Migrating to Joomla 2.5

We've received a number of emails with regards to the move to Joomla 2.5 since Joomla 1.5 will no longer be supported by the Joomla project as of May 2012.

2.5 is a new version of Joomla. This means that we cannot simply install an update. The process requires the integration of new software and core features; so, not only will your website potentially change, the administrative section of the site will be different. One of the major changes is the removal of sections and the addition of nested categories - something Joomla has needed for a long time. Another exciting feature is the addition of more extensive user access levels meaning Joomla will be much more suited for larger organizations like schools and corporations.

Simplweb is committed to assisting you with the migration process by updating our tutorials, sending supportive emails, and providing a test site for you to ensure your website has not broken during the migration. This is one of the many benefits that you receive by paying a little extra each month. We will be adding a number of new tutorials over the next few months to assist you will the process of transforming your website and we'll have our staff available more frequently for tender support. As a sidenote, we're also considering the overhaul of our offerings to expand the usability of Simplweb. This includes the addition of a number of new extensions that are not currently offered with the hosting plan.

As for the transition to 2.5, this is not an update but a migration. Think of it as a new version since 2.5 uses different core features and softwares. Joomla's official support of 1.5 does end in early May; however, our server setup is incredibly secure so there is no reason to be worried since we will be supporting the sites.

We'll be emailing you over the next few weeks with more definitive plans. As of mid-February 2012, 2.5 still has a number of bugs. We've already upgraded three sites and we're not happy with the stability of the product yet. So our feeling is to allow Joomla to work out the kinks before we expose our customers to them.

In the meantime, if you have any suggestions as to what your ideal "Simplweb" hosting experience would be, please feel free to create a new ticket with the title Upgrading Simplweb with the email: support@simplweb.com and we'll begin reviewing your thoughts.