Belniak Media, Inc.

Server Upgrade to PHP 8.1 November 2022

In November of this year, the current running version of PHP 7.4 will officially reach end-of-life. That means that security and other patches for PHP 7.4 will no longer be available. Version 8 is a major update to PHP with many new features, optimizations and heightened security. Most sites built within the past 10 years utilize PHP programming and will need to be tested and likely updated programmatically.

Our intention is to migrate as many of our hosted sites to the version 8 upgrade before the November 28th cutoff. This will be done in the best interest of each individual hosting client and the security of the server overall. All of our currently hosted sites utilize PHP 7.4 and these will need to be tested and updated to keep the site from breaking when the changeover is implemented. The older and more complex sites will require more attention than newer and simpler ones.

In most cases, your site was built by Belniak Media if we are hosting it. We have installed the PHP 8.1 module on our server for preliminary testing and we can actually see whether your site loads and track what errors are happening by toggling to the new version.

What are my options?

Update Your Code

Upon request, our programmers will run a few tests, inspect your site/code and provide an estimate for updating to PHP 8 compatibility. Requests will be handled in the order they are received, except for sites that were built on our own SublymeCommerce platform which will be given top priority.

For WordPress sites, those that are already running the latest version of WP, with a newer theme and plug-ins will require the least amount of attention.

Design a New Site

If your site is already older and on the edge of extinction, this might be the perfect time to pull the trigger and develop a new website. In extreme cases, it might be more costly to attempt to retrofit an old site into the new PHP than to just have a new one built. The BMI team is always available to discuss options or provide an estimate on any project.

If you currently have a site in the development process, it will be built to accommodate the PHP 8 upgrade.

Migrate to a Hosting Service that Allows Outdated EOL PHP Versions

If it is not possible to test and/or update your present site before the November 2022 deadline, you might want to consider finding a hosting provider who keeps older servers running and will continue to support PHP 7 for whatever length of time. However, in choosing this option you would be exposing your site to the same types of security risks that we are striving to mitigate.

Do Nothing

This is the least desirable of options as regardless you will need to address this sooner or later. However, if you choose not to assess and/or upgrade your site (if needed), we will keep your site on a branch running PHP 7.4 until your current hosting period expires. Once PHP 7.4 officially reaches end-of-life on November 28, we will not hold any responsibility for security issues that could occur by not addressing the upgrade regarding PHP 7.4 EOL.

Our Team Is Here to Help

We understand the challenges involved in keeping up with technology and we are always here to answer your questions.

If you would like us to assess your current site and provide an estimate for updating (if needed), please fill out and submit the form below and we will get back to you with our findings. There will be no charge for the assessment and report of the results. Keep in mind that we have over 80 BMI hosted sites so please respond as soon as possible.

Here is some additional information on current and obsolete PHP versions.

You can also email me at [email protected], or call our office at 630‑790‑0011.