AddXp is a leading Umbraco service provider, we're committed to keeping you in the loop on crucial updates in the Umbraco world. This article answers vital questions for upgrading your Umbraco 8 website to the latest version.
We've been providing Umbraco services for over a decade. The latest news is that Umbraco 8 CMS is reaching its end-of-life in February 2025. After that, Umbraco will no longer support this older version with security patches, leaving sites on Umbraco 8 vulnerable to attacks. It's important to note that starting February 24, 2024, Umbraco 8 enters the security phase. This means only security issues will be fixed.
When is Umbraco 8 End of Life?
| Deadline | Offerings |
|---|---|
| February 24, 2024 | Umbraco 8 will enter the “security only” phase. This means Umbraco will only fix security issues. |
| February 24, 2025 | Umbraco 8 will reach its official end of life. After 24 Feb 2025, Umbraco will no longer support this version, including security patches. Any sites still on Umbraco 8 will be unprotected from vulnerabilities. |
So, the question is can anyone use Umbraco 8 after its official End of Life?
Let us answer this question, keep reading this article for your every doubt.
The answer to this is that can anyone still using Umbraco version 8 be able to use it after its End of Life?
Can I Use Umbraco 8 After Its End of Life?
“Technically, yes, you can continue using Umbraco 8 after its end of life (EOL). However, we strongly advise against it.”
Here's why:
- Security Risks: Once Umbraco stops providing security patches, your website becomes a prime target for hackers. This could lead to data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage.
- Compliance Issues: Many organizations have policies about using outdated software. Continuing to use Umbraco 8 post-EOL might violate these policies.
- Missing Out on New Features: Newer Umbraco versions offer advanced features and performance improvements that can significantly enhance your website.
- Compatibility Problems: As technology evolves, Umbraco 8 may become incompatible with newer systems, browsers, and plugins, affecting your website's functionality.
- Poor Website Performance: Older software often leads to slower load times and subpar user experience, which can negatively impact your search engine rankings.
To protect your website, data, and business, it's crucial to upgrade to a supported Umbraco version before the EOL date. Let’s connect to the Addxp Experts.
What Version of Umbraco Should Anyone Upgrade To?
We recommend building your website on Umbraco’s latest stable long-term support (LTS) version, which is currently Umbraco 13.
Here’s why:
- Blazing Fast Websites: WebP image support gives your site a speed boost, improving SEO and user experience.
- Creative Freedom: The new block grid editor is a game-changer, letting you drag and drop content with ease. This means more time for creativity and less time on content management.
- Smarter Forms: Umbraco Forms is better than ever, with easier creation and more flexibility.
- Stronger Security: Improved protection against attacks like cross-site scripting (XSS) keeps your site safe.
- Endless Possibilities: The headless capabilities, including the content and media delivery API, let you distribute your content anywhere.
- Better Performance: Overall, Umbraco 13 delivers a faster, smoother website experience for your visitors.
What Are the Options to Upgrade to Umbraco 13?
There are two main paths to migrate to Umbraco 13:
Upgrade Your Existing Site
This option depends on how complex your website is. If you have custom features or integrations, they'll likely need to be reworked. You'd upgrade from your current version to Umbraco 10, then address breaking changes in versions 11 and 12 before reaching Umbraco 13. This is a good choice if your website's content and design aren't changing much.
Rebuild Your Site on Umbraco 13
If you're considering a redesign, rebuilding your site on Umbraco 13 is a great option. With a fresh look, you'll probably need new content components and page layouts, so your Umbraco document types will need to be recreated. This approach can often be more cost-effective in the long run.
How Can Addxp Help You Rebuild Your Site on Umbraco 13?
The first step is an audit of your current Umbraco 8 CMS. One of our Umbraco-certified developers will assess your website to help you decide whether to upgrade or rebuild. Based on the audit findings, we'll provide a preliminary estimate for either option.
In the Crux
Upgrading your website to Umbraco 13 positions your business for success. By boosting website performance, strengthening security, and meeting changing user expectations, you'll set your site up for long-term growth.
Ready to upgrade your Umbraco 8 website?
Schedule a meeting with Addxp Technologies, for Umbraco expert’s assistance.