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Upgrade now: 3 crucial reasons to update to Craft CMS 5
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Updates require time, money, and may sometimes seem to offer little immediate benefit. However, upgrading Craft CMS from version 4 to version 5 isn’t just a smart move — it’s essential for ensuring your website’s long-term viability.
Craft CMS version 5 has been available since March 2024, offering numerous improvements and new features. Yet, many companies put off updating their CMS. This is understandable — updates require time, money, and often seem to provide little immediate benefit. However, upgrading Craft CMS from version 4 to version 5 isn’t just a smart decision; it’s crucial for your website’s long-term viability. Discover the three key reasons why you shouldn’t postpone this update.
Do you need help with your Craft migration?
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Willem Moeskops
Client success
1. Security
Any CMS, including Craft CMS, is constantly exposed to security risks. A CMS often processes personal data. Insufficient security can lead to violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), resulting in potentially high fines. A CMS with outdated software is also likely to contain vulnerabilities, which cybercriminals gratefully exploit. The developers of Craft CMS therefore release new versions with important security updates on a very regular basis.
Craft CMS 4 will be fully supported until 30 April 2025. Until then, new functionalities and improvements will continue to be implemented. Security support runs at least until April 2026. For example, if there is a security hole in the CMS, it will be fixed for all versions within Craft 4 until that date, after which it will only be done for Craft 5 and future new versions.
Besides keeping the system safe through updates, Craft CMS 5 brings a number of additional security improvements. For instance, logging in with 2-factor authentication is included by default and you can now use a passkey. This is a secure way of logging in without a password. Instead, you use a PIN or biometric data, such as a fingerprint or facial recognition.
2. Protect your investment
An update may seem like quite an investment, but not updating could end up being much more expensive. Outdated systems can lead to security vulnerabilities, performance issues, or even the need for a complete website rebuild. By investing in an upgrade to Craft CMS 5 now, you can avoid these problems and get your website ready for the future.
A well-maintained website evolves alongside new technologies. By performing regular updates and making incremental improvements, you avoid the need for a full rebuild in the long run. This approach extends the lifespan of your website or your online platform.
Migrating to a new version is also the perfect opportunity to update or upgrade underlying systems, such as moving to the latest version of PHP. (PHP is a programming language widely used for developing dynamic websites, enabling interactive features like login systems, forms, and e-commerce functionality.) If you continue using outdated systems, you’ll fall behind industry standards, making future development more costly and complex. Moreover, developers prefer working with up-to-date, modern technologies because they are reliable and efficient.
3. New functionalities in Craft 5
Craft CMS 5 introduces a new backend structure, making the CMS more efficient. This allows developers to further optimize page speed, providing your visitors with an enhanced user experience. Additionally, Craft 5 brings a range of new features to the CMS itself, including a redesigned user interface.
Does your Craft CMS website use plugins? The Craft community offers a wide range of actively maintained plugins for the latest Craft CMS version(s). By upgrading to Craft 5, you will benefit from new and improved functionalities these plugins offer.
How do we ensure a smooth transition to Craft 5?
We understand that an update can sometimes seem overwhelming. Therefore, we have developed a streamlined process to ensure a smooth transition:
1. Analysis of your current website
We check for compatibility issues with plugins or integrations.
2. Backup and test environment
We make a full backup of your website and first perform the update in a secure test environment. We then test the update using a test plan.
3. Implementation and after-care
Does everything work to your satisfaction? Then we put the update live and remain available afterwards for support and further development.
Would you like to know more about our approach? As Craft ‘Verified Enterprise Partner’, we can tell you all about it.
Interflon moves to Craft 5
Last year, together with WHITE Digital Agency, we updated our Interflon website from Craft 3.9 to Craft 5. A big job, but the result is great: a faster, more stable environment ready for future developments.
Ready to update to Craft 5?
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Conclusion: don't wait any longer
Upgrading from Craft CMS 4 to version 5 is not a luxury, but a necessary step to keep your website secure, fast, and future-proof. By updating, you’ll benefit from improved performance, new features, and robust support. Moreover, you’ll avoid unnecessary expenses on a completely new website caused by outdated systems that can no longer be upgraded.
Contact us
Find out how we can help you to upgrade to Craft CMS 5
Willem Moeskops
Client success