In the parlance of computer software, end-of-life (EOL) refers to any software program that has become outdated and, therefore, no longer supported by the manufacturer. Alternately, a computer device that cannot run newer versions of software could also be defined as an EOL product. When you see signs a device is near its EOL stage, it generally means that it’s time for a newer model.
How to Know When a Device Reaches Its End of Life Cycle
Throughout the course of a year, you are liable to see popup warnings appear on your computer screen, where the makers of a given software program inform you that the version you currently have installed of said program is outdated and needs to be upgraded or replaced. A typical EOL warning popup will read as follows:
- “Your computer is using an outdated version of this software program.”
- “Version xxx of this software program is no longer supported by (insert operating system).”
- “This software is no longer supported by the manufacturer. Please visit (insert URL) to download the latest version.”
Like many people, you might be inclined to ignore such warning messages, but this can be a grave error. Over time, you could run into compatibility issues if you continue to run an EOL software program. Moreover, EOL software can render your system vulnerable to viruses because outdated programs are ill-equipped to withstand newer, more potent forms of malware. Consequently, you could have serious and costly problems with your operating system unless you act on the matter sooner instead of later.
Reasons to Replace EOL Devices
Technology is under constant improvement with each passing year. To meet these evolving demands, software programs are upgraded to newer, more advanced versions on an ongoing basis. Consequently, each of the programs installed on your system will eventually hit the EOL mark. When you replace your EOL software and devices, you can ensure better safety and stability across your computer system.
In many cases, the software maker will enhance a program with new features and expanded capabilities. As time passes and more users upgrade to the newer version of the program, the manufacturer will cease to support the earlier version. At this point, the earlier version of the software is EOL.
In the case of many newer software programs, an update soon follows that contains bug-fixes to various problems that users of the initial program have reported to the manufacturer. Sometimes, updates like these are urgent because the program in question will have introduced system vulnerabilities and compatibility issues on thousands of computers.
Often, in cases where a new software program proves to be problematic, the initial version of the program is pulled by the manufacturer, and users have no choice but to update immediately or choose a different program.
Risks of Using Products That Reached the End of Their Life
The number one risk of any EOL software is the vulnerability issue. When you allow outdated software to linger on your computer, you literally expose your operating system and hard drive to malware. Additionally, any virus that takes root on your system could easily spread to other computers on the same network. Moreover, any time you send emails once your computer has been infected, the malware from your system could easily infect theirs the moment they open your messages.
Of course, you can always update the anti-malware software on your machine, but your system could still be vulnerable if you continue to run EOL programs. The vulnerability issue really comes down to security holes in outdated software programs. In a lot of cases, a software program will be updated and patched because hackers will have found holes in the code of a prior version of said program.
EOL software can also put a drag on business productivity. When a program becomes outdated, it is often due to its incompatibility with system upgrades and the newer versions of software that the EOL program must interact with. For example, you might have an outdated version of Flash or JavaScript on your system that doesn’t work with your newly updated browser, and the incompatibility causes your browser sessions to drag.
In any business, time is money, and software that lags and causes moments of downtime can have a draining effect on the productivity of a given workday. Consequently, EOL software can cause you to lose money over time, especially if you allow dozens of outdated programs to linger on your system and slow the performance of your computer.
Slowed productivity is not the only financial hit your business could take if you don’t keep software programs updated on your computer, either. Sooner or later, your computer could start to lock up, crash or slow to the point where it needs to be constantly rebooted. When things come to this, you will inevitably have to take the computer into a service specialist and pay a hefty maintenance bill — an expense that could easily be avoided if you simply heed the warnings about the EOL software on your system.
Dangers of Using a Product Past EOL
In certain industries, the risks associated with EOL software can have legal ramifications. In the world of ecommerce, for example, you must have all system software up-to-date with the latest encryption and security patches. Failure to meet these requirements could leave your customers exposed to identity theft.
EOL software programs can have coding holes that hackers are quick to exploit. If hackers manage to gain access to private customer data — addresses, credit card numbers, social security numbers, etc. — your business could be subject to a system breach that could sink the name of your brand and lead to a flood of customer lawsuits.
Another industry in which up-to-date software is of the utmost importance is the medical sector. In a hospital or medical care facility, EOL software programs and hardware components can cause equipment to slow and possibly fail outright.
When the health and well-being of patients relies on system functions that are compromised due to EOL issues, lives are at risk. Consequently, the very principle on which a hospital is founded upon — patient care — is jeopardized if EOL software or hardware is maintained for any length of time within the system of a healthcare facility.
Benefits of Replacing EOL Products
Hardware components can also become EOL. An old hard drive or motherboard, for instance, could lack sufficient capacity for newer operating systems. For example, a motherboard from the late 1990s that runs on 400 MHz and only accommodates up to 100 Mb of RAM will simply not be capable of running Windows 4.1 or of reading a 1.0 TB/720 RPM hard drive.
