A staggering 14 years after its release in 2011, support for Drupal 7 is finally coming to an end on January 5, 2025. As we bid farewell to this trusted version, it's crucial for Drupal 7 users to understand the implications of end-of-life (EOL) and the benefits of upgrading to Drupal 10.
Understanding Drupal 7 end-of-life
Drupal 7 has been a robust and reliable CMS for over a decade. However, like all software, it has reached the end of its life cycle. Initially scheduled for November 2021, the EOL date for Drupal 7 was extended due to the global pandemic and community feedback. As of January 5, 2025, official support for Drupal 7 will cease, meaning no more security updates, bug fixes, or official support from the Drupal community.
The risks of staying on Drupal 7
Continuing to operate on Drupal 7 post-EOL can pose significant risks:
- Security vulnerabilities: Without regular updates, your website becomes a prime target for cyberattacks.
- Compliance issues: Many industries require up-to-date software for compliance with data protection regulations.
- Performance degradation: As web technologies advance, outdated platforms can struggle to deliver optimal performance.
- Lack of support: Community support will dwindle, making it harder to find solutions to issues that arise.
Given these risks, upgrading is not just about improving your website but also ensuring its security and compliance.
Why Upgrade to Drupal 10/11?
Drupal 10 and 11 offer compelling reasons to upgrade from Drupal 7, ensuring your website remains secure, performant, and compliant with modern standards:
- Enhanced Security: Both Drupal 10 and 11 provide robust security features, including regular updates and patches, protecting your site from cyber threats.
- Improved Performance: Leveraging advancements like Symfony 5 and optimised caching mechanisms, Drupal 10 and 11 deliver faster, more efficient websites capable of handling increased traffic seamlessly.
- Accessibility: Built-in tools ensure compliance with accessibility standards, making your site accessible to all users, including those with disabilities.
- User Experience: Drupal 11 introduces a more intuitive admin interface and content editor, enhancing usability for non-technical users managing site content.
- Flexibility and Scalability: With modular architecture and compatibility with modern development tools like PHP 8 and Composer 2, Drupal 11 supports easy customisation and scalable growth.
- AI Integration: Access to Generative AI through modules like the Drupal "OpenAI / ChatGPT / AI Search" Module enhances content creation and analysis capabilities.
Get a free site audit on us
At Webcurl we have experience helping businesses upgrade to the latest versions of Drupal. Our team is offering a free site audit to help identify the best approach to upgrading your site and how we can help you with the next steps. In addition, we offer bespoke development, hosting and support to help keep your website up-to-date and running smoothly.
To arrange your site audit get in touch by filling in the form below.