TYPO3 Update: Costs, Options, and Pricing Plans
The longer a TYPO3 site stays on an old version, the more issues appear. Serious security weaknesses appear, extensions stop supporting older versions, hosting environments upgrade, and your system does not keep up.
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Eventually, even the simplest code changes cost more than you could have imagined in time, cost, or a combination of both!
Upgrading TYPO3 is more than a technical exercise; it is an upgrade to a modern CMS that helps to keep your site as secure, performant, and dependable as possible.
A modern version of TYPO3 will improve your editors' experience, improve page load times and SEO, and maintain compliance with various legislation such as GDPR.
In short, an update protects your investment today and prepares your business for tomorrow.
Ready to make your TYPO3 Website secure, fast, and strong? Let's get started.
Which Route to Take: Update, Support, or Relaunch
There are generally three ways to move your TYPO3 website forward. Each has pros and cons, and not all are appropriate for every business.
Backend Update (Recommended)
- For a TYPO3-based site, completion of a backend update is the most efficient and timely path forward for future-proofing your system.
- Backend updates maintain the design and user experience while upgrading the technical foundation that supports the system.
- Your editors will carry on business as usual, visitors won’t be the wiser, and the underlying technical structure will be updated and ready for the next TYPO3 LTS versions.
- It is a one-time project that brings long-lasting stability, security, and savings.
Extended Long-Term Support (ELTS)
- Extended long-term support (ELTS) provides security patches for older versions of TYPO3 only.
- It will not add new features and updates related to performance or compatibility.
- This may feel like a temporary hold on risk, and is potentially representative of a temporary loss of opportunity, as costs can quickly add up.
- Eventually, you will need to upgrade the site system fully; you are simply paying more in the interim for the same upgrades you would/could have made sooner with a backend upgrade.
Full Relaunch
- A complete relaunch will require a full redesign and restructure of the site.
- This will likely make sense for businesses that may need a different look, or if you feel that your site no longer meets your business objectives.
- However, a complete relaunch has a higher cost, longer timelines, and may introduce an even greater risk than a back-end update.
- A relaunch is only worth considering when most companies' technology and design are outdated.
In most cases, the backend update strikes the right balance, is cost-efficient, less risky, and future-proof.
Three-Year Cost Overview: Upgrade vs. Alternatives
Making the best decision is partly about technical stability and the costs of ownership over time. After three years, there are significant differences between a backend update, ELTS, and a complete relaunch.
Backend Update – Most cost-efficient
- A backend update is a one-time capital expenditure that allows your TYPO3 installation to stay current and future-proof for the latest version of LTS.
- It is the most cost-effective alternative over time since it avoids future recurring expenses that stem from patch-only costs, plus not having to rebuild your installation completely.
ELTS – High cost with limited value
- Extended Long-Term Support will often look like the best choice in the short term, but at approximately €14,000 per year, you could potentially spend nearly €42,000 over three years.
- Not only does Extended Long-Term Support offer minimal enhancement for a TYPO3 installation, but there are also no new features and no performance enhancements, and therefore, a low return on investment.
Full Relaunch – Highest cost and risk
- A full relaunch usually starts at approx. €20,000 and nearly always exceeds €50,000 depending on project complexity.
- Full relaunch is an expensive undertaking, both company resource - time and money, and it is only truly a fresh start if it contains and retains your previous functions.
- It should only be fully considered if you can avoid losing core functions within your TYPO3 site or previous data.
Proven Update Process – 14 Steps to Success
While upgrading TYPO3 may be perceived as complex, it is consistent and straightforward with a methodology. Here’s what an upgrade looks like:
- Audit and Analysis – You will want to review backend rights, the database, extensions, integration, etc.
- Core Upgrading – You will upgrade the TYPO3 Core to the/latest LTS, step by step.
- Extension Upgrades– You will check and upgrade all extensions that are being used so that they are using the latest compatible version.
- RealURL to Core Routing Engine Migration – Move the previous website from RealURL registration to the TYPO3 core routing engine.
- Multilanguage Upgrade – Upgrade and modernize any multilanguage setup to provide better flexibility to the team.
- Testing Round – Testing occurs whenever you make a major change.
- Database Migration – Move all data from MySQL to MariaDB 11.x to improve performance.
- Content Migration – Move all media and content files and verify that all is secure before the next step.
- PHP Upgrade – Upgrade to PHP 8.4 for improved speed and security.
- Code Clean Up – Remove old or discontinued code.
- Go Live – Move to the live website with zero downtime from staging vs. live switching systems.
- Performance Tuning – Tune the PageSpeed to improve load times.
- GDPR Compliance– Run a scanning tool to ensure compliance with data protection.
- SEO audit – Do a last check for visibility on search engine indexing.
Why Choose a Backend Update
Doing a backend update is the most sensible way to keep the site secure and up to date while minimizing time, cost, and disruption.
- Big savings – A backend update is typically 60-70% less than a total relaunch of the site or comparable to paying for ELTS every year.
- No downtime – The backend update runs in the background, editors and visitors have no downtime, and experience no sudden changes.
- Futureproof – Once your site is updated, you are prepared for future TYPO3 LTS versions so that you won't fall behind again.
- Better security and performance – Updates will close security holes and make your website more stable and faster. This also means better SEO.
This is the most practical way to ensure your site runs smoothly and protects your investment in the upcoming years.
Pricing Plans Offered by NITSAN
NITSAN offers different pricing models so you can choose what works best for your project and budget.
Plan | What’s Included | Cost / Rate | Best For |
Fixed-Price Upgrades | One-time TYPO3 upgrade Service with clear scope (depends on version, extensions, etc.) | €2,000 – €10,000 (project-based) | Companies want a defined upgrade without ongoing costs |
Hourly Quota System | Prepaid blocks of hours, used via a ticketing system for updates, fixes, or tasks | €3,250 for 50 hours (scales by block) | Teams needing flexibility without long-term commitment |
Monthly SLA Contracts | Regular support, backups, maintenance, and priority response | Starting at €149/month | Businesses needing continuous TYPO3 support and care |
Dedicated Developer | Full-time TYPO3 developer (160 hrs/month) for ongoing or complex projects | From €7,680/month (~€48/hour) | Organizations with large or long-term TYPO3 needs |
You can explore detailed pricing and packages directly here: https://nitsantech.de/pricing
Conclusion
Updating TYPO3 is your way towards safety, stability, and long-lasting value. A TYPO3 backend update gives you the best value for your money - providing reliability and future habitation in balance.
NITSAN - TYPO3 Agency has been working with TYPO3 for over 14 years to provide upgrades and ensure solutions for businesses of any size. As a TYPO3 Gold Member, we've completed thousands of projects and earned the trust of over 120 clients across various industries.
We have simple pricing, whether a fixed upgrade, an hourly quota, an ongoing SLA support plan, or a developer dedicated to your project - you have pricing options! No hidden tricks, nor surprises - Just a proactive method that works.
We can assist with the next great steps if you want to secure your TYPO3 system and prepare for the future. Let us help you move forward with confidence. Reach out to better update plans!
Contact for Internet agency and TYPO3 projects
Sven Thelemann
Service Partner - Germany
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