PHP Version Upgrade

PHP Version Upgrade (5.6 to 8.x) – Data Migration Process

Applicable To: All uKnowva HRMS Clients

1. Purpose

This policy outlines the mandatory upgrade of PHP from version 5.6 to 8.x for all uKnowva HRMS clients. The transition ensures enhanced security, performance, and compliance while maintaining seamless functionality.

2. Why Is This Upgrade Necessary?

Security

PHP 5.6 has reached End of Life (EOL) and no longer receives security patches.
PHP 8.x provides active security updates, protecting against vulnerabilities.

Performance

PHP 8.x executes scripts 2-3x faster due to optimizations like JIT compilation.
Improved memory management ensures smoother HRMS operations.

Modern Features & Compatibility

Supports new coding standards (Union Types, Named Arguments, Nullsafe Operator).
Ensures compatibility with latest frameworks, libraries, and hosting environments.

Compliance & Hosting Requirements

Most cloud providers no longer support PHP 5.6.
Staying on PHP 5.6 may violate GDPR, PCI-DSS, and other regulatory standards.

3. Upgrade Process – Step-by-Step

✔ Pre-Migration Steps

Client Communication

A formal email will be sent informing about the migration.
Clients may request documentation explaining the necessity of this upgrade.

Staging Environment Setup

A UAT (User Acceptance Testing) site will be created with PHP 8.x.
Credentials will be shared with the client for testing.

Compatibility Checks

uKnowva’s server team will audit and resolve any PHP 8.x compatibility issues.
The QA team will validate functionality on the staging site.

✔ Migration Execution

Live Migration

The server team will schedule the upgrade in coordination with the client.
Zero downtime – Data and functionality in the live instance remain intact.

Post-Migration Verification

uKnowva’s CSE team will monitor for issues.
Immediate rollback available in case of unexpected errors.

4. Client Responsibilities

✔ Inform internal teams about the scheduled upgrade.

5. uKnowva’s Commitments

✔ No data loss – All HRMS data remains secure.

✔ No frontend disruptions – UI/UX remains unchanged.

✔ 24/7 Support – Assistance available at every stage.

6. Support & Queries

For any concerns or assistance, contact:

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+9122-48965820

Appendix: Key Benefits of PHP 8.x Over PHP 5.6

Feature	PHP 5.6 ❌	PHP 8.x ✅
Security Updates	No Support	Active Patches
Speed	Slow	2-3x Faster
Modern Syntax	Limited	Advanced (JIT, Nullsafe Operator)
Hosting Support	Discontinued	Fully Supported

Note: This upgrade is mandatory for all clients to ensure continued security and optimal performance. Also, this policy represents uKnowva's commitment to enterprise-grade technical stewardship while ensuring minimal client disruption. All migration activities will be conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and technical rigor.

Policy Owner: uKnowva DevOps & Customer Success Team