Preparing for Umbraco 8's End of Life: Options and Solutions

As of February 24, 2025, Umbraco 8 will reach its end-of-life (EOL date), marking the cessation of official updates and support for this version. This development necessitates proactive steps to ensure your website remains secure, functional, and aligned with current technological standards.

Why is this important?

Content management systems (CMS) like Umbraco require regular updates to address security vulnerabilities, enhance performance, and incorporate new features. Operating on an unsupported version exposes your website to potential risks and may hinder its effectiveness.

Your options moving forward

To navigate the transition from Umbraco 8, consider the following options:

Upgrade to a supported version of Umbraco

• Upgrade: This involves migrating your existing website to a newer version of Umbraco, such as Umbraco 13 or 14. This approach tends to be simpler and smoother, preserving much of the existing site structure and content.

• Rebuild: Alternatively, a full site rebuild on the latest Umbraco version allows for a comprehensive overhaul, including a fresh UX and design review. This is beneficial if your current site requires significant updates or redesigns.

If your site is performing well and only needs security and compatibility updates, an upgrade is the best option. However, a rebuild could provide long-term strategic value if your website is outdated, difficult to manage, has security issues, or is misaligned with business goals. A new design, improved functionality, and better performance can help future-proof your digital presence.

Pay for extended Umbraco 8 support

Opting for extended support can provide temporary relief, allowing more time to plan your upgrade or rebuild. However, this is a short-term solution, and transitioning to a supported version remains essential.

Why stick with Umbraco?

Umbraco continues to be a leading open-source CMS, renowned for its user experience, flexibility, scalability, and security. Its user-friendly interface empowers content creators to manage and publish content efficiently. As an Umbraco partner, we recommend upgrading to a newer version to ensure continuity and leverage the platform's ongoing advancements.

Upgrading also improves website speed, security, and scalability, helping businesses stay ahead of digital trends. A modern Umbraco setup ensures seamless integration with third-party tools, better SEO performance, and an improved editorial experience for content teams. With new long-term support (LTS) versions, businesses can future-proof their CMS without worrying about frequent major migrations.

How Kayo Digital can assist

As a silver partner of Umbraco, Kayo Digital possesses extensive experience and in-depth knowledge of the platform. We offer tailored upgrade services to facilitate a seamless transition, ensuring enhanced performance and security for your website. Our services include:

• Expertise and knowledge: Our team stays updated with the latest trends and best practices in Umbraco development.

• Seamless transition: We meticulously plan and execute the upgrade process to minimise downtime and disruptions.

• Enhanced performance and support: Upgrading unlocks powerful features and optimisations, improving your website's performance.

• Security compliance: We implement the latest security patches and protocols to safeguard your website against potential threats and security risks.

For businesses leveraging e-commerce functionalities, Umbraco Commerce provides powerful tools to enhance online sales and transaction management.

Partnering with Kayo Digital ensures your website remains robust, secure, and primed for future growth. Don't let an outdated CMS compromise your online presence. Contact us today to learn more about our Umbraco upgrade services and take the first step towards a more powerful digital platform.