Native Advertising Article – End-of-Life Services
Sponsored blog article for a communications technology software provider.
Forced to Update: What Happens When Your Preferred Turret Solution is No Longer Supported?
Technology moves fast. While new developments and upgrades are meant to solve problems and improve various processes, the need to transition from an established solution to something newer will often create its own set of issues. This can be particularly difficult when an aging piece of technology is vital to a system.
Financial institutions have had to deal with this often. Many hardware-based trader communication systems, like dealer boards and trading turrets used for call visualization and prioritization, are becoming more complex to maintain. Some equipment providers are no longer providing hardware support now that more customers are switching to cloud-hosted trader voice software and turret as a service options, which eliminate the need for conventional voice turrets.
But even as a company considers using a hosted trader voice option, there is still a period of transition. With complex communication infrastructures, it’s not feasible to simply pull the plug on an old system and implement a new one. Instead, the transition process is made smoother and more secure through EOL product support, also known as end-of-life product services, which become essential at the end of a product lifecycle.
What Is A Product Life Cycle?
The lifecycle of a product can be separated into several different milestones. GA, or general availability, is the period over which a product can be easily purchased, implemented, and maintained because the manufacturer and service providers fully support the use of the product. In the case of hardware, this means parts and upkeep services are easily accessible.
The next milestone is EOLA, which is the end-of-life announcement. Not all products will have a formal EOLA, but for those that apply, this means the manufacturer has publicized that it will be phasing out or moving on from the production of the product.
The LOD milestone, which refers to the last order date, will then follow, usually after a relatively short period. Once this date has passed, the manufacturer and its vendors will no longer sell new units, and limited access to parts, support, and related services will follow.
The final milestone is EOL or end-of-life. Once the product has reached the EOL point of its lifecycle, the manufacture and authorized vendors will end all liability for supporting the product.
At this point, the product user is left with limited options. While the need to update might be an inevitability, EOL services make it easier to do so over a time frame that’s in the consumer’s control, rather than one dictated by a manufacturer or vendor.
How Do End Of Life Services Work?
End-of-life services are sometimes offered by authorized providers and distributors, or they may be offered by independent and third-party sellers. They will vary based on several factors, including the specific product or system being supported and the EOL service provider.
In the case of technology and communications products utilized for essential and business operations, EOL services are usually a combination of support, maintenance, backup, and eventually transition into a full update.
As the company is still using the old system and examining new possibilities, the EOL service provider will maintain connectivity, procure any necessary parts for maintenance, and offer guidance throughout the transition. EOL service providers usually maintain partnerships and the technical resources to fill in support gaps as they arise.
The transition from an EOL system to a fully supported option is more gradual and will better enable personnel to navigate learning curves and ensure all company data and operational needs are retained during the move from one system to another.
Are EOL Services Worth It?
Whether EOL services are a necessary investment depends on the specific needs of your organization, the system and hardware being phased out, and the amount of time and flexibility needed before a new solution is adopted. If a simple upgrade can be implemented simultaneously, and over a period that will not interfere with daily operations, then EOL services may not be required. Conversely, the more complex a system, the more EOL services will benefit a company for the cost.
Keep in mind, EOL services are scalable. They can range from simple guidance, maintenance, and data management over a short period to comprehensive life support that fits with the gradual and complete restructuring of a company’s technology infrastructure.