Aside from the inconveniences associated with outdated system components — slow performance, compatibility issues, capacity limitations — EOL hardware can become dangerous when its limitations prevent you from updating the software on your computer. One of the software programs on your system could be long overdue for an upgrade due to a widely spread virus, yet an outdated motherboard could possibly hold you back from this crucial move.
When you replace EOL devices at the same time across your computer network, you can better ensure system-wide compatibility with all the latest software upgrades. Therefore, if a software program is no longer supported or dangerously out-of-date, you won’t run into compatibility issues with any of the hardware components once you’ve downloaded and installed the latest programs.
Benign Issues With EOL Software and Hardware
Not all EOL software is vulnerable to malware. For example, a program that runs on your local system but doesn’t involve your Internet connection is far less likely to be exposed over time, especially if your machine is not linked to a network.
In some cases, you might not know that a program is EOL, especially if no updates have been released by the manufacturer. How might this be?
If you buy a new computer or replace your motherboard or operating system, some of the software programs that you have long used might not work in this new setup. Perhaps your new components are so cutting-edge or advanced that assorted software developers have yet to catch up? In any case, you might need to replace the now-incompatible software with a competing program if the functions in question are vital to your productivity.
If you buy a new computer, you might inherit EOL software. Some programs are known as legacy software, which could refer to any program that comes pre-installed on a new computer. However, a time lapse of four-to-six months may occur between the factory assembly of said computer and your date of purchase, at which point some of the software programs included in the system installation could be out-of-date.
In some cases, a software upgrade is not the most prudent move that you could make from a practical or financial standpoint. If the program in question is subject to frequent upgrades, it could be a sign that the manufacturer is incapable of encoding a sound, secure program.
While it is reasonable for a program upgrade to hit the market every year or two, you shouldn’t have to uninstall, reboot and reinstall a program every four-to-six weeks, especially not if competing programs offer the same features and superior longevity.
On your end, the issue could boil down to brand familiarity and loyalty, which you should be willing to break if a software program has a poor track-record for stability. If the manufacturer attaches a fee to every single update, look elsewhere before you part with further cash. Chances are, competing programs do exist that offer the same functions and features with sound, lasting security.
Tips for Managing Products Near End of Life
When hardware reaches the EOL point, it will generally be down to upgrades in software that outpace the hardware’s capacity. Perhaps the hardware is incapable of supporting the processing speeds of newer system software? Or perhaps the hardware manufacturer has since released new models that are better-equipped for the more recent versions of an operating system? In any case, hardware comes with a built-in obsolescence, regardless of how many years or decades a component can technically power-on.
Nonetheless, “new” does not always mean “improved” in the world of hardware. In some cases, a newer model will be a step down from its predecessor in terms of circuitry or design, yet the problems only come to light trough customer complaints and product returns. With some newer models, a vital function from prior models could be missing this time, and the outcry could lead to a recall. Given these possibilities, it is not necessarily wise to jump at the latest hardware upgrades.
From a practical as well as financial standpoint, it is often wise to maintain older hardware, regardless of whether the product has been declared “EOL” by the manufacturer. Before you decide to replace a piece of hardware, consider how much you stand to gain by changing out the component now instead of 12-to-18 months down the line. Ask yourself the following questions as you consider the options:
- Does the older hardware component slow down your system and put a strain on your productivity and finances? Or is the older piece sufficient for your current operations?
- Alternately, would the newer product allow you to better-streamline processes, boost productivity and generate more income? Or would this new purchase simply be down to the vanity of wanting the most high-tech, state-of-the-art system by today’s standards?
If you lean toward the option of hardware replacement, consider also the third option of a product exchange. You might be able to hand in your pre-existing component and get the newer model at a reduced price.
Also keep an eye out for sales and promotions on next-gen products. Whenever you notice that an older piece of hardware has been superseded by a newer model, keep the option in mind without taking the plunge. Instead, check the ads now and then for savings opportunities, and in the meantime, earmark funds for an eventual purchase when the moment is right.
What to Do When There’s No Question EOL is Here
On a related note, you should have a set of contingencies in place for EOL hardware. One such contingency should involve money, a portion of which should always be set aside for the likelihood that certain products will need to be replaced during the course of a given year.
Another contingency would be a plan on how to act when a vital component is suddenly rendered EOL. Questions to consider in this regard include the following:
- Would your current system function if x-component was missing for a select span of days due to a replacement or upgrade?
- If the system cannot function without x-component, would productivity be halted?
- For unabated productivity, where might operations migrate to during this transitory period?
When it comes to older hardware devices that lack trade-in value, the answer is not to simply dispose of such devices. Instead, take your used EOL electronics to the nearest e-cycling center. Electronics recycling is an eco-friendly alternative to the irresponsible practice of sending computer components off to landfills. Do a Google search for e-cycling centers in your area.
At DBK Concepts, we offer software and hardware services to companies throughout the United States. Explore our products and services pages to learn more about what we can provide.