This post discusses Umbraco 8 end of life (EOL) in February 2025 and its impact on businesses. It explains why software reaches EOL, outlines the timeline for Umbraco 8 end-of-life, and identifies potential risks. The article emphasises the need for action and offers a free consultation.
As an Umbraco Platinum Partner, we have an impressive client portfolio, including Mercedes Benz and NHS Providers; we position ourselves as a trusted partner for managing this upgrade.
When is Umbraco 8 end of life?
Umbraco 8 end of life (EOL) refers to the date when Umbraco will cease providing support and updates for version 8 of its content management system.
Organisations still using Umbraco 8 after the end of life date will run unsupported software, potentially exposing themselves to security risks and compatibility issues.
Umbraco 8 has served businesses well since its release and is reaching the end of its supported lifecycle. Here are the dates for Umbraco 8 end of life:
- The final minor version, Umbraco 8.18, was released in February 2022.
- Full version support ended in February 2024.
- Umbraco HQ will provide security updates until February 2025.
- After February 2025, all updates and support for Umbraco 8 will cease.
What does Umbraco 8 end of life mean for your business, and how do you prepare?
As we get closer to February 2025, an important deadline is coming for businesses using Umbraco 8 as their content management system (CMS). This date marks the end of support for Umbraco 8, which requires action from website owners and developers.
Is software end-of-life normal?
When software reaches its end-of-life (EOL), it is a normal part of its development. Here's why this happens:
Technology changes quickly, and older software versions can become outdated and less efficient than newer ones. Software companies work on newer versions to stay competitive and offer better solutions.
New versions usually have improved security features to protect against new threats, which makes it important to stop using older, more vulnerable versions. The updated software also performs better and is more stable.
Older software can become incompatible with the rest of the tech world as other technologies change. By setting EOL dates, software providers let users know it's time to upgrade, which helps keep the digital landscape secure and efficient. This practice also encourages ongoing innovation and improvement in the software industry.
What does end-of-life mean for your business?
Ending support for a software version means more than just stopping updates. It can greatly affect businesses in several ways:
- Security risks: Without security patches, your website becomes more vulnerable to new threats.
- Compliance issues: Not receiving updates may risk your compliance with data protection laws.
- Compatibility challenges: Older plugins and third-party integrations might break, causing issues with your website's functionality.
- Performance degradation: An outdated content management system (CMS) can slow performance and lead to a poor user experience as the web changes.
- Feature limitations: You will miss out on new features and improvements in newer Umbraco versions.
What version of Umbraco should I move to?
We suggest upgrading to Umbraco 13, the newest stable long-term support (LTS) version, to keep your website running smoothly and securely. Here are the main benefits:
- Better Performance: WebP image support and faster speeds improve SEO and user experience.
- Easier Content Management: The new block grid editor allows you to drag and drop, making content creation and marketing campaigns more straightforward.
- Improved Forms: The enhanced form builder gives you more flexibility and features.
- Stronger Security: You get better protection against cross-site scripting (XSS) and other security threats.
- Modern Architecture: You'll have headless capabilities through APIs for delivering content and media across multiple channels.
Why Choose GrowCreate for your Umbraco upgrade?
As Platinum Umbraco partners, we have the expertise you need for your project:
- We understand Umbraco's ecosystem and best practices well.
- Our team includes certified Umbraco developers and Umbraco Masters with plenty of experience.
- We have a strong record of successful upgrades and rebuilds.
- We take a comprehensive approach that covers design, development, and strategy.
What is GrowCreate's Umbraco rebuild process?
We start by thoroughly reviewing your Umbraco 8 website. This review helps us understand how your website is set up and decide whether we should upgrade it or do a complete rebuild. After this evaluation, we will give you a clear plan and budget based on your needs.
What are the key considerations for your Umbraco upgrade?
Upgrading from Umbraco 8 to 13 means moving from fixed templates to a more flexible component-based system. Here are the key points to think about:
- Design refresh: Use this upgrade to update your website's look with help from our UX design team.
- Component library: Build a pattern library to keep styling consistent across your digital platforms and make future updates easier.
- Technical assessment: We will check your current plugins and custom features to ensure they work with Umbraco 13 or find suitable alternatives.
- Content strategy: Use this time to review your content and analyse metrics to improve your website's structure and user engagement.
- Migration approach: Decide between moving your content manually or using automated scripts based on your needs and schedule.
What are GrowCreate's Umbraco upgrade success stories?
We are an Umbraco Platinum Partner and have been a Gold Partner since 2014. We help businesses with CMS transitions and upgrades and provide 24/7 support and maintenance. Some of our notable clients include:
- Mercedes Benz
- NHS Providers
- Quintet Private Bank
- Flagstone
- Thirtyone:eight
These projects show that we can manage complex upgrades and deliver great results for businesses of all sizes.
Book a free consultation
We offer a free 60-minute session to talk about your Umbraco setup and give expert advice on moving forward. In this session, we will:
- Review your current Umbraco setup.
- Discuss your business goals and needs.
- Suggest options for upgrading or rebuilding.
- Answer any questions you have about the process.
Request an audit
Our Umbraco-certified developers can examine your CMS in detail. This audit will help us understand your website better and give you:
- A report on your Umbraco 8 setup
- Recommendations for upgrading or rebuilding
- An estimated budget based on your choice of approach
Conclusion
Umbraco 8 is reaching the end of its life, which brings both challenges and opportunities for businesses. You can ensure a smooth move to a safer, more efficient, and feature-rich content management system by taking action now. GrowCreate will support you at every step, from the first consultation to the final implementation.
Secure your website's future today
Contact GrowCreate now to schedule your free consultation or request an audit. Together, we can turn Umbraco 8 EOL into a benefit for your business.
Book a 30-minute consultation with our Umbraco experts today.
Do you have a question about Umbraco upgrades or migration?
GrowCreate has been an Umbraco Partner since 2014 and is available to support web managers and marketers with free advice on upgrading Umbraco. Contact Ainsley McWilliams with any questions.
