AEM 6.5 End of Support 2027: Complete Guide to Prepare Your Migration

AEM 6.5 is reaching end of core support in February 2027. Here's everything your organization needs to know to plan and execute its migration to AEM as a Cloud Service.

Key dates to remember

• February 2027: end of AEM 6.5 core support
• February 2028: end of AEM 6.5 extended support
• Starting 2025: new Adobe features (Firefly, GenStudio, AEM Agents) are exclusive to AEM Cloud Service

What "end of support" actually means

End of core support means Adobe will no longer provide regular security patches, no new features, no new Service Packs. Extended support (paid, until 2028) only provides critical security fixes. After 2028, nothing.

Why migrating to AEM Cloud Service is not a simple upgrade

Unlike classic version upgrades (6.3 → 6.4 → 6.5), migration to AEM as a Cloud Service is an architectural change. Key differences:

• No more direct filesystem access — everything goes through Git + Cloud Manager
• Dispatcher works differently (Dispatcher SDK, not Apache)
• OSGI bundles must be refactored for Cloud APIs
• Mutable and immutable content are strictly separated
• Custom run modes are no longer supported
• Classic replication is replaced by Sling Content Distribution
• Oak indexes must be converted

5 mistakes to avoid

Mistake 1: Waiting until the last moment

The longer you wait, the more rushed the project, the more expensive, and the fewer provider options you'll have (everyone will want to migrate at the same time).

Mistake 2: Underestimating complexity

This is not an automatic upgrade. If your AEM is heavily customized (custom OSGI bundles, non-standard components, multiple integrations), refactoring can take months.

Mistake 3: Forgetting content

Code is only half the work. Content transfer (pages, assets, users, permissions) is equally critical and often underestimated.

Mistake 4: Not auditing before budgeting

Many companies try to budget their migration without a prior audit. Result: unrealistic estimates and guaranteed overruns. A 5-day audit costs €5-15K and saves you hundreds of thousands in surprises.

Mistake 5: Choosing a provider that doesn't know AEM

AEM is a niche technology. Generalist IT firms that "also do AEM" don't have the depth of expertise needed for a successful Cloud migration. Choose a specialist.

Where to start

• Run a technical audit of your current AEM environment
• Identify at-risk customizations and integrations
• Estimate budget and timeline
• Choose a specialized provider
• Plan a progressive migration (pilot site first)

How we can help

We offer a 5-day flash audit that analyzes your AEM environment and gives you a precise cost and timeline estimate. It's your first step, with no commitment.