Sitecore is a powerful digital experience platform (DXP) that empowers businesses to create personalized and seamless digital experiences. As a Sitecore Platinum Implementation and Hosting Partner, Americaneagle.com stands at the forefront of delivering top-tier solutions on the platform. This prestigious partnership signifies our expertise in implementing and hosting Sitecore solutions, ensuring clients harness the full potential of this robust platform.
Whether it's crafting engaging websites, optimizing customer journeys, or leveraging data-driven insights, Americaneagle.com's commitment to excellence shines through its Platinum status with Sitecore.
The Evolution of Sitecore DXP
Sitecore began in 2001 as a .NET-based content management system (CMS) and has since evolved into a comprehensive digital experience platform. The early versions of Sitecore focused on providing robust content management capabilities, allowing users to create and manage digital content efficiently.
As the digital landscape changed, Sitecore recognized the need to go beyond traditional CMS functionalities. As such, the platform underwent a significant transformation, expanding its features to encompass a broader spectrum of digital experiences. This transition marked Sitecore's emergence as a full-fledged DXP, offering not just content management but also powerful tools for personalization, analytics, and omnichannel engagement. Today, Sitecore stands as a leading DXP, empowering businesses to deliver seamless, personalized experiences across various digital touchpoints.
Sitecore has gone through many versions over the years, with the most current version being Sitecore 10.4.
It’s important to know how much has changed with the platform, which we cover below.
- Sitecore 6.x brought major improvements to the digital marketing system of Sitecore and included a variety of features. Some of which included the .NET search engine, personalization in real-time, measurable values and efficiency, automation in marketing and management, the content experience platform, and more.
- Sitecore 7.x focused on enhanced analytical features, and versions 7.2 and 7.5 brought updates in content and experience scalability. Additionally, Sitecore 7.5 introduced xDB. Some of the features included in Sitecore 7.x were improvements in content scaling, item buckets, and data sources as well as enhancements in the Sitecore Experience Platform, Email Experience Manager, Experience Analytics, and Experience Automation.
- Sitecore 8.x brought forth major improvements in UI areas with new experience profiles and advancements in content management. Additional features included improved faceted search for the media library, content tags by profile cards, new Experience Explore, and enhancements in the Marketing Control Panel and Social Experience Manager.
- Sitecore 9.x added improvements made in xDB analytical data access and federation authentication. Some other features included in this were the Sitecore Experience Cloud, Sitecore Cortex, Sitecore Headless CMS, XDB that supports SWL server 016, SQL Azure, MongoDB, and Azure CosmosDB, and more.
- Sitecore 10.x introduced digital optimization and digital transformation, as well as improvements with AI automation. Some other updates included headless development, Salesforce integration, filtering of analytics, integration of Sitecore Content Hub, and more. Learn more about upgrading to Sitecore 10 and all of the iteration’s new features.
Sitecore Product Support Lifecycle
Sitecore follows a structured approach to product support, consisting of three main phases: Mainstream Support, Extended Support, and Sustaining Support. By adhering to these support phases, Sitecore ensures that users can effectively manage their software lifecycle, balancing the need for stability with the evolving demands of the digital landscape.
During the Mainstream support phase, Sitecore provides comprehensive support for the current version of its product. Customers receive regular updates, bug fixes, and access to new features. Mainstream Support ensures that users have a stable and optimized experience with the latest functionalities.
After the Mainstream Support phase, Extended Support kicks in. During this period, Sitecore continues to offer critical bug fixes and support for the previous version, even as newer versions are released. This gives organizations additional time to plan and execute their upgrade strategies without compromising on essential support services.
The Sustaining Support phase is the final stage in the product support lifecycle. Sitecore provides limited support, focusing primarily on critical security issues and essential bug fixes. Customers are encouraged to transition to the latest versions to benefit from the latest innovations and a fully supported environment.
Sitecore's support phases significantly impact users' decisions to upgrade. During Mainstream Support, users enjoy regular updates and comprehensive assistance, fostering a stable experience. As Extended Support follows, providing critical bug fixes, users plan their upgrades strategically. The transition to Sustaining Support emphasizes the urgency of upgrading for the latest features and security, compelling users to stay current for ongoing support.
These phases create a dynamic landscape where the evolving nature of support encourages users to upgrade, ensuring they benefit from the latest innovations and maintain a secure and well-supported digital environment.
Detailed Overview of Sitecore Versions
The table below explains the current phases of the Sitecore Product Support Lifecycle for Sitecore’s range of products, including the expected dates for transitioning to the subsequent support phases.
Enhancements in Sitecore 10.4
The most recent iteration of Sitecore, the Sitecore Experience Platform (SXP) 10.4, was released in April 2024. This version features significant enhancements, including better integration with marketing stacks, updated accessibility and security measures, and enriched visitor profiles. Additionally, nearly 200 updates have been incorporated based on customer input and feedback. With Sitecore 10.4, users have the flexibility to choose between the XM or XP variants or transition to Sitecore XM Cloud.
Importance of Upgrading to Supported Versions
Utilizing the latest version of Sitecore offers many benefits that are crucial to delivering cutting-edge digital experiences. Enhanced security is paramount as the latest versions address vulnerabilities, safeguarding against potential threats. New features empower businesses to stay ahead in the competitive landscape, fostering innovation and improved user engagement. Better support ensures a seamless experience with access to the latest patches and assistance.
Here at Americaneagle.com, we provide the highest quality solutions for our clients and are consistently leveraging Sitecore's latest offerings in order to build customer-centric experiences. By staying ahead of updates, we integrate new features that aim to enhance user interactions, optimize performance, and ensure robust security. We are committed to delivering digital solutions that exceed customer expectations.
If you’re looking to upgrade your existing Sitecore implementation, contact us today to get started.
Navigating Sitecore Upgrades with Americaneagle.com
Upgrading to the latest versions of Sitecore is crucial as it enhances security by addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring a fortified digital environment. Functionality gets a significant boost with access to the latest features and innovations, allowing businesses to stay competitive and deliver cutting-edge experiences. Ongoing support is vital for a smooth operation and staying updated ensures access to timely assistance and patches.
For expert guidance on upgrades and maximizing your investment, Americaneagle.com is your certified Sitecore partner. Contact us by filling out our form or emailing [email protected] to get started.
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