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Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) 6.5 End of Support (EOS): Everything You Need to Know

  • By Shamsher Singh Bhullar

  • 20th January 2025

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Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) is a content marketing system (CMS), a digital asset management (DAM) system, and much more. In simple words, it helps control and optimize the digital content on numerous companies’ channels and websites. It’s designed to help organizations deliver personalized experiences to their customers. Here, we will talk about AEM 6.5, which is the latest version of this software. AEM 6.5 was first launched in April 2019, and several fixes and enhancements were made at that point in AEM 6.4. Another important aspect that will be discussed throughout this blog is the EOS (End of Support) for the AEM, as, like all software platforms, AEM 6.5 is subject to a life cycle that includes end-of-support (EOS) phases. We will discuss the capabilities and features of AEM 6.5 and also try to understand the implications of EOS for AEM 6.5. 

Understanding More About End of Support (EOS)

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) 6.5 has been a robust content management system that has empowered many businesses to create, manage, and optimize customer experiences. However, like any other technology, AEM 6.5’s lifecycle is finite, and the end of the support phase is approaching. Understanding what this means for your organization is crucial in ensuring that your digital experience remains seamless and secure.

The end of support for AEM 6.5 signifies that Adobe will no longer provide technical support, security patches, or updates for this version. As a result, organizations still running on AEM 6.5 will be increasingly vulnerable to security threats, compatibility issues, and performance glitches. This aspect not only puts your system at risk but also affects the overall user experience—an important consideration in today’s competitive digital landscape. Businesses using AEM 6.5 should start planning their transition to newer versions, such as AEM as a Cloud Service or other updates within the Adobe Experience Cloud. These newer versions come equipped with enhanced features, better performance, and ongoing support, ensuring that your organization can leverage advanced capabilities and maintain its competitive edge.

In addition to the technical advantages, migrating to a newer version can enhance your marketing efforts through improved personalization, analytics, and automation features. To ensure a smooth transition, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough assessment of your current environment, define clear migration strategies, and engage with Adobe or experienced partners. Waiting until the last minute can lead to challenges that may disrupt your business continuity, so proactive planning is key. In summary, the end of support for AEM 6.5 is imminent. Organizations should recognize the urgency of this transition, invest in newer solutions, and focus on safeguarding their digital infrastructure for future success. Don’t let the end of support catch you unprepared—act now to secure your digital experience for years to come.

AEM 6.5 Lifecycle and Features: Preparing for End of Support

Adobe Experience Manager 6.5

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) 6.5 made its debut in April 2019, marking a significant step forward from previous versions. This release focused on enhancing the user experience, empowering effective digital marketing strategies, and equipping organizations with powerful tools to manage content seamlessly. Recently, Adobe announced that the End of Support (EOS) for AEM 6.5 is officially set for March 31, 2024. Although this date was initially planned, it has been adjusted, and a new official date will be shared soon. This change highlights that adjustments can happen at any moment, presenting potential challenges for organizations still relying on this version. It’s now crucial for them to thoughtfully evaluate their digital experience platforms and make well-informed decisions to navigate the risks of operating in an unsupported environment.

Before delving into the implications of EOS for AEM 6.5 users, it is important to revisit some of the compelling features that made this version a popular choice among enterprises looking to enhance their digital presence.

1. Editable Templates: AEM 6.5 introduced editable templates, which significantly improved website design flexibility. This development allowed marketing teams and content creators to create visually appealing, responsive pages without the need for cumbersome coding. Users can easily adjust layouts and components, streamlining the content creation process and enabling faster time-to-market for campaigns.

2. Cloud Services: With the exciting introduction of cloud services in AEM 6.5, organizations can now enjoy seamless integration with Adobe’s cloud offerings. This fantastic capability not only boosts scalability and performance but also helps businesses quickly adapt to ever-changing market demands by harnessing Adobe’s infrastructure for efficient content delivery.

3. Intelligent Content: One of the standout features of AEM 6.5 is its intelligent content functionality. This feature enables organizations to deliver personalized and targeted content to specific audiences based on their behavior and preferences. By utilizing data-driven insights, marketers can create tailored experiences that drive engagement and foster loyalty among users.

4. Advanced Asset Management: The sophisticated Digital Asset Management (DAM) capabilities in AEM 6.5 enrich content organization and accessibility. Users benefit from advanced tagging, searching, and asset delivery functionalities, making it easier to manage large volumes of digital assets efficiently. This ensures that teams can quickly find and deploy the right content when needed, significantly reducing bottlenecks in the content workflow.

5. Forms Capabilities: AEM 6.5 enhances the process of creating and managing forms through improved functionalities. Organizations can design user-friendly forms to collect vital data, like lead generation and customer feedback, while seamlessly incorporating these forms into their websites. This feature helps businesses increase conversion rates and gather important consumer insights.

6. AEM Sites and Sites as a Service: AEM 6.5 provides flexibility in deployment options, allowing organizations to choose between on-premise installation and Sites as a Service. This adaptability caters to diverse business needs, providing an opportunity for companies to select a hosting option that aligns with their infrastructure strategy and budget.

