For over a decade, we've been surfing the Drupal 7 wave. But as with all good things, its time in the spotlight is winding down. The official "end of life" for Drupal 7 has been stretched to January 5, 2025. After this date, security and support will no longer be offered by the community.
Moving on from Drupal 7
Drupal 7 has undoubtedly played a vital role over the years, however, it's time to cast our gaze forward. With 14 years under its belt since its initial launch, Drupal 7 is gracefully stepping aside, paving the path for its successor, Drupal 10! Jam-packed with enhanced functionality, improved security, and even smoother experiences.
Luckily there are a plethora of tools and partnerships readily available to help seamlessly guide you through the Drupal 7 migration process.
Want to know more about the vastly improved digital experiences that Drupal 10 can offer? Read our guide on the latest Drupal 10 features.
What "end of life" means and why you should care
When we say "end of life," we mean that Drupal 7 won't get any more updates, bug fixes, or security patches (and that last bit is crucial). If any security issues arise after the end-of-life date scheduled, they'll be out in the open, and you won't be able to protect your site from them. Hence why we're nudging you to start planning your migration ahead of time.
Your next steps: picking the right path
So, what's your game plan? You've got two main options.
Option one: You can shift from Drupal 7 straight to the shiny new Drupal 10. This lets you fully leverage all of the latest features and functionality, whilst ensuring your site is future-proof and secure.
Option two: You can use this as an opportunity to do a 'from the ground up' review of your site, rebuilding it based on your current goals. This could also involve considering other web platforms, whichever path you choose, know that we're here to support you every step of the way.
Getting ready for the change
To keep things smooth, Drupal recommend the following timeline:
- Q3 2023: Fill out Drupal’s handy questionnaire to better understand where your site should go next.
- Q4 2023: While planning your budget for 2024, consider funds for migration. You can either team up with a Drupal agency or use Drupal’s DIY tools to make a plan with your IT crew.
- Q1 2024: It's time to map out how your site's information will move. Plus, think about using this chance to freshen up your content strategy.
- Q4 2024: Get ready for the long run. Establish a strategy for support, upkeep, and future upgrades.
However, the sooner the better in our eyes.
Partnering with a Drupal agency (like us)
Change might seem like a wild ride, but it's how we grow. Drupal 7's ending is also a beginning. If you're interested in Drupal 10 and all the amazing features it brings, reach out. As a leading UK Drupal Agency, we're here to lend an experienced hand, share our know-how, and be your partners throughout this shift.
Whether your questions are big or small, get in touch. We'll always appreciate Drupal 7, but we're excited about what Drupal 10 can do.