Umbraco 8 End of Life: What next?

By Nicholas Durrant

Umbraco, a widely-used open-source content management system (CMS), has long been a go-to choice for developers and businesses seeking a flexible and customizable platform. However, like all software, Umbraco undergoes updates and transitions. One significant event in the Umbraco timeline is the End of Life (EOL) for version 8.

In the past 12 months, we’ve handled Umbraco 7 upgrades for numerous customers. There are different approaches to consider when planning your next step. In this article, we’ll explore what Umbraco v8 End of Life means, its implications, and how users can navigate this transition.

What is End of Life?

End of Life for software generally refers to the point when the software vendor ceases to provide support, updates, and security patches for a specific version. This doesn’t mean the software will stop working, but users are encouraged to upgrade to a supported version to ensure continued security and optimal performance.

Umbraco 8 EOL timeline

• Umbraco 8.18, the final minor version of Umbraco 8, was released on February 24th, 2022. The minor will be supported for 24 months, until February 2024.
• After that, it will enter the security-only phase for an additional year where we will only fix security issues and release security updates.
• At the end of the security-only phase, Umbraco 8 will reach the end-of-life (EOL) date. EOL for Umbraco 8 is February 24th, 2025.

Umbraco no longer recommend using Umbraco 8 after it has been considered EOL. We recommend you start planning your upgrade this year.

Implications of Umbraco v8 End of Life

1. Security Concerns:

Without regular security updates and patches, using an outdated version of Umbraco could expose websites to potential vulnerabilities. Cybersecurity threats evolve, and keeping the software up-to-date is crucial to protect against new risks.

2. Performance Issues:

Remaining on a version of Umbraco that is either in the security phase or past its EOL date means missing out on the fastest and most advanced version available. You may start to find the platform degrade, and your website or application become less performant.

3. Compatibility Issues:

As technology advances, dependencies and integrations with other tools and services may no longer be compatible with older software versions. Upgrading to a supported Umbraco version ensures compatibility with the latest technologies.

4. Lack of New Features:

EOL also means that Umbraco v8 users will miss out on new features, improvements, and innovations introduced in subsequent releases. Staying on an unsupported version could lead to a stagnant digital experience.

What are your options?

1. Upgrade to a supported version:

The most straightforward solution is to upgrade to a supported version of Umbraco. The Umbraco community and documentation provide resources to guide users through the upgrade process. This ensures access to the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches.

Before upgrading, it’s essential to assess any third-party packages, plugins, or custom code that might be affected. Ensuring these components are compatible with the target Umbraco version will help prevent issues during and after the upgrade.

Upgrading is installing the newer version of Umbraco over your existing setup. It’s usually the quickest and easiest path but comes with its share of risks, such as incompatibility with custom code and outdated packages. Before upgrading, ensure you’ve thoroughly tested the new version.

2. Migrate to a newer version

Migration involves transferring content and functionality from your existing website to a newly installed version of Umbraco. While it may be a more time-intensive process compared to a direct upgrade, migration offers the advantage of eliminating outdated or redundant elements, leading to the creation of a streamlined and more efficient website.

3. Rebuild

The most time-intensive option, a complete rebuild, offers the chance to redesign your website from scratch using the latest version of Umbraco. It’s a great opportunity to implement modern web standards, improve user experience, and even overhaul your site’s look and feel.

Umbraco v8 End of Life marks a transition for users, urging them to embrace newer versions for continued security, compatibility, and access to the latest features. Navigating this shift requires careful planning, evaluation, and leveraging the support of the Umbraco community. By staying proactive and informed, users can ensure a smooth and successful transition to a supported Umbraco version, providing a foundation for future growth and innovation.

Get in touch with Bluegrass to help you navigate your upgrade strategy!