EOLstatus

EOLstatus, short for end-of-life status, is a designation used by a software or hardware vendor to indicate that a product has reached the final phase of its supported lifecycle. When a product is assigned this status, it typically means that it will no longer receive routine maintenance updates, security patches, or official technical support from the vendor.

The determination of EOLstatus is guided by a published lifecycle policy or product-specific timetable. Vendors usually provide advance notices detailing key dates, such as the end-of-sale date, the final date for receiving updates, and the availability of any extended or paid support options. After the specified period, ancillary services, warranties, and API access may be reduced or withdrawn.

Implications of EOLstatus can be significant. Without ongoing updates, software may become vulnerable to security risks and compliance challenges. Hardware may lose compatibility with new peripherals or standards. Organizations are generally advised to plan migrations to supported products, assess data export needs, and ensure continuity of operations. Some vendors offer extended or paid support for a limited time after EOL, while others rely on community, third-party, or open-source alternatives to provide continued maintenance.

Examples of EOLstatus occur across both software and hardware lines, such as major operating systems or device platforms reaching end-of-life dates. While permissible to continue using an EOL product in the short term, users should understand the associated risks and consider transition plans aligned with their security and compliance requirements. Related concepts include end of life, end of service, and product lifecycle management.