to quickly access the blockchain with a wide range of managed access implementations.

Layer 3: Web3 APIs

APIs act as a bridge between decentralized networking and applications. They streamline interactions with blockchains by exposing endpoints for querying data or sending transactions on the chain. High-performing APIs play a crucial role in dApp development. Shared APIs are efficient for the early-stage dApps, but as applications scale, using dedicated nodes to connect to a specific blockchain can significantly improve performance, reduce latency, and enhance the overall user experience..

Layer 4: dApp Development Stack

At this layer, developers are concerned with building user-facing decentralized applications. Depending on your application, the tech stack will include a number of tools/technologies, including smart contract development tools, and frontend libraries such as Ethers.js or Web3.js. For the backend, developers can use Firebase, AWS, or IPFS to provide intelligent solutions. Multiple tools exist to support dApp developers, and SDKs to facilitate connections to mobile and web applications.

Migrating Web2 App to Web3: A Step-by-Step Guide

Below are the steps that one should go through to migrate your web2 app to web3. Check it out

Step 1: Requirement Gathering and Use Case Analysis

Start by analyzing the existing Web2 app to get to know the components and the workflows of the app as a whole. Next, think about which components can be decentralized to provide the user with more transparency, trust, and security. The components the user wishes to decentralize typically include the payment system, user identity, data ownership, and the integrity of data systems in general. Once the components for decentralization are identified, consult the stakeholders and conduct a requirements gathering exercise, asking the right questions to start shaping the top-level goals for the migration. The goals may include scalability, security, less reliance on operational staff, and an improved user experience. Build out the use cases and map them out with potential blockchain-based solutions to assess feasibility.

Step 2: Blockchain Ecosystem Selection

Select the right blockchain platform that meets the technical, regulatory, and operational requirements. One can choose a public blockchain such as Ethereum, Polygon, or Solana, which lends itself to decentralization and has a large developer community. Or choose a permissioned blockchain like Hyperledger Fabric or Corda, which may be more suitable in environments requiring higher privacy, compliance, and internal control. Consider the following factors, such as transaction costs, scalability, consensus mechanisms, community support, and interoperability, before choosing a blockchain platform.

Step 3: Smart Contract Development

Build smart contracts on the blockchain that replicate and automate the business logic of the application core. Utilize a modular design and develop smart contracts using secure coding practices, so they are maintainable and upgradeable. For added safety, review the code thoroughly and use tooling for formal verification to ensure it is free of any logical errors and security vulnerabilities. Engage third-party auditors to perform security audits to confirm that all contracts meet functional and security criteria.

Step 4: Integration with Frontend and Backend Systems

Connect the frontend and backend systems with the chosen blockchain platform. This will involve integration with blockchain nodes, APIs, wallet (MetaMask or WalletConnect) providers, and oracle services to obtain off-chain data. Use Web3 libraries (e.g. web3.js, ethers.js) and developer SDKs to enable interaction between the user interface and blockchain, even when the user is interfacing with decentralized components. The objective is to ensure a seamless user experience. 

Step 5: Testing and Audits

Implement a solid testing methodology that covers multiple facets of the entire deal process, such as testing each unit, testing the integration of units into the whole, and testing the end-to-end mechanics of the smart contract and the functionality of the comprehensive dApp. Conduct attack simulations to reveal weaknesses in logic or security of the smart contract or dApp, such as reentrancy, overflow, underflow, or even front-running issues. Perform audits on the smart contracts, both automatically and through the manual review process, and always make the code as gas-optimized as possible without altering any logic. 

Step 6: Deployment on Blockchain Networks

Once the testing is complete, deploy the smart contracts on either a public mainnet or testnet, based on the phase of the rollout and what stage the project is at. Once deployed, monitor the on-chain transactions, gas fees, and performance in a real-time manner. Use block explorer tools and analytics dashboards to observe and audit smart contracts and monitor user engagement with the project. Obtain feedback from any initial users or beta testers and develop the prototype from that experience. 

Step 7: Post-Deployment Maintenance and Support

Maintain the application after deployment by tracking performance benchmarks, contract activity, patching new vulnerabilities, and available updates or upgrades that allow for user onboarding and capacity improvements. The user may face future decisions to upgrade contracts using proxy patterns or modular upgrades if the platform develops further, or there are changes in regulation or user needs.

What is the Cost of Migrating a Web2 App to Web3 in 2025?

Cost Factors in Web2 to Web3 Application Migration

The migration cost varies widely depending on:

1. App Complexity & Features

Apps with sophisticated functionality, heavy data utilization, or dependence on a smart contract will take longer to develop and cost more. As the system becomes more complicated, its migration becomes increasingly complex, needing more resource allocation and expertise.

2. System Integration Requirements

The integration process with legacy systems, such as databases, payment gateways, or identity providers, will require further development hours. Ensuring seamless interoperability between Web2 and Web3 components will take extra planning, effort, and cost.

3. Blockchain Selection & Gas Fees

Selecting which blockchain to use will influence costs, for example, Ethereum’s high gas fees versus a lower-cost actor like Polygon or Solana.  The selection will also influence speed, scalability, and ongoing costs.

4. Dev Team Experience

The cost of hiring experienced developers and blockchain architects for Web2 to Web3 migration may be expensive, but it will save headaches during migration. Choosing cheaper teams without experience could seem like a great option at first, but then incur the costs of employee errors and months’ worth of work or delays.

5. Security & Compliance

Complex security measures, professional audits, and following data privacy laws (like GDPR) increase costs. However, security, access to data while protecting user data, and avoiding legal compliance are all essential areas to address.

6. UIUX Upgrades & Onboarding

Web3 integration typically involves reconsidering and redesigning the UI/UX across the application. With new wallet connectivity and users owning assets, the method of interaction has changed. This change in interaction, especially with private key management, has increased the need to educate users about these new elements. This typically requires teams to create new content, onboarding flows, and support to ensure that users have a smooth and secure experience.

7. Continued Support and Maintenance

The post-launch expenses related to dev operations include: bug fixes, smart contract updates, and scaling the underlying infrastructure to support more users. Such maintenance, including working on the app regularly, will keep the dApp up and running, keep it secure, and ensure it remains within the ever-evolving blockchain protocols.

8. The Role of Experienced Partners

When working with an experienced Web3 firm, one can efficiently manage the migration and incidentals, know the hidden costs, and ensure the design decisions are the correct ones. This leads to quicker deployments and ultimately cheaper costs over time.

Conclusion

Migrating your business’s Web2 applications to Web3 infrastructure is a strategic approach for businesses to leverage the advantages of decentralization, improved security, and novel or different business models. However, at the same time, it is also essential to understand the unique Web3 application architecture, identify the appropriate development solutions, the migration process, and rely on a trusted blockchain development company. If your business wishes to undergo Web2 to Web3 migrations systematically, reach out to Antier as we offer full-service Web3 development solutions that help businesses transition into the future.

Antier is a blockchain development company that has enabled businesses worldwide to move seamlessly from Web2 to Web3. We have extensive expertise with decentralized networks, smart contract development, and scalable blockchain architecture. From reengineering app infrastructure to integrating wallets and decentralized storage, our team provides comprehensive support that not only leads to innovation but also effectively future-proofs your business.

Are you ready to future-proof your business with Web3?  Connect with Antier today to fast-track your blockchain journey.