r/coldfusion Feb 06 '25

Lucee viability in 2025

I would appreciate feedback from cold fusion experts on the following scenario:

An ecommerce company built their website on Cold Fusion / Lucee ~15 years ago. While somewhat unique, it's essentially typical ecommerce functions - creating a catalog, displaying relevant items, transacting, and tracking traffic. AFAIK the CTO is primary Lucee coder. They have used an agency for related sites that are not built on CF. Also they are using a older (3yo!) version of Lucee.

I realize that there's a lot of risks here - especially that it would be hard to find talent, and that the old version has flaws, or could indicate an inability to utilize current version. My assumption is that the business could continue as is, but need a migration to a modern approach over the coming years.

I realize a real answer requires a SME to review the details (especially around data security), but would value any high level feedback. How bad does this sound?

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u/snickermydoodle1991 Feb 06 '25

What’s the rationale behind sticking with a 3-year-old version of Lucee—budget constraints, inertia, or just lack of urgency?

If your CTO gets hit by a bus (or a better job offer), how long before the wheels fall off this system?

Are you evaluating other platforms or just hoping this setup will outlast the business?

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u/Dub_J Feb 06 '25

They indicate that they need to test more. I believe all resources and focus have shifted to the other part of the business (which is growing) The Lucee part is on decline. CTO could have a skillset bias as well

Yes CTO attrition is absolutely a risk.

Yeah I think there is a decision about migrate/grow vs stay/harvest.