At UNRVLD we’ve recently seen a number of our clients upgrade their CMSs, including Lloyds Register, ERM and New Era Cap upgrading to Optimizely CMS 12 and Commerce 14 respectively and Citeline taking a leap forwards on Sitecore 10.3.

Upgrading your enterprise CMS can bring several benefits and is often essential for maintaining the efficiency, security, and functionality of your digital presence. Whatever your preferred platform, before upgrading, UNRVLD’s digital strategists are on hand to assess your specific needs, plan the upgrade process carefully, model the benefits, and consider potential challenges or disruptions to minimise any negative impacts on your business operations. Additionally, our expert QA team will test the new CMS thoroughly before deploying it to your production site to ensure a smooth transition.

Here are some key reasons why you should consider upgrading your enterprise CMS:

• Security: Older CMS versions may have vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Regular updates often include security patches to protect your website from threats and data breaches.
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• Performance: Newer CMS versions are usually optimised for better performance. Upgrading can lead to faster load times, improved user experience, and more efficient content management.
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• Feature Enhancements: CMS developers continually add new features and functionalities to keep up with industry trends and user expectations. Upgrading allows you to take advantage of these improvements, which can enhance your website's capabilities.
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• Compliance: Regulatory requirements and web standards evolve over time. Keeping your CMS up to date helps ensure that your website complies with accessibility, GDPR, and other legal and industry-specific standards.
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• Compatibility: As web technologies evolve, older CMS versions may become incompatible with newer browsers, devices, or third-party integrations. Upgrading ensures compatibility with the latest technologies and devices.
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• Support: CMS providers typically offer support and updates for their current versions. As a CMS becomes outdated, support may be phased out, making it harder to get help when issues arise.
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• Bug Fixes: Upgrading your CMS often includes fixes for known bugs and issues, which can improve the stability and reliability of your website.
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• Scalability: As your business grows, you may need to scale your website to accommodate more users, content, or functionality. Upgrading your CMS can provide the scalability needed to support your growth.
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• Improved User Experience: A modern CMS often comes with better content authoring tools and a more intuitive user interface, making it easier for your team to create and manage content.
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• Competitive Advantage: Staying current with the latest CMS features and trends can give you a competitive edge in your industry by providing a more engaging and up-to-date online presence.
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• Reduced Technical Debt: Delaying upgrades can lead to a build-up of technical debt, making future upgrades more complex and costly. Regular upgrades can help you avoid this problem.
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• Cost Savings: While there is an initial cost to upgrading, it can be more cost-effective in the long run compared to dealing with security breaches, downtime, and other issues resulting from an outdated CMS.

Before upgrading, it's essential to assess your specific needs, plan the upgrade process carefully, and consider potential challenges or disruptions to minimise any negative impacts on your business operations. Additionally, testing the new CMS version thoroughly in a staging environment before applying it to your production site can help ensure a smooth transition.

Get in touch to find out how UNRVLD’s strategists can help make the transition seamless for your business, ensuring you continue to lead in your field.