Do I Really Need to Renew Spring Framework 5.3 Support?
The end of open-source support for Spring Framework 5.3 and older versions has marked the start of a challenging transition for businesses. As Broadcom shifts to a paid model, businesses that rely on the framework are urged to invest in proactive maintenance to avoid the risks of operating with an unsupported version.
This article will help you evaluate the costs and benefits of renewing Spring Framework 5.3 support, so you can determine the right path for your company.
Why Renewing Spring Framework 5.3 Support Is Critical
Spring Framework 5.3 has been the backbone of countless legacy applications, much like Java 8 was during its peak usage. As application modernization leader Glen Tindal, VP of Capstone IT Solutions, notes, “5.3 has a big footprint, especially within businesses that built revenue-generating products on it.”
Many organizations have been strategizing the next steps since the open-source end of life on August 31, 2024. However, renewal is increasingly pressing. Continued inaction presents two significant risks: more application vulnerabilities and stifled functionality.
End of Life Means End of Security
The end of Spring Framework 5.3 support means patches for new vulnerabilities will no longer be released. This puts applications running on Spring 5.3 at risk of breaches that compromise sensitive data and lead to business disruption. In regulated industries, like finance and healthcare, a lack of security updates can also expose businesses to costly compliance challenges.
Legacy Dependencies Demand Attention
Organizations that built their platforms and products on Spring 5.3 still depend on the framework to drive significant revenue and organizational functionality. However, operating on Spring Framework 5.3 without support is akin to driving a car without insurance—manageable until a problem arises. Relying on an outdated, unsupported framework could result in functionality losses over time.
The Financial Hurdle
Transitioning from open source to paid support often comes with sticker shock. Companies can expect the annual cost of maintaining Spring Framework 5.3 support to be $50,000 or more.
While this expense may feel steep for businesses that historically relied on community-supported solutions, the price of inaction can be much higher. The average cost of a data breach, for instance, is $4.88 million—and the risk is greatly heightened without renewal.
Broadcom’s paid support model also offers more than maintenance. Your investment also includes tools to facilitate Spring upgrades, resources to mitigate security risks, and access to experienced engineers. The long-term value—minimized downtime, secure applications, and smoother upgrades—justifies the upfront costs.
What Happens If You Don’t Renew Spring Framework 5.3?
Choosing not to renew Spring Framework 5.3 support is a gamble with potentially costly consequences. Consider these facts:
- Vulnerability: Unsupported software is a prime target for attackers, who exploit their growing vulnerabilities.
- Non-Compliance: Inadequate protection for sensitive data is a potential liability in audits.
- Instability: Unresolved bugs or compatibility issues with modern systems can lead to unpredictable failures.
- Complexity: Application modernization becomes more costly and complex the longer businesses delay Spring upgrades.
Tindal asserts that “doing nothing isn’t a viable option for most organizations. Whether it’s through support contracts or migration to Spring Framework 6.0.x, companies need to address their dependencies.”
A Path Forward for Spring Framework 5.3
For most businesses, renewing Spring Framework 5.3 support isn’t just about keeping the lights on—it’s about ensuring stability while planning for the future. Maintenance contracts offer a safety net, allowing organizations to:
- Mitigate immediate risks.
- Buy time to plan an upgrade to the Broadcom-supported Spring 6.0.x or beyond.
- Access exclusive tools and expertise to make the transition smoother.
While the shift to paid support marks a significant change for the Spring ecosystem, investing in Spring 5.3 support is an investment in security, stability, and scalability. For organizations that rely on Spring-based applications, this isn’t a decision to delay.
Capstone IT Solutions specializes in helping businesses navigate these transitions, from support acquisition to upgrade planning. If your organization is facing the Spring Framework 5.3 dilemma, contact us today to explore your options and ensure a seamless path forward.