EoL and EoS – what do they mean?
The terms EoL and EoS are encountered in both the consumer and business contexts. EoL stands for end-of-life and EoS for end-of-service. What does this mean for users?
End-of-Life: This term refers to the point in time at which a manufacturer discontinues the production and marketing of a particular product. It is no longer manufactured in the way it was previously known, and no new functions, innovations, enhancements, or accessories are developed or sold for it. However, end-of-life does not mean that the device is no longer usable, but only that it is no longer offered on the primary market. Certain functions may become slower over time as the hardware becomes obsolete. EoL precedes EoS and can be interpreted as a yellow traffic light phase: nothing serious is happening yet, but a certain amount of caution and mindfulness is required.
End-of-service: End-of-service, sometimes also referred to as end-of-support, is more of a red warning signal. EoS effectively means that the manufacturer no longer offers replacement parts, applications are no longer updated, and the device remains at its current version. Furthermore, support is no longer provided for problems with this device and security updates are no longer carried out. This poses an active risk of security vulnerabilities via products that have reached EoS status. Compatibility problems with newer devices within the network may arise if they use more recent hardware and software versions. Especially in sensitive environments, it is recommended not to wait until the end of service, but to integrate new or refurbished products into the networks in good time to ensure smooth operation.
What are the main differences?
In everyday life, the meanings of EoL and EoS can be confused, or measures may not be taken in time to minimize risks and errors. To be on the safe side, it is better to be proactive than reactive. Here is an overview of the main differences between EoL and EoS:
| End-of-Life (EoL) | End-of-Support (EoS) |
|---|---|---|
| Product is no longer sold by the manufacturer | Manufacturer discontinues technical support and maintenance |
| Earlier phase in the life cycle | Later phase – often several years between EoL and EoS |
| No longer possible to purchase new directly from the manufacturer | Device can still be operated, but has no official support |
| Limited or discontinued (critical fixes only) | Completely discontinued – no more updates |
| May still be available | No longer available → high risk |
| Limited, possibly via maintenance contracts (e.g., Cisco SMARTnet) | No longer available, including fault diagnosis |
| Only remaining stock or third-party suppliers | Very limited or no longer available |
| Medium (temporary solutions still possible) | High (security and stability issues) |
| Plan to replace the product in the medium term | Immediate migration/replacement recommended |
How can I tell if my hardware is reaching EoL or EoS status?
Official lists from the respective manufacturers are a reliable indicator of the status of a device in use. Cisco, for example, provides a detailed overview on its website of which product series are being discontinued and for which support is no longer offered. Cisco distinguishes between the definitions in a slightly more nuanced way. EOS here means “end of sale,” i.e., the end of direct sales of this product. Cisco defines the last point in the life cycle as LDOS – the last day of support.
Manufacturer Juniper maintains a list of all end-of-life dates for its product series. Other providers such as Fortinet, HPE, and Ubiquiti also have such overviews, which are intended to make it easier for customers to plan new purchases in good time. If such lists are not available or if you are unsure, it is advisable to contact customer support. As a rule of thumb, a product usually has between 5 and 7 years until it reaches EoL status and can be 7 to 10 years old before the manufacturer's service is discontinued.
How can I plan ahead?
It is advisable to keep track of the age of your inventory in an inventory list. For example, manufacturer information can be used to establish rules in good time for when warnings should be issued about EoL or EoS. As a general rule, in the case of EoL, you should check how long the product still has until EoS status and to what extent replacements need to be procured.
However, network devices should generally be serviced regularly to prevent damage and malfunctions outside of EoL and EoS cycles. If you are unsure about service and maintenance, we recommend the ClaverCare program from IT-Market.com. These maintenance contracts allow you to select and book a customized package tailored to your needs.
Are you unsure, need individual advice on the life cycles of your network technology, or want to learn more about our CleverCare packages? Our competent team is happy to assist you. IT-Market.com is also there for you when upgrading to more current hardware.