Maximizing the Benefits: How to Ensure a Seamless Upgrade to Umbraco 11

As we all know, the digital world is in a constant state of flux. New technologies are introduced, coding standards are adjusted, and the web as we know it continues to evolve​​. At Marcel Digital, we're passionate about keeping pace with these changes, and we're particularly dedicated to leveraging the power of Umbraco, a robust content management system (CMS) we use exclusively for building websites.

As an Umbraco-certified Gold Partner, Marcel Digital's Umbraco Master developers are armed with the required backend coding skills and front-end design prowess to fully harness this free, open-source platform. The result? Engaging, effective custom and uSkinned websites specifically tailored to meet your unique needs, all built on Umbraco's secure, stable, scalable, and versatile infrastructure​​.

But why should you consider upgrading to the latest version of Umbraco?

Upgrades Deliver More Than Just New Features

Upgrading Umbraco means more than just updating the code — it's about elevating the entire user experience. The latest Umbraco version now uses .NET 7, significantly boosting the site's speed for editors. Plus, the entire package will be more secure, thanks to the ongoing review of security fixes for supported versions​​.

Enhanced Security, Scalability, and Reliability

Security is a top concern in today's digital landscape. The global Umbraco community, comprising developers, marketers, and users, is committed to maintaining the highest level of safety for the CMS. As older versions reach end-of-life support, it becomes crucial to ensure that you're on the most current version with full support​​.

Umbraco's continued enhancements also focus on scalability and reliability, ensuring your website remains robust and resilient, ready to grow with your business.

The Upgrade Path

Not every solution requires an upgrade all the way to the latest Umbraco version, but in most cases, it's a logical choice​​. Each major release represents the latest in streamlined code, a user-friendly back-office, and fortified security. The current major release, Umbraco 11, runs on .NET 7, and offers long-term support (LTS), ensuring your website stays up-to-date and supported for years to come​.

However, the upgrade path can vary depending on your current version. Some sites may require a rebuild and migration, while others might involve a more straightforward upgrade​​. Upgrading from Umbraco 7 to a newer version like Umbraco 11 can be a multi-step process due to significant changes within the .NET framework and the CMS's database structure from version to version​.

Umbraco 8:

This version introduced a visual update to the back office, an "Element Type" feature, nested content, the Models Builder, improvements to Page History, and the Block List. The "Element Type" and nested content features provided a significant improvement to the editorial process across all data types​.

Umbraco 9:

This version updated the .NET Framework to .NET Core, which resulted in a significant performance increase. It also introduced additional editorial clarity and enabled cross-platform development. The move from Umbraco 8 to 9 was a major update due to the changes in the .NET framework, and thus required a significant amount of work to upgrade​​.

Umbraco 10:

The CMS updates to .NET 6 allowed Umbraco 10 to be supported long-term, until February 2025. The changes in this upgrade mostly occurred behind the scenes or were rolled into very specific features. The process of upgrading from Umbraco 9 to 10 is much easier than previous upgrades​.

Umbraco 11:

This version updated .NET 6 to .NET 7 and introduced the Block Grid data type. The Block Grid data type combines the Block List from Umbraco 8 with the grid, which allows editors to visualize the look and feel of the page while also allowing complex blocks to be placed anywhere in the grid​​.

Additional Benefits of Umbraco 11

A couple other important factors to keep in mind when upgrading to a new version of Umbraco include:

Security:

The Umbraco community works hard to keep the CMS as safe as possible. As older versions reach end-of-life support, it's critical to make sure you are on the most current version with full support​​.

Custom Migrations:

Custom code created within Umbraco 7 will no longer be usable in newer versions, as the very relationships between content have changed as the CMS moved from version to version. When going through a database upgrade, applications that use macros will still continue to use those macros, but a complete custom migration will be required to utilize the new features​​.

Supporting Your Umbraco 11 Upgrade

Remember, upgrading a CMS means upgrading the entire experience itself. Not only does it bring improvements in speed and security, but it also introduces new features that enhance the usability of the platform. From Umbraco 8's visual back office updates and the introduction of "Element Types" to Umbraco 11's .NET 7 integration and the introduction of the Block Grid data type, each version offers something new and beneficial to its users.

As long standing Umbraco Gold Partners, we know upgrading to the latest version of Umbraco is a crucial step to maintain a strong, secure, and efficient online presence. But we also understand that the upgrade process can be complex and time-consuming. That's why, at Marcel Digital, we're here to help. As experts in Umbraco, we can guide you through the process and ensure a smooth transition to the latest version of the CMS.

So, are you ready to make the upgrade? We'd love to hear from you. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for any questions or assistance you might need. Let's embrace the future of Umbraco together.