🚀 A Morning Jolt: Sitecore’s .NET 6 End-of-Support Announcement! 🛠️ | The Clock’s Ticking: How to Prepare for .NET 6’s End of Support as a Sitecore Solution Provider

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 Today, as I logged in and started planning my day, an email from Sitecore grabbed my attention: “Microsoft .NET 6 End of Support”. The headline took me straight to the official knowledge base article.

I wasn’t entirely surprised after all, I had imagined this moment while writing my earlier blog, Transitioning from Legacy: What Lies Ahead for .NET 4.7.2. But now, the shift from .NET 6 to .NET 8 is here, and it’s time to gear up for another critical transition.

Why? Because critical modules like Sitecore Identity Server (7.x) and Sitecore Publishing Service (7.0) depend on .NET 6, and sticking with an unsupported framework is like driving on a flat tire it might still move, but it’s risky and can cause serious damage down the road.


If you’re a Sitecore developer, architect, or administrator, this announcement isn’t just a head-up it’s your cue to act. Let’s explore what’s changing, what Sitecore is doing about it, and, most importantly, what we as solution providers need to prepare for.

What’s Happening? A Quick Recap

Affected Modules

  1. Sitecore Identity Server (7.x)
    • Found in Sitecore Experience Platform (XP) versions 9.1 to 10.x.
    • Sitecore plans to release a new Identity Server 8.0 (based on .NET 8) by mid-January 2025.
  2. Sitecore Publishing Service (7.0)
    • Compatible with Sitecore XP versions 9.1 to 10.4.
    • An updated Publishing Service 8.0 (on .NET 8) is coming by mid-February 2025.

The Implications

Post-November 2024, using .NET 6 could expose you to:

  • Security vulnerabilities that won’t be patched anymore.
  • Operational risks, like disrupted identity and publishing services.

It’s not just about compliance it’s about protecting your systems, your users, and your reputation.

Your Game Plan: How to Stay Ahead

To quote Benjamin Franklin, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Here’s how you can stay ahead of the curve:

1. Know Where You Stand

Start with a deep dive into your environment:

  • Audit Your Setup:
    • Identify all Sitecore instances using Identity Server 7.x or Publishing Service 7.0.
    • Look for any customizations or third-party integrations tied to these modules.
  • Check Version Compatibility:
    • Confirm which Sitecore XP versions are running and how they align with the new updates.

Knowing your starting point is half the battle won.

2. Plan for the Upgrades

The new versions Identity Server 8.0 (Jan 2025) and Publishing Service 8.0 (Feb 2025) are around the corner, but don’t wait for the clock to run out:

  • Allocate Time & Resources:
    • Block time on your team’s calendar for the upgrade, testing, and deployment phases.
  • Familiarize Yourself with the Process:
    • Sitecore will provide a database upgrade script and deployment guide for Identity Server 8.0.
    • If you’ve handled the Identity Server 7 upgrade, expect a similar workflow.

3. Don’t Ignore Security in the Interim

Until the upgrades land, .NET 6 is still in play. Keep it as secure as possible:

  • Apply all Sitecore and .NET 6 patches as soon as they’re available.
  • Keep an eye out for vulnerability updates from Microsoft and Sitecore.

4. Test for .NET 8 Compatibility

New frameworks can be tricky make sure you’re ready:

  • Update your build pipelines, hosting environments, and deployment scripts for .NET 8 compatibility.
  • Spin up a test environment to validate everything from identity services to publishing workflows.

5. Communicate Early, Communicate Often

Don’t keep stakeholders in the dark. Whether it’s your clients, team, or leadership:

  • Set Expectations:
    • Share timelines, the impact of potential delays, and the importance of these upgrades.
  • Have a Backup Plan:
    • Be ready to handle service disruptions in publishing pipelines or authentication modules.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Upgrades don’t always go smoothly. Here are a few tips to stay on track:

  • Test Like Your Job Depends on It:
    • Test the upgrade in a sandbox environment first. Verify that custom integrations, publishing pipelines, and authentication workflows are unaffected.
  • Document Everything:
    • From configuration changes to deployment processes, leave a paper trail for future reference.
  • Train Your Team:
    • Bring your developers and operations team up to speed on .NET 8 and Sitecore’s new modules.

 

Why This Matters

Imagine this: It’s February 2025, and your publishing pipelines grind to a halt because you missed the update to Publishing Service 8.0. Or worse, a vulnerability in Identity Server compromises sensitive user data.

These scenarios are avoidable. With Sitecore providing clear timelines and resources, the power to future-proof your solution lies in your hands.

 

Summary

The end of .NET 6 support is a significant milestone, but it’s also an opportunity to strengthen your Sitecore solutions. By taking proactive steps today, you’ll ensure a seamless transition to .NET 8 while safeguarding your systems against risks.

Let’s make the most of the time we have. What’s your plan to tackle these updates? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments!


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