Umbraco 8 is approaching its 'End of Life' (EOL) phase. This marks a significant point for anyone using this version of the popular Content Management System (CMS). In this blog, we explain what 'End of Life' truly means, the specific dates that are relevant, and what the implications are for you as a customer. We also discuss the options that Webwonders offers to make this transition as smooth as possible.
What is 'End of Life'?
'End of Life' (EOL) signifies the moment when a software product reaches the end of its support lifecycle. This means that from that point forward, the developers will no longer release any new updates or security patches. For Umbraco 8, the EOL date has been set for February 24, 2025, after which the receipt of further updates, including security ones, will cease. Learn more about End of Life.
What does this mean for the support of your Umbraco 8 website?
Reaching the 'End of Life' status for Umbraco 8 brings several consequences:
- No new updates: This means your website will continue to run on outdated software, without the benefits of new functionalities or performance improvements.
- Security risks: The most significant risk of not updating is vulnerability to security breaches. Without patches from Umbraco, these vulnerabilities could lead to serious data breaches.
- Loss of support: The direct line to Umbraco for support disappears, meaning any problems will become harder and more time-consuming to resolve.
- Longer wait times for support: As the technology ages, it will become harder to find quick and effective solutions for issues that arise.
- Uncertainty about guarantees: Without the option to purchase extended support licenses, the guarantees on the operation and safety of your website are limited.
What are the options?
At Webwonders, we understand the complexity and challenges that come with an EOL scenario. These are, in our opinion, the 3 most likely scenarios:
- Building a new website: This is the perfect time not just to update your CMS, but also to completely transform your website. Through a strategic session, we can seamlessly integrate your business goals, implement the latest SEO trends, and create a fresh and contemporary design to strengthen your online presence.
- Update to the latest version: If you are satisfied with your current site but want to benefit from the latest technologies and security updates, then updating is a good option. An update intake call helps us determine what is needed for a smooth transition.
- Do nothing: Although this is an option, we strongly advise against it due to the aforementioned risks and consequences.
What are the benefits of upgrading from Umbraco 8 to Umbraco 13?
Upgrading from Umbraco 8 to Umbraco 13 takes your website to the next level with significant improvements in ease of use, speed, and security. This upgrade enriches your site with:
- Improved system performance: Benefit from the power of .NET 8 for faster and more efficient website performance.
- Advanced content creation: With the new 'Blocks' in the Rich Text Editor, it becomes easier to create complex content elements, such as call-to-action buttons, directly within your texts.
- Webhooks integration: Easily connect with external systems, increasing autonomy for editors and making them less dependent on developers for integrations.
- Simplified startup process: A streamlined process for starting the application improves accessibility and ease of use.
- Increased security measures: New security features, such as improved management of concurrent logins, enhance safety by preventing users from being logged in on multiple devices simultaneously.
Is Umbraco 13 the most recent version?
Yes, Umbraco 13 is the latest version available after Umbraco 8. This advanced version is specifically designed to provide an unmatched user experience and comprehensive support. It represents the next step in the CMS evolution, with groundbreaking technologies and innovative features that will elevate your website to new heights. Discover more about all available Umbraco versions here.
Costs and possibilities of upgrade or new website?
At Webwonders, we believe in transparency and customization. We understand that the costs of upgrading or building a new website can vary. That's why we aim to ensure that our clients have a clear understanding of what to expect and how much it will cost. Therefore, we offer a free update scan.
Together with you, we want to create a plan that fully meets your needs and budget. Whether you choose to upgrade from Umbraco 8 to Umbraco 13 or to build a completely new website, we ensure you get the best solution.
Feel free to contact Frans, our specialist in upgrades and website construction. He will be happy to assist you further and answer all your questions. Together, we can ensure that your website is ready for the future and that you achieve the best results. Do not hesitate to contact us and discover what Webwonders can do for you.
