What to Do When Your Business Technology Reaches End-of-Life

Posted on by

Technology is the backbone of all modern businesses. From software and operating systems through to barcode scanners, printers and everything in between, we rely on these tools to keep things running smoothly. But what happens when one of these products reaches its EOL (End of Life)? If you are not sure, don’t worry as you are not alone. This article aims to explain it further for you.

What Is EOL or End of Life?

When a technical product reaches its End of Life (EOL), it means the manufacturer has decided to stop supporting it. This can include halting security updates, software patches, or even customer service for that product. Essentially, the company is saying, “That item it too old, we are moving on and so should you.”

EOL doesn’t mean the device stops working immediately, but it does mean you are on your own if something goes wrong. That is why it’s important to know about EOL and plan accordingly.

How Long Before a Product Reaches EOL?

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all answer here. The lifespan of a product depends on the device and the company that made it. For example:

  1. Printers: These often have a lifespan of around 5-7 years.
  2. Barcode scanners: Depending on the model, they might last 5-10 years before hitting EOL.
  3. Computers and tablets: Typically, they’ll reach EOL after 4-6 years, though high-end devices may last longer.
  4. Operating Systems: Microsoft generally support their operating systems for 10 years (5 years mainstream + 5 years extended). Mainstream support includes bot security and product updates, while extended support is only security updates). Apple generally provides support for each macOS version for about three years after its initial release.
  5. Software & Applications: As there is a multitude of different software and applications their EOL varies greatly. Microsoft support their applications for approximately 10 years, in line with their OS support policy.

It can be  hard to predict when a company will pull the plug on a product. However, knowing when the product was first released can give you a clue. Companies often follow patterns, so researching their past history can help you estimate how long a product might be supported.

What Happens When a Product Reaches EOL?

When a product hits EOL, several things happen:

  1. No More Support: The manufacturer stops offering technical support, updates, or bug fixes.
  2. No Security Updates: This is especially risky for devices connected to your network. Without security patches, you are leaving gaping holes in that product which are then vulnerable to cyberattacks.
  3. Compatibility Issues: As other software and hardware evolve, your EOL product may no longer work with them. For example, a barcode scanner might stop working after a Windows operating system update.
  4. Harder to Replace: Replacement parts and compatible accessories may become difficult or impossible to find.

Planning for EOL

The good news is that companies usually give plenty of warning before a product reaches its EOL date. Here are some ways on how you can prepare:

  1. Track Product Lifecycles: Keep a list of your devices and note their release dates. Research how long similar products from the same manufacturer have lasted in the past.
  2. Upgrade Gradually: Don’t wait until the last minute to replace EOL devices. Plan upgrades over time to avoid a major financial hit.
  3. Stay Informed: Sign up for manufacturer updates so you know of any EOL announcements.

The Risks of Running Beyond EOL

Using a device past its EOL date might seem like a cost-saving measure, but it can backfire. Here’s why:

  1. No Fixes for Problems: If your barcode scanners stop working after an operating system update, you could face extended downtime with no solution.
  2. Increased Security Risks: Without updates, your devices are vulnerable to cyberattacks that could compromise your entire network.
  3. Unplanned Downtime: The longer you use EOL products, the higher the chance of failure. And when something breaks, finding a quick replacement might be impossible.

How We Can Help

Managing your hardware lifecycle can be overwhelming, especially if you’re juggling multiple devices. That’s where we come in.

As an IT support provider (AKA as a MSP or TSP), we help businesses like yours stay ahead of EOL issues by:

  1. Tracking Product Lifecycles: We can monitor your devices and let you know when it’s time to plan for upgrades.
  2. Creating Upgrade Plans: We work with you to budget for and implement new devices before your old ones become EOL.
  3. Seamless Upgrades: Our team handles the installation and setup of your new equipment, so you can keep working without interruptions.

Don’t let outdated technology slow your business down. Reach out to us today to get started on a hardware lifecycle plan tailored to your needs.