As a business leader, I want to understand why my organization should consider upgrading to Camunda 8 (Zeebe). What are the key advantages it offers over Camunda 7?
So, Camunda 8, or Zeebe, brings significant technical advantages that organizations should really consider. It introduces a revamped execution engine that leverages cutting-edge technologies and architectural improvements. This engine enhances performance and scalability, enabling organizations to handle much larger process volumes and accommodate future growth. Basically, if you’re processing more than, let’s say, a thousand transactions per second, you should seriously think about Zeebe.
Zeebe also introduces an updated user interface, offering improved usability and responsiveness. The UI experience is much better and more pleasant. You’ll be able to build forms and deliver them in a much more pleasing way.
Camunda 8 incorporates architectural enhancements to support cloud-native deployments. This means that it seamlessly integrates with technologies like Kubernetes and enables organizations to leverage the benefits of container orchestration and auto-scaling, using infrastructure as code. This is really the way to go if you want to utilize the native elements of the cloud.
But doesn’t Camunda 7 have more market share and adoption? Shouldn’t I go for the system that’s more widely used?
You are a hundred percent right that Camunda 7 has a stronger base of adoption. However, Zeebe is the future of Camunda. Cloud-based SaaS workflows as a utility is where the market is heading, and specifically, that’s where Camunda is going. You have to think about where you want to be in the future. You don’t want to be Blockbuster; you want to be Netflix. The reality is that Camunda is investing heavily in Zeebe. If you’re thinking about where we are currently, it may make sense to go, “Oh, well, Camunda 7 has more adoption and there’s more knowledge out there on how to work with it.” But if you’re thinking about where you’re going to be three or five years from now, the future is Zeebe.
That sounds compelling, but I’m concerned about the migration process from Camunda 7 to Zeebe. What are the key considerations and challenges involved in upgrading?
One important thing you have to think about is the compatibility of your existing processes and customizations with the new version of Camunda 8. Camunda is trying to maintain backward compatibility, but I can tell you from personal experience that it’s not 100% guaranteed. If you’re transitioning from 7 to 8, you have to be careful. You should consider getting someone who has experience with this transition to help. It doesn’t have to be us, but it should be someone who fits our profile.
It’s also important to plan for a phased migration to minimize disruption to ongoing operations. Usually, this means, for example, using a router or load balancer in front of the applications, where existing applications go to your Camunda 7 instance and new applications go to your Camunda 8 instance. Eventually, you can phase out the Camunda 7 instances and fully transition to Camunda 8.
If you have concurrent limitations happening, it becomes crucial to manage the transition smoothly.
How does Camunda support organizations in their adoption of ZB and the transition from Camunda 7 from a technical standpoint?
Camunda deserves kudos for their excellent support in this regard. They provide extensive technical support and resources to help customers facilitate the adoption of Zeebe. They often assign an expert to work closely with you, offering a comprehensive migration guide and guiding you through the process. They also have dedicated support channels, including free community forums and professional services support, to ensure that customers feel supported and comfortable throughout the transition.
Additionally, organizations like ours can assist you through the process and provide dedicated support. It’s worth noting that when Camunda releases updates, fixes, features, and integrations, they prioritize Camunda 8 before Camunda 7. So, you need to think not just about where you are, but where you want to be. There are problems that may be challenging to solve in Camunda 7 but become easier in Camunda 8, which makes the transition even more compelling.