Is your website using Umbraco v10 or older? Here's why it's time to upgrade

At Zeroseven, we understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve, and we're here to guide you through the upgrade process.

Understanding EOL and EOS

Umbraco 8 reached its EOL on 24 February 2025. This means it no longer receives security patches or updates, leaving your site vulnerable to security risks and compliance issues. Similarly, Umbraco 10 will reach its EOL on 16 June 2025. Continuing to use these versions post-EOL can expose your business to several risks:

• Without updates, your site is susceptible to new threats
• Many industries have strict compliance requirements that unsupported software may not meet
• EOL software can become unstable and incompatible with other systems
• Official support is no longer available, making problem resolution difficult

Technology changes from Umbraco 8

A significant factor in upgrading from Umbraco 8 is the shift from .NET Framework to .NET Core. This change impacts the amount of effort required to upgrade your Umbraco site. While a considerable amount of code may be reusable, other factors—such as third-party integrations and custom database functionalities—can add complexity to the upgrade process. It’s essential to account for these changes to ensure a smooth transition.

Umbraco has established a migration strategy to retain content from Umbraco 8 through to the latest version. However, not all editors from Umbraco 8 are supported in newer versions. While content can be retained, some custom development may be necessary to adapt your content to new editors. 

For the underlying code of your site, while much of the logic can be preserved, it will need restructuring to align with the new technology. Upgrading a simple content site may be straightforward, but more complex sites might require additional effort to handle custom processes and integrations.

What could happen if I do nothing?

Failing to upgrade your Umbraco CMS before the End-of-Life (EOL) and End-of-Support (EOS) dates can have significant repercussions for your business. Here are some of the key risks:

Security vulnerabilities

Without regular security updates, your website becomes an easy target for cyberattacks. Hackers are constantly looking for outdated software to exploit, and an unsupported CMS can expose your business to data breaches, malware, and other security threats.

• Sensitive customer and business data can be compromised
• A security breach can erode customer trust and damage your brand's reputation
• Recovering from a cyberattack can be costly, involving legal fees, fines, and remediation expenses

Compliance issues

Many industries have strict regulatory requirements for data protection and software security. Using an unsupported CMS can result in non-compliance with these regulations, leading to:

• Possibly hefty fines and legal actions
• Regulatory bodies may impose restrictions on your operations until compliance is restored

Operational instability

As technology evolves, older software versions can become incompatible with newer systems and technologies.

• Incompatibility issues can lead to frequent crashes and downtime
• Outdated software may not perform optimally, leading to slow load times and poor user experience
• Maintaining and troubleshooting outdated software can be time-consuming and expensive

Lack of support

Once a CMS reaches its EOL, official support from the vendor is no longer available.

• You won't have access to expert help for resolving issues
• Finding community support or third-party solutions can be challenging and unreliable

Missed opportunities

Upgrading to the latest version of Umbraco offers numerous benefits that you miss out on by sticking with an outdated version.

• Enhanced functionalities and tools that can improve your website's performance and user experience
• Seamless integration with modern technologies and third-party services
• Staying current with the latest software ensures your website remains competitive and adaptable to future changes

Why choose Zeroseven?

At Zeroseven, we specialise in seamless Umbraco upgrades, having worked with our existing clients make the transition to the latest versions. With more complex upgrade processes, Zeroseven may recommend exploring the option of redesigning your website from scratch. Depending on your site's complexity, a redesign might offer a similar cost and provide an excellent opportunity for a refresh.

Upgrading from older versions of Umbraco involves navigating significant changes in technology, choosing the right version to meet your needs, and understanding the upgrade process. At Zeroseven we provide:

• Detailed evaluations of your current setup and requirements
• Tailored upgrade plans to meet your specific needs
• Ongoing support and maintenance to keep your site running smoothly

Don't wait until it's too late. Upgrade your Umbraco CMS today and enjoy the benefits of a secure, efficient, and future-proof website. Contact Zeroseven to get started on your upgrade journey.