S3Corp. Tech Blog

Upgrading to Sitecore 10.4: What to Expect

Sitecore 10.4 has brought significant updates to the platform, continuing to enhance its reputation as a dependable content management system (CMS) for businesses globally. Sitecore’s commitment to both the XP and XM platforms reaffirms its support for traditional solutions while embracing innovative technologies. This dual approach ensures organizations can rely on their existing investments while preparing for a future shaped by composable and SaaS-based systems.

Released officially in 2024, Sitecore 10.4 maintains a broad focus, addressing both the practical and strategic needs of users. Its updates cater to marketers, developers, and organizations transitioning to or already using composable solutions like Sitecore Personalize and Customer Data Platform (CDP). The release timeline, mainstream support until December 2027, and extended support concluding in 2030, indicate Sitecore’s stable roadmap.

Improved Integration with Marketing Tools

A standout feature in Sitecore 10.4 is its enhanced ability to integrate with marketing systems through Sitecore Connect, a low-code/no-code integration platform. Built on the Workato iPaaS foundation, Sitecore Connect allows seamless automation of data across popular enterprise systems. By eliminating complex coding requirements, organizations can easily link Sitecore with tools such as Salesforce, Microsoft Dynamics, HubSpot, and Segment.

This advancement enhances marketing data flow, giving teams real-time insights and enabling personalized customer experiences. Vietnam-based tech firms or those outsourcing web development to regions like Vietnam can leverage Sitecore Connect to simplify cross-platform data management. For businesses managing customer interactions across diverse tools, this integration creates opportunities for efficiency and streamlined workflows.

Accessibility and Security Enhancements

Accessibility improvements in Sitecore 10.4 reflect increasing global attention to digital inclusivity, driven by regulations such as the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in the United States, the European Accessibility Act (EAA), and similar initiatives in Canada and the UK. These updates address the challenge of ensuring sophisticated interfaces comply with accessibility standards, particularly for back-end users.

For businesses outsourcing CMS development, this focus on accessibility ensures that both public-facing websites and the platforms supporting them meet regulatory and usability requirements. Enhanced platform security, another focal point of Sitecore 10.4, ensures compliance with data protection standards while safeguarding against emerging threats.

Advanced Visitor Profile Capabilities

Sitecore 10.4 introduces a no-code interface that allows marketers to extend visitor profiles using customizable schemas. This feature simplifies the process of gathering and analyzing user data, enabling teams to gain deeper insights into customer behavior without relying heavily on developer intervention.

For organizations aiming to personalize digital experiences, these updates reduce the technical burden of implementing data-driven marketing strategies.

Over 200 Updates Based on Customer Feedback

Sitecore 10.4 incorporates over 200 updates, ranging from minor tweaks to major enhancements, all driven by customer feedback. While some features might appeal to niche use cases, others address widespread demands for usability and performance improvements. Businesses working with sitecore development partners like S3Corp, can use these updates to build projects aligned with client expectations.

Sitecore XM Cloud vs. Sitecore 10.4

Sitecore 10.4 operates distinctly from XM Cloud, Sitecore’s SaaS offering. While Sitecore 10.4 follows a versioned release model, XM Cloud receives frequent updates, sometimes weekly. This agility makes XM Cloud a compelling choice for businesses seeking advanced features and reduced maintenance burdens.

However, the choice between the two platforms depends on organizational needs. While XM Cloud’s automated updates and exclusive features appeal to forward-thinking companies, Sitecore 10.4 remains ideal for organizations invested in on-premise or hybrid solutions. Migrating from XP to XM Cloud or building a roadmap involving Sitecore 10.4 and XM Cloud compatibility offers flexibility tailored to unique business requirements.

Future Prospects: Generative AI and Connectivity

Sitecore’s roadmap includes the integration of generative AI technologies, potentially offering capabilities like automated content creation, image generation, and layout suggestions. These advancements aim to simplify and enhance the content authoring experience. Additionally, Sitecore plans to increase connectivity with composable stacks, providing businesses with out-of-the-box tools for streamlined operations.

As generative AI evolves, businesses outsourcing web development can anticipate new opportunities for innovation. Vietnam-based outsourcing firms, for example, could integrate Sitecore’s AI-driven features into client projects, adding value while staying ahead of industry trends.

Should You Upgrade to Sitecore 10.4?

The decision to upgrade depends on several factors. Organizations on older versions nearing the end of support should prioritize upgrades to maintain security and functionality. The enhanced features in Sitecore 10.4, such as improved integration, visitor profiles, and accessibility, provide clear value for businesses seeking to modernize their operations.

For those considering XM Cloud, a phased approach might involve upgrading to Sitecore 10.4, implementing modern headless architectures, and preparing for a gradual migration to the SaaS platform. This strategy ensures continuity while unlocking the benefits of composable solutions.

Conclusion

Sitecore 10.4 underscores Sitecore’s commitment to its established platforms while embracing innovations in cloud technology and AI. Whether upgrading to Sitecore 10.4, exploring XM Cloud, or building a hybrid strategy, organizations can count on Sitecore’s stability and forward-looking development.

By leveraging these updates and aligning them with business goals, companies worldwide—including those partnering with sitecore partner experts —can optimize their digital ecosystems for a competitive edge in 2025 and beyond.