Is your Umbraco website still running on versions 7 or 8? It might be time for an upgrade. With Umbraco 8 nearing its End-of-Life (EOL) in February 2025, staying on outdated versions puts your digital presence at risk.
There's lots to read here! If you want the right bunch of people to handle your Umbraco upgrade and migration, give us a shout – we'd be happy to help.
Upgrading to the latest version of Umbraco not only enhances security and functionality but also future-proofs your business. Add the option of migrating to Umbraco Cloud, and you gain unparalleled efficiency, scalability and cost savings. At Koola Digital, we’re here to guide you seamlessly through the upgrade and migration process.
Why upgrading Umbraco is essential
Continuing to run unsupported versions like Umbraco 8 after they’ve reached EOL can expose your site to significant risks. Running an outdated CMS increases vulnerabilities to cyber threats like SQL injection and XSS attacks. Without timely updates and patches, your data, codebase, and user information could all be at risk.
Beyond security, upgrading unlocks incredible new features. Innovations like the Block Grid Editor and improved APIs deliver functionalities that would otherwise be unavailable. Upgraded performances, such as faster runtime efficiencies from .NET Core, offer significant advantages to competitive websites.
Challenges of upgrading from Umbraco 7 and 8
The leap from versions 7 and 8 requires effort due to a transition from .NET Framework to .NET Core. This structural change makes a direct upgrade impossible, requiring a phased approach. While the process can feel complicated, careful planning and expertise ensure a smooth transition.
Phased pathways minimise technical interruptions. This includes moving through Umbraco 7 to 8, then to 10, and finally the latest version. Tools like uSync help simplify content migration during transitional stages, while professional developers streamline technical challenges.
A step-by-step upgrade process
If you’re ready to transition, here’s a simplified path to guide you through upgrading:
- Step 1: Transition from Umbraco 7 to version 8 using migration tools like uSync to simplify the process.
- Step 2: Upgrade into Umbraco 10, taking advantage of new middleware compatibility.
- Step 3: Make the final leap to the most recent Umbraco version such as 13 or higher, ensuring to address compatibility and testing at each juncture.
Always back up your work during transitions to avoid data complications. Ensure to address updates to plugins and extensions vital for an optimised site.
Redevelopment vs upgrade
Redevelopment offers a fresh slate but is not always necessary. For lean, non-complex sites, upgrades retain previous work while integrating new features. However, redevelopment may better serve heavily customised sites to incorporate all possible innovations.
Upgrading reduces costs and retains familiarity while redevelopment builds a completely bespoke digital ecosystem. Ultimately, the decision rests on individual project priorities, complexity and budgets.
Benefits of upgrading to the latest Umbraco version
Think of upgrading as investing in long-term success:
- Enhanced Performance: Enjoy faster page loads and smoother navigation thanks to .NET Core upgrades.
- Improved security: Stay ahead of vulnerabilities with improved protection mechanisms.
- Powerful Features: Take advantage of tools like the Block Grid Editor and upgraded forms for increased flexibility and control.
- Scalability: Prepare your website for growth with a more robust technical foundation.
Migration to Umbraco Cloud
Looking to take your upgrade further? Umbraco Cloud migration offers even more advantages:
- Automatic updates: Stay effortlessly current with the latest updates and patches.
- Scalability: Handle bigger traffic spikes without a hitch.
- Stress-free hosting: Cloud hosting is managed entirely, reducing server maintenance worries.
The transition to the Cloud can align perfectly with your upgrade, combining both into one streamlined process.
Expert tips for a seamless upgrade
- Backup thoroughly: Before starting, create comprehensive backups to safeguard your data.
- Plan methodically: Break the process into stages and involve experienced developers.
- Use professional tools: Solutions like uSync or Deploy can simplify content migrations.
- Test relentlessly: Verify each step to avoid broken features or data migration issues.
The thought of upgrading your Umbraco site or migrating to the cloud might seem overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. At Koola Digital, our in-house expertise and proven experience mean we can handle the complexities, so you don’t have to. From enhanced security and performance to unlocking cutting-edge features, this transition is an opportunity to future-proof your website with ease.
Get in touch with us today, and we’ll take care of every step, ensuring your Umbraco upgrade – and optional migration to the cloud – is seamless, secure and tailored to your specific needs.
