For anyone working with hardware and software, obsolescence can be troublesome, annoying, costly, and greatly inhibit overall production. For IT managers overseeing data storage and maintenance, the phasing out of technology can pose major headaches. It’s important, then, for data managers to pay close attention to the potential impact of EOL, or End-of-Life Technology.
Simply put, End-of-Life technology is the date when a vendor stops delivering standard support services for a particular product. Traditionally this includes voice and electronic technical support, hardware and software upgrades, support for new and known defects (PTFs, service packs and updates), in addition to everyday usage and zeroing in on pinpointing and resolving technical problems.
The bottom line is if you’re running End-of-Life technology, you’re putting your data infrastructure at considerable risk. Here are just some of the areas that are vulnerable if you’re running End-of-Life technology:
Security and operating systems. With End-of-Life technology, patches, bug fixes and security upgrades automatically stop. As a result, your product security is essentially at a dead halt. Your security is totally compromised. There’s no quick fix, either; vendors will no longer offer a patch. Using Microsoft as an example, PCs running Windows XP can be vulnerable to viruses, and these can impact newer versions of Microsoft products, including Windows 7 and Windows 10.
Operating with non-state-of-the-art security has other pitfalls. Hackers or competitors can infiltrate networks, wreak havoc on infrastructures or steal your precious information. The impact from unsecured hardware and software can be monumental and include: costly data loss; exposure of corporate and personnel data; pilfering of trade secrets; network failure and legal action.
Hardware support and maintenance risk. While some vendors offer extended maintenance for older technology, rely on aging machines means added expenses; failing to purchase contracts for outdated hardware makes upgrading costly, and finding replacement parts can be difficult if not impossible.
Legal and regulatory liability risk. Companies relying on obsolete hardware and software can face heavy fines and even legal action if they don’t comply with government or industry regulations, particularly when a data breach occurs resulting from the use of older technology.
Reliability and financial risks. Outdated machines are prone to failure and are less reliable, and lease extensions can be real budget-busters; trading outdated equipment for new equipment at the end of a lease makes the most sense.
In short, End-of-Life technology can end up costing your business a considerable amount in money, and in lost productivity. For questions about upgrading your IT equipment, contact an ABC Services professional today, who can present you with the options best suited to your enterprise.