Archives for 2023

It’s crucial to keep all software and hardware up to date to maintain optimal security. If you don’t, cybercriminals can easily infiltrate your network and the chances for downtime increase significantly. However, many businesses don’t realize that expired software/hardware can actually be one of the most prominent security risks hindering their success. If you are among those who continue to use unsupported software and hardware until it literally doesn’t work anymore, remember that it could be a severe hurdle to your organization’s daily operations and reputation. We know there are many myths surrounding End of Service or End of Life that create a great deal of confusion for businesses like yours. This blog is intended to help you clear things up. Debunking the myths Without further ado, let’s debunk the most popular myths. Myth #1: If it’s not broken, don’t fix (or replace) it The adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” is popular, but it would not be wise to follow it when it comes to software and hardware. The truth is that if you fail to update your software and hardware when the time comes, you expose your network to security vulnerabilities, bugs and other issues. There are several reasons to keep your software and hardware up to date. Newer software and hardware versions are usually more stable and less prone to crashes and bugs. Moreover, new updates frequently include security patches that keep you safe from cyberattacks. Finally, updates may include new features and enhancements that can make your life easier. Next time you’re tempted to skip an update, remember you could be kickstarting a chain of events that’s not good for your organization. Myth #2: End of Life means the product will no longer exist Although the product will still be available, it will no longer receive security updates, new features or tech support from the manufacturer. This means that it will become increasingly vulnerable to security risks and may be unable to keep up with your workload. It also implies your IT team will find it harder to keep your IT network and devices secure from cyberthreats. If you’re using a piece of hardware or software that has reached the end of its life cycle, you should consider upgrading to a newer model or investing in a new software license. Myth #3: End of Service means I can still use the product until it breaks While the software or hardware might still physically work, being in End-of-Life and End-of-Service state means there’s no longer a team of people working to not only improve the product but also look after, communicate, create and release patches should a new security vulnerability arise. This could leave you prone to attacks, as well as unable to use new features and capabilities that are released. Knowing the End-of-Service dates for your software and hardware can help you plan ahead and ensure you’re not left in the dark when support ends. Join hands for success It’s probably your top priority to keep your software/hardware up to date so your business doesn’t suffer avoidable consequences. However, it can be too much to handle if you try to do it alone. This is where an IT service provider can be of assistance. We can support you by offering vital guidance and expertise so you can decide what steps to take to keep your IT systems running smoothly and securely. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to reach out for a consultation. You can also dive deeper into this topic by downloading our checklist, “How Technology Reaching End of Service Can Impact Your Business,” by clicking here.

When a software or hardware product reaches its End of Life (EoL) or End of Service (EoS), it’s no longer supported by the manufacturer. This can be a cause of concern for organizations like yours because unsupported technologies have no routine internal security measures or support from the manufacturer. The good news is that there are steps you can take to mitigate the risks that come with EoL software/hardware and protect your business. Read on further to learn about them. Practical steps Although there may be a sufficiently large list of practical steps, the four most impactful ones are: Prioritize security Organizations need to prioritize security immediately after identifying EoL software/hardware. Work with a reputable vendor who can provide essential security protocols and tools to keep your data safe. Also, create a plan to keep any potential security risks at a minimum. This might include implementing additional security measures, such as two-factor authentication or increased monitoring of high-risk areas. By taking these precautions, you can ensure your organization’s data is protected against threats. Measure productivity As your software/hardware nears the end of its life, it’s crucial to measure its productivity so that your organization doesn’t suffer. Here are a few things you can do to minimize any negative impact on your organization: Keep track of the software/hardware performance. This will help you identify if any issues escalate. Ensure employees who use it are aware of its status. This will help them be more receptive if there are any problems. Have a contingency plan in case the software/hardware completely fails. This will help you avoid any major disruptions to your organization. Evaluate long-term needs When planning for the future, it’s critical to consider the long-term viability of your essential systems. What are your objectives, and which systems are crucial to achieving them? Evaluating the risks of using EoL systems is a vital step when deciding whether to upgrade. What are the consequences of continuing to use an outdated system? What are the chances the consequences will happen, and how severe would they be? Taking these factors into account can assist you in making the best decision for your organization, ensuring you have the right systems in place to support your goals. Test compatibility before migration The EoL date for a system can be months or years in the future; however, planning for the migration should begin well before that date. By doing so, you can avoid any disruptions that may occur during the migration process. Testing compatibility is one of the first steps in migrating to a new system. You must ensure all your data and applications can be transferred to the new system. Setting up a test environment and running some tests is the best way to accomplish this. Collaborate for success It must be clear by now that EoL/EoS software and hardware can pose several risks to your organization. Implementing all the practical steps listed above to avoid these risks can be overwhelming if you don’t have assistance. This is where an IT service provider like us can come in handy. We can help you protect your company from the dangers of EoL/EoS software and hardware. To learn more, feel free to contact us today. Meanwhile, you can go through our infographic “What Does End of Support Mean for Your Business?” which you can download by clicking here.