With hundreds of thousands of websites being run on various Drupal versions, the announcement of the withdrawal of versions 7 and 8 has caused quite a stir. Drupal 7 and Drupal 8 are scheduled for end-of-life (EOL) in November of 2021.
However, with that comes the release of Drupal 9. This was released in early June 2020 and will be followed by minor system upgrade versions from 2021. This means that sites running on versions 7 and 8 need to upgrade within a year.
Below we’ll outline what upgrading your Drupal end of life entails and discuss whether it might be better to use this as an opportunity to migrate to a different Content Management System, like WordPress.
Why Are Drupal 7 & 8 Scheduled For EOL?
Although Drupal 7 was a highly popular and successful system, many of the functions have become extremely outdated. So, it’s time for a replacement.
Drupal 8 is a much more advanced and powerful system due to its designed integration with reputable PHP Frameworks.
Symfony 3, one of Drupal’s main frameworks, is scheduled for withdrawal in November 2021. This means a likewise fate for the current system. To effectively carry the baton, Drupal developed version 9. Drupal 9 will link to the successor frameworks, such as Symfony 4 and 5.
Benefits Of Upgrading Sooner Rather Than Later
Planning for a system upgrade is often a lengthy, and sometimes complex, process. Subsequently, these upgrades frequently require more time than anticipated. Although it does not mark the end of the world to initiate your updates after the EOL dates, it is better to avoid the hassle and prevent your software from becoming outdated by being prepared in advance.
If you fail to migrate to an updated version before the withdrawal of your current one, you may quickly start to notice red flags. At this stage, Drupal and its community will cease to test, update, or provide security fixes for the old 7 and 8 Drupal models, leaving your site exposed and vulnerable.
It is also a good idea to actively search for the right CMS to meet your needs and specifications. One of the most used and praised hosting platforms currently on the market is WordPress. This would be a great alternative to Drupal (largely due to its functionality, ease of use, and acclaimed reputation).
If you’re looking to invest in a system that can provide you with long-term customer satisfaction, you should consider WordPress as one of your options.
What You Can Do To Prepare?
When it comes to software updates, preparation is key. Although it seems unusual that both Drupal 7 and 8 are both due to have their EOL on the same day, it might be beneficial in the broader scheme of things.
Drupal 7 and 8 have significant differences. This means that the upgrades between these two platforms will require much more extensive work in comparison to other updates. The upgrade from Drupal 8 to Drupal 9, however, is a more minor change to an enhanced system.
So, if your site runs on Drupal 7, you should start upgrading to 8 as soon as possible and then move on to version 9. Alternatively, now would be the perfect time to migrate to another CMS. Doing this can ultimately save you a lot of time and money – depending on the CMS you choose.
What Are The Options For Current Drupal 7 Websites?
For current Drupal users, the options are simple. Either start upgrading your site to the later versions or migrate to another CMS. If your website is currently running using the Drupal 7 CMS, the best way to go about assembling your CMS update plan would usually be to migrate your software sequentially.
On the other hand, the withdrawal of Drupal versions presents an ideal opportunity to migrate your website over to a more suitable and versatile CMS platform – like WordPress.
Why WordPress?
Migrating your website can be a simple process and will benefit your business in the long run. WordPress is one of the most popular Content Management Systems and is free to use.
It allows for advanced customization, is compatible with countless templates and useful plugins, and is simple to use. This makes it easy to host any type of website and allows for growth.
Not to mention, WordPress has a large user community. So, if you experience any problems, it is very easy to find the solution.
Conclusion
With the Drupal end of life for versions 7 and 8 comes opportunity. To prepare for the EOL of these versions, you need to start upgrading your site as soon as possible to ensure no issues arise come November 2021. However, the best course of action may simply be to migrate your website to WordPress. This can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.