Joomla 3 to Joomla 4/5 Upgrade: Should You Do It?

If your website is currently running on Joomla 3, you might be aware that Joomla 4 has been available for a couple of years now. With Joomla 3 reaching its End of Life (EOL) as of August 2023, it's crucial to consider upgrading. But is it the right move for you? In this post, we'll explore what Joomla 3's EOL means, the risks of not upgrading, and what the upgrade process entails.

What Does Joomla 3 End of Life Mean?

When a software version reaches its End of Life, the official developers stop providing security updates, bug fixes, and enhancements. For Joomla 3 users, this has several significant implications:

1. Security Vulnerabilities

Without regular updates, any existing or future vulnerabilities in Joomla 3 won't be patched. This makes your website a potential target for cyberattacks, putting your data and your users' information at risk.

2. Compatibility Issues

As web technologies evolve, Joomla 3 sites may face incompatibilities with newer systems, extensions, and plugins. This can lead to functionality issues or even site downtime.

3. Performance and Functionality

Web standards and best practices are continually improving. Websites on outdated platforms like Joomla 3 might not perform efficiently or offer the features that users expect today. For instance, newer PHP versions are surpassing Joomla 3's default settings, which can cause performance bottlenecks.

Can You Continue Using Joomla 3?

Technically, yes—you can continue using Joomla 3. However, it's similar to driving a car without ever servicing it. It might run for a while, but eventually, something will go wrong, and finding replacement parts (or support) might not be possible.

Staying on Joomla 3 exposes you to:

• Increased security risks
• Potential website downtime
• Higher long-term costs due to emergency fixes

Why Should You Upgrade to Joomla 4?

Upgrading to Joomla 4 ensures that your website remains secure, functional, and up-to-date. Here are some benefits:

• Enhanced Security: Regular updates protect your site from known vulnerabilities.
• Improved Performance: Joomla 4 is optimised for speed and efficiency.
• Modern Features: Access to new functionalities and improvements that enhance user experience.
• Better SEO: Improved SEO capabilities to help your site rank higher in search results.

What Does Upgrading Involve?

Upgrading from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 is a significant process—it’s not a simple one-click update. Here's what the upgrade could entail:

1. Template Rebuild - May Not Be Required

If your current template is no longer supported in Joomla 4, we'll rebuild your site using the new template system while aiming to preserve your original design as much as possible. This is also a great opportunity to refresh your site's look if you're interested. The upgrade cost may vary, so we'll inform you if this is necessary and provide details on the cost.

2. Extension Updates - Required

All components, plugins, and modules need to be upgraded to ensure they are compatible with Joomla 4.

3. Reconnecting External Services - Required

We'll reconnect and test integrations with external services like website monitoring, analytics, and backups to ensure everything functions seamlessly after the upgrade.

Cost Considerations

We understand that cost is an important factor. Upgrading your site involves professional services to ensure a smooth transition:

• Upgrade Package: Includes all the required work to move your site to Joomla 4. (Price: $330) 
• Special Offer: If you're on our Hosting, Security & Maintenance Package, we offer a discounted rate for the upgrade ($220).
• Please note: Before supplying a pricing and starting work, we will assess your site, as some websites are more complex and may require additional work/cost to update.

Investing in the upgrade now can save you from potential security breaches and costly emergency fixes down the line.

Common Questions

Q: Can I leave my site as it is, and if it gets hacked, will you fix it as part of my maintenance package?

A: Unfortunately, no. Our Hosting, Security & Maintenance Package doesn't cover sites intentionally left outdated. Once offered, if you choose not to upgrade and your site is compromised, resolving the issues would require additional support services billed separately. Plus, you'll likely need to upgrade to Joomla 4 anyway to fully address security vulnerabilities.

Next Steps

Upgrading to Joomla 4 is a proactive step to protect and enhance your website. We recommend planning the upgrade sooner rather than later to avoid potential risks associated with using an unsupported platform.

Are you Ready to Upgrade?

• Yes, please update my site. Contact us to schedule your upgrade.
• No, I’ll keep it as is and accept any associated risks. (Please note that ongoing support for Joomla 3 sites will be limited.)

Conclusion

The decision to upgrade from Joomla 3 to Joomla 4 shouldn't be taken lightly. While it involves time and resources, the benefits far outweigh the risks of staying on an outdated system. Upgrading ensures your website remains secure, performs well, and continues to meet the evolving expectations of your users.