HeroDevs Extends Support for Unsupported Drupal 7 Modules Ahead of EOL
With the official end-of-life (EOL) date for Drupal 7 set for January 5, 2025, HeroDevs has launched an initiative to provide extended support for unsupported Drupal 7 modules. In response to a reduced support structure implemented by the Drupal Security Team in August 2023, HeroDevs introduced "Drupal 7 Never-Ending Support" (NES), aimed at maintaining security and functionality for sites still dependent on Drupal 7. This initiative includes forking and maintaining modules no longer supported by their original maintainers, ensuring that security patches and updates continue to be available.
The reduced support from the Drupal Security Team has raised concerns about vulnerabilities in unsupported modules, as no further updates or patches are provided once a module is marked as unsupported. HeroDevs' proactive approach addresses this issue by stepping in where official maintainers have stopped, keeping these modules secure and functional. Their efforts include addressing compatibility with the evolving web landscape and ensuring that sites relying on legacy systems can avoid disruption.
In addition to module maintenance, HeroDevs offers guidance for custom modules and unique code outside standard service-level agreements (SLA). This ensures that even custom developments remain compatible and secure during the transition period, allowing site owners to focus on planning migrations or upgrades without the immediate risk of vulnerabilities or performance issues. The Drupal Association highlighted HeroDevs' efforts in an October 2024 guest blog, emphasizing the importance of this support during Drupal 7's extended maintenance phase.