In 2024, a leading university approached us with a challenge: their digital platform, built on Sitefinity 11.2, was struggling to meet the evolving expectations of students and faculty. Content editors found the interface cumbersome, marketers lacked advanced personalization tools, and developers were constrained by outdated technologies. Recognizing the need for transformation, we guided them through an upgrade to Sitefinity 14.4 LTS, resulting in a more agile, secure, and user-friendly digital environment.
Why Upgrade to Sitefinity 14.4 LTS?
Sitefinity 14.4 LTS offers a suite of enhancements designed to future-proof digital platforms:
Long-Term Support (LTS): Enjoy four years of guaranteed security patches and critical updates, ensuring stability and peace of mind.
.NET 7 Compatibility: Leverage the latest .NET framework for enhanced performance, scalability, and cross-platform development.
Modernized User Interface: Benefit from a streamlined, distraction-free content editing experience, boosting productivity for content creators.
Advanced Personalization Tools: Utilize improved audience modeling and journey analytics to deliver tailored experiences to your users. Progress.com
Key Feature Enhancements from 11.x to 14.4
1. Enhanced Content Editing Experience
The new UI offers a cleaner, more intuitive workspace:
Distraction-Free Mode: Focus solely on content creation without unnecessary clutter.
Improved Navigation: Easily access and manage content with an enhanced navigation tree and side panels.
2. Advanced Personalization and Analytics
Tailor user experiences with precision:
Audience Modeling: Understand visitor journeys and set up lead scoring models effectively. Progress.com
Expanded Journey Analytics: Visualize customer behaviors to optimize digital experiences.
3. Upgraded Chatbot Integration
Enhance user engagement with improved chatbot features:
Proactive Engagement: Engage visitors at optimal times to influence conversions.
Multilingual Support: Communicate effectively with a diverse audience through support for over 70 languages.
4. Modernized Forms and Templates
Streamline form creation and management:
Reinvented Forms UI: Enjoy a revamped interface for creating and managing forms.
Template Selection Prompt: Choose templates effortlessly when creating new pages, enhancing consistency and efficiency.
Migration Considerations
Frontend Technology Transition
With the deprecation of Web Forms beyond version 13.3 LTS, it’s crucial to migrate to modern frameworks:
ASP.NET Core or Next.js: Adopt these technologies for improved performance and future-proofing.
Upgrade Process
Health Check: Utilize Sitefinity’s Check-up service to assess your current setup.
Upgrade Execution: Employ the Sitefinity CLI to perform the upgrade, ensuring all components are updated correctly.
Renderer Update: If using ASP.NET Core or Next.js, ensure the decoupled frontend renderer is also upgraded.
Business Impact
Post-upgrade, the university experienced significant improvements:
Enhanced Performance: Faster load times and improved scalability.
Improved User Engagement: Advanced personalization led to increased user interaction.
Streamlined Operations: Content editors reported a reduction in time spent on content management tasks.
Upgrading to Sitefinity 14.4 LTS is more than a version change; it’s a strategic move to enhance your digital presence. With its robust features, improved performance, and long-term support, it positions your organization to meet current demands and future challenges effectively.
If you’re considering an upgrade or need assistance with the process, feel free to reach out. Our team is ready to help ensure a smooth and successful transition.
