Understanding the differences between end-of-life (EOL) and end-of-support (EOS) technology can be confusing, but knowing the impact of these kinds of products is critical to maintaining secure and efficient hardware and software throughout your company.
This blog will cover the basics of EOL vs. EOS technology and what you can do when your products enter these phases.
What Are EOL and EOS?
EOL and EOS are very similar terms that are both related to the retirement of tech, but they are slightly different.
EOL stands for end-of-life, which means that a product will no longer be manufactured or sold, including parts and replacements. It may still work, and the manufacturer may still offer security patches and other similar support, but this depends on the company and the product.
EOS stands for end-of-support, which means that the product will no longer receive any kind of support at all, including security patches or updates. The product may work for a while, but it becomes increasingly less reliable and less secure without any replacements or support available.
What Are the Differences Between EOL vs. EOS?
Let’s take a look at the key differences between EOL vs. EOS and their impact on your business:
- EOL is the end of a product, while EOS is the end of a service: EOL presents the issue of finding replacements and compatible parts, while EOS presents the issue of getting support.
- EOL products may still receive some updates and improvements, like new iOS updates that still work even on an old phone. After EOS, however, these updates generally aren’t supported on the old products.
- EOL products usually still work for quite a while, especially when they receive patches and updates, while EOS products tend to have an even shorter life because they aren’t eligible for further support.
What Do I Do When My Tech Reaches EOL or EOS?
If any of the hardware or software you use in your company is reaching EOL or EOS soon, it’s a good idea to reach out to your tech team or hire an IT provider to make sure you’ll still be able to continue operations. They can give you specific advice based on the tech tailored to your company and help you work through the following basic steps for managing EOL vs. EOS:
EOL Tips
- Communicate Clearly: Let your team (and your clients if needed) know that your systems are reaching EOL or EOS and what this means for them. Keep them updated on any changes or transitions you’ll be making, how they can still get support, etc.
- Look into Support Options: Clarify with the providers of your EOL tech how much, if any, continued support will be offered, including updates, security patches, etc.
- Research New Equipment: EOS often comes very soon after EOL, so once your tech reaches EOL, it’s a good time to start looking into new options so you can stay ahead of any difficulties.
- Dispose of Hardware Responsibly: If you do decide to retire your current hardware, be sure to dispose of it responsibly, researching recycling and e-waste options in your area.
EOS Tips
- Conduct a Risk Assessment: One of the biggest issues with EOS products is that they don’t get security updates anymore, so work with your IT team to ensure these products won’t be putting your company at risk.
- Explore Support Options: There’s a possibility that your tech provider or others can offer some form of support for EOS products, even if the original seller is no longer offering them. Look into these options, but keep in mind that they may not be as comprehensive or secure.
- Launch Your Migration: The best thing to do when your products reach EOS is to transition to new tech. Talk to your IT specialist about other options and work together to develop a smooth migration strategy.
Keep Your Tech Up-to-Date with AIS
With AIS, staying on top of tech updates is simple and stress-free. From migration support to tech assessments, we provide all of the resources you need to understand EOL vs. EOS and navigate both with confidence. So don’t get stuck in the past with old, unsupported hardware and software—let’s make a plan for your tech.