Welcome to our monthly Q&A on digital web industry updates with our very own CEO, Adrian Bradley. With over 25 years of experience and as the founder of i3 Digital, Adrian is here to share his wisdom, bust some myths, and give us an exclusive look into what’s happening in the world of digital web development.
In this session, Adrian will answer your burning questions about the Umbraco CMS platform and some of the recent highlights of the platform. So, let’s jump right in!
Question: The latest Umbraco version 14 has just been released. Adrian, can you tell us about the key new features in this version?
Adrian Bradley: Absolutely! Umbraco 14 comes with several exciting upgrades. One of the standout features is the improved editing experience, which is now more intuitive and faster, thanks to the streamlined UI. There's also enhanced security with built-in support for two-factor authentication, making websites more secure than ever. Plus, the new version introduces better performance optimisations and scalability options, making it easier to manage large-scale projects. These are just a few of the highlights that make Umbraco 14 a game-changer.
Question: That sounds like a significant upgrade. How will these changes impact current Umbraco users?
Adrian Bradley: Great question. For current users, these changes mean a more efficient and secure platform to work with. The improved user interface will save time and reduce the learning curve, especially for teams that are new to Umbraco. The enhanced security features are also crucial, particularly for businesses handling sensitive data. Overall, existing users will find their day-to-day operations smoother, and the platform’s increased performance will help them scale more effectively.
Question: So, it sounds like upgrading isn't mandatory, but there are definitely strong incentives to do so. What are some of the key benefits for Umbraco website owners considering the move?
Adrian Bradley: Absolutely, while the migration isn't compulsory, the benefits are clear. Upgrading to Umbraco 14 gives website owners access to the latest features, which not only enhance the user experience but also future-proof their sites. The improved security measures protect against the latest threats, and the performance enhancements ensure that their sites can handle increased traffic without compromising speed. For businesses looking to stay competitive and secure, these benefits make the upgrade a worthwhile consideration.
It is also worth noting that Umbraco 13 has long-term support from Umbraco, which would give organisations peace of mind should they decide to upgrade to this version instead. Umbraco 13 runs on the long-term supported version of Microsoft .NET (.NET 8 and ASP.NET Core 8). This ensures you get all the latest performance benefits and you can take full advantage of the functionality that comes with these versions.
Question: On the flip side, are there any downsides to not migrating?
Adrian Bradley: Certainly, there are a few things to consider. By not migrating, organisations risk missing out on the latest features and performance improvements, which could put them at a disadvantage in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Additionally, staying on older versions may lead to increased maintenance costs and security vulnerabilities as support for older versions diminishes over time. It’s a case of balancing the immediate need versus the long-term benefits.
Question: That’s insightful, Adrian. Now, for those organisations still using Umbraco 8 or even older versions, what’s the best approach they should take?
Adrian Bradley: For organisations still on Umbraco 8 or earlier, I would recommend starting to plan for an upgrade. The first step is to conduct a thorough audit of your current setup to understand what changes might be needed. It’s also worth consulting with a digital partner who can guide the migration process smoothly. While upgrading might seem daunting, the long-term benefits of enhanced security, performance, and access to new features far outweigh the initial effort required. And remember, the sooner you start planning, the smoother the transition will be.
Thanks, Adrian, for sharing your valuable insights. It’s clear that staying ahead in the digital space requires thoughtful planning and a willingness to embrace new technologies. We appreciate your time today and look forward to more updates in the future!
Stay tuned for Adrian’s regular monthly comprehensive insights and recommendations, ensuring you stay ahead in the dynamic digital landscape!
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