Understanding Your Spring Framework 5.3 Upgrade & Renewal Options
Spring Framework 5.3 reached the end of open-source support on August 31, 2024, marking the end of patches, updates, and expert troubleshooting for public users. Broadcom’s shift to a paid support model leaves organizations with a critical question: What are my options for Spring renewals?
Navigating the transition can be challenging, especially for businesses accustomed to the open-source ecosystem. However, it all boils down to five key options:
- Do Nothing
- Upgrade to Spring Framework 6.0.x
- Invest in Maintenance and Support
- Refactor or Rewrite Applications
- Explore Alternative Solutions Providers
We’ll explore the pros and cons of each to help you select the most suitable path forward.
Option 1: Do Nothing
For some businesses, especially those with non-critical systems, the temptation to simply “do nothing” can be strong. However, this approach comes with significant risks:
- Security Vulnerabilities: Spring Framework 5.3 will no longer receive open-source security updates, leaving applications exposed to potential breaches.
- Compliance Challenges: Unsupported software can trigger compliance violations, especially in regulated industries.
- Business Disruption: Bugs or performance issues may go unaddressed, leading to costly downtime.
While this option minimizes immediate costs, it’s a gamble with significant long-term consequences. The risks only increase the longer vulnerabilities and incompatibilities go unaddressed. Broadcom Spring experts strongly advise against inaction.
Option 2: Upgrade to Spring Framework 6.0.x
Upgrading to the latest version, Spring Framework 6.0.x, can future-proof your applications and offer access to new, cutting-edge features. You’ll benefit from continuous updates and security patches, creating a solid foundation for efficiency and a long-term application modernization strategy.
However, achieving a Spring upgrade is no easy task—especially for highly complex legacy systems and applications. The challenges include:
- Time and Cost: Migration requires careful planning and resources, especially for businesses with deeply integrated Spring Framework 5.3 dependencies.
- Compatibility Concerns: Legacy applications may need significant adjustments to function seamlessly on Spring Framework 6.0.x, which requires Java 17 adoption and considerable code refactoring.
Glen Tindal, VP of Capstone IT Solutions explains, “Spring 6.0.x is where every business is trying to get to, but the Spring upgrade process requires large-scale investment and robust strategy to be successful.”
Option 3: Invest in Maintenance and Support
For businesses that need immediate stability, investing in continued maintenance and support for Spring Framework 5.3 is the best option. The Broadcom Spring Essentials package ensures:
- Day Zero Resolution or Mitigation: Get an immediate fix for known bugs or security issues—no need for strategic or technical changes on your end.
- Ongoing Security and Updates: Receive critical patches and bug fixes to keep your IT infrastructure and applications reliable.
- Mitigated Risk: Access tools that help your IT team address vulnerabilities and facilitate Spring upgrade readiness.
- Expert Assistance: Gain access to support engineers who can guide businesses through complex Spring challenges.
While the cost of renewing support—often $50,000 or more annually—may seem steep, it’s a small price to pay compared to the potential losses from system failures or security breaches. Plus, it can help IT leaders buy time while strategizing for a large-scale Spring upgrade to Framework 6.0.x.
Option 4: Refactor or Rewrite Applications
Some organizations may choose to overhaul their legacy systems entirely. This can involve refactoring applications—adjusting existing code to align with newer frameworks—and rewriting, which involves developing new software solutions from scratch without impacting external behaviors.
Refactoring and rewriting allow businesses to fully modernize their tech stack but require:
- Significant Costs and Time: Refactoring and rewriting are resource-intensive processes that require significant technical expertise and detailed roadmaps.
- Operational Disruption: Existing workflows may be affected during the transition. While the Strangler pattern can minimize this risk when refactoring, disruption is often unavoidable when rewriting applications.
Capstone IT Solutions offers IT migration and modernization services to simplify this process. As an experienced app modernization provider, we offer the technical know-how you need to achieve refactored and optimally rewritten applications efficiently and cost-effectively.
Option 5: Explore Alternative Solutions Providers
Some businesses may consider third-party providers claiming to offer Spring Framework 5.3 support services at lower costs. However, this approach carries risks:
- Lack of Expertise: Many Broadcom competitors lack the deep integration knowledge and resources needed to maintain complex Spring applications.
- Compatibility Issues: Alternative providers may not offer the same level of support, leading to potential gaps in service.
Third-party solutions often fall short—again, putting companies at risk of security and functionality flaws—which highlights the critical importance of working with a Broadcom Expert Advantage Partner if renewing support is your goal.
Making the Right Choice
When deciding how to approach Spring renewals, businesses must consider:
- Revenue Impact: How critical are the affected applications to your business?
- Security and Compliance: What are the risks of running unsupported or outdated software in your industry?
- Long-Term Costs: Which option aligns with your strategic goals and budget?
At Capstone IT Solutions, we specialize in helping businesses navigate Spring renewals, offering tailored solutions, from maintenance contracts to application modernization. Our end-to-end solutions—which can begin with a comprehensive assessment—will help you unlock the best path.
Keep your applications secure, supported, and scalable. Contact Capstone IT Solutions to explore your Spring upgrade and support renewal options.