PHP is a popular general-purpose scripting language that is especially suited to web development. In fact, 82% of all active websites on the internet use PHP. 

Our servers have been automatically upgraded to PHP version 7.2. This means that security updates for PHP versions 5.6 and 7.0 have ended.

So, what does this mean for you and, more importantly, for your website? 

For older websites running PHP 5.6 or 7.0, there may be some compatibility issues that would affect how your site operates. 

Some website plugins may not function properly any longer or, even more serious, the website may not display at all. 

We have already picked up some issues on some of our clients’ websites. We have rolled them back to PHP 5.6 in order for them to continue operating. However, this was strictly a temporary fix.   

With effect from 20 November 2019, we will be unable to roll back to these older versions of PHP.  A website upgrade will, therefore, become a necessity.

For websites built on WordPress, in particular, the minimum PHP requirements for WordPress core have increased. This has led to the incompatibilities mentioned above.

Importantly, security fixes on the previous PHP versions will also not continue indefinitely. This could leave your website vulnerable to hackers.

As we approach the new year, our advice to business owners or marketing managers is to allocate some of your marketing budgets to have your website revamped.

Upgrading to the new version offers more speed, security, and compatibility with the latest CMS platforms like Joomla and WordPress. 

• If your website is not displaying correctly or have any questions about the PHP version 7.2 upgrade, please contact us.