> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.bird.com/api/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.bird.com/api/connectivity-platform-migration-guide.md).

# Connectivity platform migration guide

**Overview**

**Introduction to the Migration Guide**

This guide is designed to help you transition from the Connectivity Platform’s Conversations API to Bird CRM seamlessly. It highlights the key differences, benefits, and step-by-step instructions for migrating your workflows to take full advantage of Bird CRM’s improved features.

Whether you’re managing messaging channels, synchronizing templates, or handling conversations programmatically, this guide ensures a smooth migration experience tailored to your business needs.

**Key sections in this guide**

To help you navigate quickly, here are the key topics covered:

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><a href="/pages/PML8D3BRmheEFDFqto9U">Choosing between Channels API and Conversations API</a></td><td>Learn when and how to use these APIs effectively.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/jcmXcBN8ANrdlWODXOR9">Migrating conversations API actions</a></td><td>Step-by-step instructions for updating your messaging workflows.</td></tr><tr><td><a href="/pages/QESaN7hkSOQDX1ICYtcM">Migrating WhatsApp channels</a></td><td>A guide to transferring your WhatsApp configurations to the new platform.</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Key APIs in the New Platform**

Bird CRM offers two primary APIs for managing your messaging workflows:

1. **Channels API**: For direct messaging without maintaining conversation context.
2. **Conversations API:** For managing rich, contextual conversations and participant tracking.

**Key Differences Between the Conversations API in Connectivity Platform and Bird CRM**

| Feature                      | Connectivity Platform                                                                        |                                                        Bird CRM                                                       |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | :-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------: |
| **Messaging Flexibility**    | Messaging is only supported through Conversations API.                                       |      Messaging possible via both Channels API (direct messages) and Conversations API (contextual interactions).      |
| **Conversation Lifecycle**   | Conversations created or updated automatically when sending a message to a specific contact. |           Conversations automatically created or updated when sending a message using the Conversations API.          |
| **Participant Management**   | Limited participant types (e.g., users and contacts).                                        |                          Supports multiple participant types: user, contact, flow, accessKey.                         |
| **Template Synchronisation** | Manual process with limited visibility.                                                      |                            Supports automated template synchronisation for WhatsApp WABAs.                            |
| **Channel Management**       | Managed through legacy tools.                                                                |                               Channels and WABAs managed programmatically or via the UI.                              |
| **Event Handling**           | Basic event subscription for status updates.                                                 |            Advanced webhook management for message lifecycle events, including delivery and read receipts.            |
| **Rich Messaging**           | Supported rich text and template-based messaging for specific channels (e.g., WhatsApp).     | Extended support for multimedia, templates, metadata, and advanced messaging workflows across all supported channels. |

**Key enhancement: Messaging flexibility**

The new Bird CRM platform introduces greater flexibility for handling different types of messaging workflows.

\
**Messaging API Options**

1. **Channels API**
   * **Purpose:** For lightweight messaging without maintaining conversation context.
   * **Best Suited For:** Direct, one-off messages like notifications.
2. **Conversations API**
   * **Purpose:** Managing complex interactions with multiple participants and detailed context.
   * **Ideal Uses:**
     * Customer service workflows
     * Agent-customer communication
     * Automation flows

This flexibility ensures the system can meet various messaging needs, from simple alerts to comprehensive customer.