What is ‘End of Life’ for IT Hardware?

Written by: Mercom

When your tech can’t keep up with the latest updates or is no longer supported by its manufacturer, it may seem like it's approaching the end of its life sooner than expected. Although this realization can be frustrating, as hardware nears the end of its life cycle there are several problems and questions that need to be addressed. That’s why it’s important to stay ahead of the game and strategically plan for technology upgrades or replacements before critical issues arise.

In this blog, we’ll discuss the risks of your business relying on hardware that’s reaching its ‘End of Life’, the potential vulnerabilities they present, ways to push back the expiration date, and how to navigate the inevitable search for alternatives or third-party maintenance providers.

What is EOL?

EOL, or 'End of Life,' is a term used to label the final stages of a product's life cycle, often indicating that the product is outdated, no longer supported by its manufacturer, and may not be compatible with your current hardware needs. When a product hits EOL, you’ll often find you're on your own, without official manufacturer support or updates. You may face difficulties in troubleshooting, and your system could be exposed to security vulnerabilities. EOL doesn't just signal the end of a product's useful life but also the beginning of a challenging phase for you as a user, with potential consequences such as increased security risks, software incompatibility issues, and a higher likelihood of system failures.

Companies establish EOL policies to prepare for such scenarios. They analyze the costs and benefits of continuing with EOL hardware versus acquiring newer hardware. Your options might include sourcing hard-to-find parts, cost analysis, or working with third-party maintenance providers like Mercom. It's a tough decision, but understanding EOL and planning accordingly is a crucial part of managing your hardware effectively.

Potential Risks with Reaching End of Life

Here are four potential risks of EOL that you need to be aware of:

Security Vulnerabilities:

EOL brings an end to security updates, leaving your hardware exposed to cyber threats. Without manufacturer support, unpatched vulnerabilities make your system a target for breaches, jeopardizing sensitive hardware, important files, and sensitive documents.

Lack of Support:

Troubleshooting also becomes challenging without manufacturer assistance. The absence of dedicated support can lead to extended downtime and hinder your ability to connect with new hardware or devices. However, manufacturers sometimes use EOL equipment to push companies into buying their new hardware. In these cases, there is often still support available from third-party support companies.

Performance Issues:

Compatibility problems with newer hardware versions result in slower processing speeds and system inefficiencies. Failing to keep up with evolving hardware standards puts your organization at a competitive disadvantage. 

Replacement Parts:

Manufacturers will not supply replacement parts for EOL equipment. Still, third-party support companies will often have access to them and can repair and support EOL hardware for years after the manufacturer has stopped doing so. 

Preparing for EOL