As the EOS for AEM 6.5 can be done at any time, the organizations relying on AEM 6.5 must recognize the urgency of reassessing their content management strategies. Even though the dates have not been announced, it seems that the company is urging their customers to shift to the AEM cloud, which shows that this decision of EOS of AEM 6.5 might come within the next year. The EOS of AEM 6.5 raises significant concerns regarding security vulnerabilities, lack of support for existing features, and compatibility with evolving technologies. Organizations should actively explore transitioning to newer versions of AEM, such as AEM as a Cloud Service. By doing so, they can gain access to the latest features, continuous updates, and support from Adobe’s team of experts. While AEM 6.5 has provided many valuable features and capabilities since its release, the impending End of Support marks a critical juncture for organizations. It is essential to act proactively and strategically, ensuring a seamless transition that safeguards digital assets and sharpens competitive advantages in the ever-evolving landscape of digital marketing. Failure to assess and mitigate potential risks could lead to detrimental impacts on overall business operations, necessitating immediate action for businesses still on this version.

Implications of EOS for AEM 6.5

Adobe itself prefers its customers to move to the AEM cloud, which is easier to access, and EOS for AEM 6.5 can be a prime reason for this. We need to understand the implications of this EOS and should start transitioning to other platforms. Some of the major implications of this EOS of AEM 6.5 are discussed here- 

1. Security Risks

As the software reaches EOS, security vulnerabilities that may be discovered post-EOS will not be patched or addressed by Adobe. This could expose enterprises to various threats, including data breaches, which can have severe financial consequences and damage reputation.

2. Compliance Concerns

Many industries face strict regulatory requirements regarding data handling and privacy. Continuing to use AEM 6.5 past its EOS date could put organizations at risk of non-compliance, particularly if there are regulatory updates requiring security patches or functional updates.

3. Integration Challenges

Continued use of AEM 6.5 may lead to integration challenges with newer technologies or services, making it harder for organizations to maintain an agile digital presence. Tools and services may evolve, but older software versions may remain stagnant, leading to fragmentation in the tech stack.

4. Lack of Support and Updates

Without support, even minor issues could escalate into significant problems. Adobe will not provide updates or fixes, meaning organizations will need to rely on their internal teams to resolve issues or seek expensive third-party solutions.

5. Cost Implications

Maintaining legacy systems can be costly in terms of manpower, training, and operational efficiency. Organizations may face increased costs as they divert resources to support an outdated system.

Preparing for the Transition

Organizations currently on AEM 6.5 should be proactive in preparing for the EOS transition, as they might become vulnerable to the implications discussed earlier. Here are several strategies that companies can consider for this transition to other platforms such as AEM cloud etc.

1. Evaluate Your Current Usage

Start by reviewing how your organization currently utilizes AEM 6.5. Are there specific features that are mission-critical? Understanding your current usage will inform your migration strategy, and you will be able to transition smoothly to some other platforms, such as AEM Cloud or AEM 6.5.10 (a newer version of AEM 6.5)

2. Assess Alternatives

Consider migrating to a newer version of AEM, such as AEM 6.5.10, or potentially AEM as a Cloud Service. The newer versions of AEM will offer enhanced features, better integration capabilities, and improved security.

3. Create a Migration Plan

If you decide to upgrade to another platform, you must have a comprehensive migration plan to ensure smooth migration. Your migration plan must include- 

  • The time when you plan to migrate to another platform
  • Team members or other resources that will be involved in or will lead the migration process. 
  • The overall projected cost for the upgrade or the migration. 

4. Conduct Training

Once a migration plan is set, conduct training and workshops for your team. Familiarizing them with new features and capabilities can enhance user adoption, helping to facilitate a smoother transition.

5. Test Extensively

Before going live with the upgraded version, allocate time and resources for extensive testing. This will help identify any potential issues and ensure that all features function correctly.

Conclusion

The end-of-support date for Adobe Experience Manager 6.5 represents a significant transition point for organizations that rely on this platform. While EOS may appear daunting, it also presents an opportunity to evaluate current digital strategies, embrace newer technologies, and ultimately enhance customer experiences. But till this version is supported by Adobe with a Platinum maintenance and support plan. The date for End of Support is yet to be announced, but yes they are urging their users to move to the AEM cloud for better access.

By understanding the implications of EOS and preparing adequately, organizations can transition smoothly to newer versions of AEM while minimizing security risks and operational setbacks. Ultimately, staying ahead of software lifecycle milestones is essential for maintaining a robust digital presence in an ever-evolving marketplace. Maintaining an updated AEM platform not only secures support but also ensures that your organization can leverage the latest innovations in digital experience management, boosting efficiency, performance, and engagement with customers.

Final Thoughts

As we advance toward the EOS date for AEM 6.5, which is still unknown, and AEM 6.5 is still is use with platinum maintenance and support, remember that proactive planning and preparation for similar scenarios in the future is essential. Invest in your digital future now to avoid potential pitfalls later. Engage stakeholders, define clear strategies, and explore the full capabilities of what newer AEM versions can offer. The transition will not only ensure operational continuity but also position your organization for success in the competitive world of digital marketing and customer experience. Also, if you are looking for the best AEM Development Company for the best AEM services, then you can go for the leading AEM Development Company, Deftsoft. Our dedicated and professional team members can help in smooth AEM development, migration and all other related services with minimal downtime. To get the best solution for all your AEM-related problems, Deftsoft is the perfect place for you.

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Written By
Shamsher Singh Bhullar
calendar 20th January 2025
Shamsher Singh Bhullar, heading the business and sales department at Deftsoft, has 12+ cross-industry experience that makes him an expert with thorough knowledge of upcoming business concepts. He has successfully led multiple teams in Digital Marketing and AEM and has an art of converting challenges into opportunities. Apart from developing innovative business and marketing strategies, he is committed to inspire and empower everyone around him to portray their very best.
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