Navigating Umbraco 7 End of Life: will your website survive?

Ravi Motha
Published October 2, 2023 by Ravi Motha – Developer & Umbraco Community MVP

You've probably come across articles suggesting that you should consider migrating or upgrading your current CMS (Content Management System) to a newer version. If you're feeling uncertain or worried, we're here to provide guidance.

Umbraco 7 officially reached its End of Life (EOL) on September 30th and will no longer receive updates, security patches, or official support from the Umbraco development team. That could potentially leave websites using this version vulnerable to security risks and lacking compatibility with newer technologies.

But does this mean your website will suddenly crash? Not quite. Think of the CMS reaching its end of life as a "best before" date. You can technically keep using it, but we strongly advise against it.

So, will your website continue to function? Yes, especially if you have a tech partner to manage it. They can handle any issues that arise.

When a CMS reaches its end of life, it simply means the original provider will no longer develop or support it. This usually happens because there's a newer program in place, the software isn't relevant anymore, or the publisher no longer exists.

What can you do? Start by talking to a tech partner. If your website is working well, that's great. However, it's crucial to be aware of both the advantages and disadvantages.

Why should you consider upgrading or migrating? Ultimately, it's your call, but there are compelling reasons to do so.

Newer websites and frameworks tend to be faster and more efficient. This means you can run your website on smaller and better infrastructure. All of this translates to a more sustainable and cost-effective website, leading to its long-term success.

Concerned about the cost? With careful planning and discussions, we can tailor a project that suits your needs. Whether it's a phased migration approach or another method, reach out to dotcentric, an Umbraco Gold Partner, and we'll work together to find the right solution for you.

Interested in working together?

To learn more about working with us, talk directly with Alastair on 0203 8876616 or email al@dotcentric.co.uk.