Chris Grant (he/him) November 19, 2024 A 3 minute read

Drupal 7 End of Life: What It Means and How to Prepare

As of 5 January 2025, Drupal 7 will officially reach its end of life (EOL), bringing over 14 years of service to a close. This milestone signifies the cessation of community support, security updates, and official maintenance for Drupal 7.

Website owners and administrators using Drupal 7 must act promptly to ensure their sites remain secure and functional.

At O’Brien Media, we’re ready to help you navigate this transition, whether it’s upgrading to a newer version of Drupal or migrating your site to WordPress or another platform.

Implications of Drupal 7’s End of Life

After the EOL date, Drupal 7 will no longer receive security patches or updates, leaving sites operating on this version vulnerable to cyber-security risks. The Drupal community will also stop supporting Drupal 7-related tasks such as documentation updates, automated testing, and package maintenance. This lack of support will expose websites to operational challenges and potentially serious security threats.

Learn more about the impact of EOL directly from Drupal.org’s official announcement.

What Should Drupal 7 Site Owners Do?

1. Migrate to a Modern Platform with O’Brien Media

At O’Brien Media, we can assist with upgrading your Drupal site to a modern version, such as Drupal 10, or migrating it to an alternative platform like WordPress. These newer systems offer enhanced performance, security, and easier future updates. Let us guide you through the process to ensure your website remains efficient and secure.

2. Let O’Brien Media Handle Your Migration

Migrating a website can be complex, but our expert team at O’Brien Media specialises in smooth, seamless transitions. We ensure your website’s content, design, and functionality are carried over with precision, whether you’re upgrading within Drupal or moving to a new platform that suits your organisation’s goals better.

3. Extended Support Options with O’Brien Media

If time is a concern, we offer tailored solutions to maintain your site’s functionality and security while planning your transition. Our team ensures your website stays protected until your migration is complete.

4. Proactive Planning and Communication

Transparency is vital. Inform all relevant stakeholders—such as customers, team members, and compliance officers—about your strategy for handling Drupal 7’s EOL. O’Brien Media can assist in crafting your plan, providing updates and ensuring your team and users remain informed throughout the process.

Why Choose O’Brien Media?

Migrating from Drupal 7 doesn’t have to be stressful. At O’Brien Media, we provide:

  • Personalised migration plans tailored to your website’s needs.
  • Expertise in both upgrading Drupal sites and migrating to platforms like WordPress.
  • Secure and efficient handling of your content, ensuring minimal downtime during the transition.

With our extensive experience, you’ll not only future-proof your website but also gain a partner committed to making your digital presence stronger and more secure.

Conclusion

The end of support for Drupal 7 is a critical moment for site owners, but it’s also an opportunity to modernise and optimise your online presence. By acting now—whether by upgrading to a newer version of Drupal or transitioning to a platform like WordPress—you can safeguard your site’s performance and security.

If your website is built on Drupal 7 and you’re ready to make the transition, contact O’Brien Media today. Our team is here to ensure your website remains secure, functional, and ready to meet future challenges.