Upgrading and updating are a part of any software lifecycle. Just like that, it is also very important to upgrade Sitecore for a smooth-running website. When you get a Sitecore upgrade done, you can leverage the power of advanced functionalities in any Sitecore product or service that you have.
But, for a Sitecore upgrade, it is always recommended to leave it to the hands of professionals. The companies that specify in Sitecore development and Sitecore upgrade are your best options at a safer, risk-free, efficient and perfect Sitecore upgrade.
Let us first understand what a Sitecore upgrade is.
Sitecore as we all know is one of the leading digital experience providers in the world with a growing bucket of products and services. It offers a powerful CMS built on .NET technology and comes with various types of flexible perks and benefits for digital transformation of any and every business.
Also, Sitecore is always working on improving and evolving. Why? If something is working perfectly well does not mean there isn’t room for improvement. Just with this ideology, Sitecore is coming up with new versions, new features, new functionalities and advanced tech.
Here are some of the major benefits of upgrading Sitecore for your website:
- You get an advanced and latest stack of features and tech
- You get the opportunity to provide personalized user experiences
- You get the indulge in more independence and flexibility
- You can have endless third-party integrations
- You can get refinement in your website’s architecture
This is why, in order for your business to enjoy the perks and benefits of the latest versions, you need to upgrade Sitecore.
And for getting a Sitecore upgrade service, your best option is to go for a Sitecore development company. Why? Let us go into detail for that.
Why A Sitecore Development Company Is Best For Sitecore Upgrade?
A Sitecore development company would have experience in Sitecore. Not just specifically in upgrade but over all in the development, in most Sitecore products as well as services, and also Sitecore upgrade.
Once you have hired a Sitecore Upgrade Service, you will get access to resources that are working exclusively in Sitecore. They will have Sitecore Certified Experts, developers who have been working on Sitecore projects, have experience as well as expertise in migration and version upgradation.
Through a Sitecore Upgrade Service, you can leverage the power of exclusive Sitecore experience to bring your upgradation process to perfection. This is a much safer and a wiser option in comparison to trying everything on your own.
What Are The Versions Of Sitecore Upgrade That You Can Do?
Sitecore has time and again come up with better and smarter versions of upgrades in order to bring tech advancements and digital transformation for its global community of users. Currently the version that everyone needs to have is Sitecore 8.0 as it’s extended support will end on 31st December 2022.
Let us understand in detail about Sitecore 8.0 and the following versions in which you can upgrade Sitecore.
- Sitecore 8.X
- Sitecore 9.X
- Sitecore 10.X
Sitecore 8.X
The version Sitecore 8.X includes the versions Sitecore 8.1 and Sitecore 8.2 which has improvements in UI areas. New experience profiles have also been improved and there is also a betterment in content management.
Sitecore 8.X includes
- Experience profile
- New Experience Explorer
- Improved faceted search in media library
- Profile Cards for content tagging
- For a single-track login there is a new log in screen
- Path analyzer and list manager
- Launchpad view has a new UI
- Enhanced Marketing control panel and social experience manager
Sitecore 9.X
Through Sitecore 9.X there have been major enhancements made in xDB analytical data access and also in federation authentication. Sitecore 9.X includes Sitecore 9.1, Sitecore 9.2, and Sitecore 9.3 also.
Sitecore 9.X comes with
- Experience cloud
- XConnect framework integrated directly with xDB
- Sitecore cortex
- Sitecore Commerce, OMNI, Headless CMS
- Improved SXA
- Forms with drag and drop
Sitecore 10.X
In the Sitecore 10.X version, they have focused more on improving digital optimization and digital transformation along with enhancements in AI automation. The current latest versions are Sitecore 10.1 and Sitecore 10.2 in the market.
Sitecore 10.X includes
- Container support
- Headless development
- New Horizon editor
- Salesforce integration
- Sitecore AI video support
- Content serialization
Conclusion
Sitecore is trusted and used by some of the major global brands including many fortune 500 companies. Organizations such as L’Oreal, Atlantis, The Palm, The British Red Cross Society, Cricket Australia, Papa John’s, American heart Association, Adani Enterprises, Aditya Birla Capital, GE Healthcare, Northwestern Kellog School of Management are among the many who have migrated to Sitecore.
Sitecore upgrade is a natural part of your software lifecycle and once you upgrade it to the latest versions as they keep being released, you are ensuring that you provide the best user experience there is.