Drupal Content Management System provides an open-source back-end framework for at least 14% of the top 10,000 websites worldwide and 1.2% of the top 10 million websites. This is because along with providing a flexible and robust content management platform, Drupal has constantly adapted and reimagined itself to meet the demands of modern digital experiences.

• API-first focus: Recognizing the growing importance of seamless integrations, Drupal has embraced an API-first approach. It made it easier for developers to build custom functionalities and connect Drupal with other platforms and services, creating richer and more dynamic experiences.
• Cloud-native capabilities: Drupal 9 introduced robust cloud-native features, making it easier to deploy and manage websites on cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. The scalability and flexibility cater to the needs of modern businesses with constantly evolving online presences.
• Headless architecture: Decoupling the front-end from the back end through a headless architecture empowers developers to create custom user interfaces with complete freedom. It opens up multiple possibilities for curating unique and engaging digital experiences tailored to specific audiences.
• Microformats and microservices: Drupal is adopting a modular approach with microformats and microservices. Developers can break down functionalities into smaller, independent units, making the platform more agile and easier to maintain and update.

However, this progress also necessitates the eventual sunsetting of older versions. As Drupal evolves and introduces its latest version – Drupal 10, it simultaneously announces the end of life of previous versions:

• Drupal 7 End of life: January 5, 2025
• Drupal 8 End of life: November 2, 2021
• Drupal 9 End of life: November 1st, 2023

 

What should Drupal 7/8/9 owners do about the Drupal 10 release?

What are the benefits of upgrading Drupal website to the latest version?

Upgrading your Drupal website to the latest version can bring multiple benefits to your business. Here are some of the key advantages:

Security and compliance

• Once a Drupal version reaches its end-of-life, it no longer receives official security updates from the Drupal team. This means vulnerabilities discovered after the EOL date will not be patched, putting the Drupal website at risk of hacking and other security threats.
• New versions of Drupal core and contributed modules address discovered security flaws. Staying on outdated versions exposes your website to unknown exploits, increasing the risk of attacks and data breaches.
• Newer versions often implement improved encryption methods for user data and communication, ensuring stronger protection against unauthorized access.
• Outdated APIs and libraries can pose security risks. Upgrades remove these vulnerabilities by deprecating insecure practices and encouraging the use of safer alternatives.
• Upgrades can help adapt your website to meet changing privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA, protecting user data and ensuring compliance.

Marketing efficiency

• The latest Drupal versions are equipped with speed enhancements because of code optimizations and updated libraries. This means faster page load times, better SEO rankings, and higher user engagement.
• Upgrades provide access to modern features designed for improved content creation, personalization, and omnichannel marketing. APIs also get updated, facilitating better integration with third-party marketing tools and services.
• Drupal focuses on user-friendliness, and upgrades introduce new UX/UI improvements, making content management and website navigation smoother and more intuitive for marketing teams and customers.

Learn why is Drupal an ideal open source CMS for an enterprise.

Features and functionality

• Upgrades provide access to the new features and functionalities introduced in the latest versions of Drupal CMS. This could include improved content management tools, user experience enhancements, and integration with newer technologies.
• Updates often address reported bugs and improve compatibility with other software and tools, leading to a more stable and reliable website experience.
• Newer versions may introduce developer-friendly APIs and tools, simplifying development tasks and allowing developers to leverage the latest technologies and best practices.
• Staying on the latest version ensures compatibility with upcoming changes in Drupal core and contributed modules, preventing potential issues down the line.
• Maintaining outdated versions eventually leads to loss of community support, making it difficult to find technical assistance and troubleshoot issues.

Performance

• Each new version of Drupal core focuses on performance improvements, often including code tweaks and optimizations that lead to faster page load times and improved resource utilization.
• Upgrades may introduce changes to the database schema that streamline data storage and retrieval, making queries more efficient and reducing server load.
• New versions like Drupal 10 have enhanced the caching mechanism, for minimizing database and server workload and accelerating content delivery.

Key things to consider in Drupal 10 upgrade

Before you start with the upgrade, there are some key things to consider for a smooth and successful transition:

Technical considerations

Drupal 10 requires PHP 8.x, so if your website is using an earlier version, you'll need to upgrade first. This may involve updating server configurations and potentially rewriting some custom code.

• Many contributed modules and themes may not be compatible with Drupal 10 yet. Check the Upgrade Status Drupal module for compatibility information and consider alternatives if needed.
• Any custom code or modules within your Drupal 7-9 website need to be reviewed for compatibility and potential updates. This could involve refactoring the code or finding alternative solutions.
• Drupal 10 deprecates certain code constructs and functions used in older versions. Check for deprecated code in your custom modules and themes and update them accordingly.
• Drupal 10 introduces new APIs and features that weren't available in earlier versions. Familiarize yourself with these changes to leverage the full potential of the platform.
• Thoroughly test your upgraded Drupal site on a staging environment before deploying it to production. This includes functionality testing, regression testing, and accessibility testing.
• Ensure your new Drupal 10 installation is properly configured with the latest security patches and best practices.
• Create a complete backup of your website before upgrading in case of unexpected issues.
• Create a comprehensive inventory of your website's content (pages, images, videos, etc.). This helps plan content migration and minimize downtime.

Learn how to accelerate your Drupal upgrade/migration with Acquia Cloud for faster and more efficient results.

Additional considerations

• Prepare your content creators, content editors and administrators for the new Drupal CMS interface and features. Proper training ensures a smooth transition and reduces productivity disruptions.
• Upgrading can be a time-consuming process, so allocate sufficient time and resources for planning, testing, and potential troubleshooting.
• Utilize the extensive documentation and community resources available for Drupal 10, including the official upgrade guide and forums.

Watch this webinar to understand how migrating and adopting the headless architecture of Drupal 10 can help you grow your business.

Upgrade to Drupal 10 seamlessly with Altudo

Altudo is a leading digital transformation agency with a team of 450+ Drupal SMEs. We have successfully delivered more than 600 Drupal projects for businesses across various industries. With a strong portfolio, we've earned the trust of 45+ Fortune 500 clients, establishing ourselves as a preferred partner for top brands.

Leveraging our expertise as a certified Drupal partner, we can help you upgrade/migrate to Drupal 10 with our following approach:

• Discovery & planning: We collaborate with you to understand your needs and define a tailored upgrade roadmap.
• Infrastructure evaluation: We analyze your current platform, identifying opportunities for improvement.
• Expert upgrade & optimization: We leverage our Drupal expertise to optimize your website for security and performance.
• Thorough testing & quality assurance: We conduct comprehensive testing to ensure all functionalities, compatibility, and scalability.
• Seamless release & support: We guide you through a smooth website launch and provide ongoing support.

What’s next

Technology is a river. The best way to avoid being swept away is to swim to the headstream.

Upgrading your Drupal website is more than just a technical necessity, it is an opportunity to transform digital experiences and stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape. It will help you protect data, enhance performance, and create digital experiences that seamlessly convert website visitors into customers.

Take the first step towards achieving these benefits by scheduling a 1:1, no obligation consultation with our certified Drupal experts. They will provide you with a customized roadmap specifically tailored to your Drupal upgrade and web development needs.