3.1 Explain the purpose of organizational processes and procedures
Life-Cycle Management
📘CompTIA Network+ (N10-009)
Definition
End-of-Support (EOS) is a stage in a product’s life cycle when the manufacturer or vendor stops providing support, updates, and fixes for a product. This can include hardware, software, or networking equipment.
- After EOS, the product will no longer receive:
- Security updates or patches (important for protecting systems from attacks)
- Technical support from the vendor
- Bug fixes or feature updates
Basically, the vendor says: “We are no longer responsible for maintaining or helping you with this product.”
Why EOS Happens
Products are supported for a limited time due to:
- Technological advancements – newer versions or models replace old ones.
- Cost efficiency – supporting old software or hardware becomes expensive.
- Security – older products may not meet current security standards.
- Encouraging upgrades – EOS nudges organizations to adopt newer technologies.
Key Terms Related to EOS
- End-of-Life (EOL) – This usually comes before EOS. It means the vendor stops selling the product, but support may still be available.
- End-of-Support (EOS) – After this point, no updates, patches, or support are provided.
- Extended Support – Some vendors may offer paid extended support after EOS, usually for critical security issues.
Examples in IT Environments
Here are some IT-related examples to illustrate EOS:
- Operating Systems:
- Windows Server 2012 EOS date: October 10, 2023.
- After this date:
- Microsoft stopped security patches.
- Systems running it became vulnerable to attacks.
- Organizations had to upgrade to a newer version like Windows Server 2019 or 2022.
- Networking Equipment:
- Cisco routers or switches may have an EOS date.
- After EOS:
- Cisco stops firmware updates.
- If a new security vulnerability is found, it will not be patched.
- IT teams must plan for replacement or upgrade.
- Software Applications:
- Example: Microsoft Office 2013 EOS in April 2023.
- After this date:
- No security updates.
- No technical support from Microsoft.
- Organizations must move to Office 2016/2019 or Microsoft 365.
Importance of EOS in IT
- Security Risks: Running unsupported systems increases the risk of malware, ransomware, and data breaches.
- Compliance Issues: Certain industries require software to be supported and patched. Using EOS systems may break compliance rules.
- Planning Upgrades: Organizations need to track EOS dates to budget and plan upgrades in time.
- Operational Efficiency: Unsupported systems may fail or not integrate well with newer technology.
How Organizations Handle EOS
- Maintain an asset inventory to track which devices or software are approaching EOS.
- Develop a replacement or upgrade plan before EOS is reached.
- Use extended support if immediate replacement is not possible.
- Document risk assessment for continuing to use EOS products temporarily.
Exam Tips
- Know the difference between End-of-Life (EOL) and End-of-Support (EOS).
- Understand that EOS products do not get security patches or technical support.
- Remember that IT teams must plan upgrades or replacements before EOS to avoid security and compliance issues.
- Vendors like Microsoft, Cisco, and VMware all publish EOS dates for their products—be familiar with this practice.
✅ Summary in Simple Terms
EOS is when a product officially stops receiving support, updates, and patches from its vendor. Using EOS products can be risky, so IT organizations must plan ahead to upgrade or replace them to keep systems secure and functional.
