Challenges
Replacing end-of-life hardware and software
When support for a firewall, server or operating system ends, so do the patches. A planned replacement costs less than an emergency.
The challenge
Your firewall was set up years ago and nobody has touched it since. A server still runs an old operating system, and some laptops are on Windows 10, which reached end of support on 14 October 2025. Nothing has broken yet, but none of it gets security updates any more, and if the hardware fails the manufacturer will not repair it.
What we would do first
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Find out what is out of support
An IT wellness assessment reviews your hardware, software, networks and applications, and identifies the security risks and weak points.
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Rank what to replace first
Findings in plain language, with recommendations ranked by risk and aligned to your goals, explained to you in person.
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Plan the migration
A migration strategy that fits how your business runs, so replacements are budgeted for and scheduled rather than forced on you by a failure.
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Keep it current afterwards
Devices kept secure and up to date, firewall firmware and threat signatures kept current, and server updates and patches applied on a schedule.
The services that apply
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IT wellness assessment
A clear, independent picture of your IT, what works, what is at risk and what to do next, from a team that looks after IT every day.
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Complete Managed IT
Your computers, laptops and servers kept secure and up to date, whether they are in your office, with remote workers or in the cloud.
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Hosted firewall
Fortinet firewalls hosted in our network and managed by us, blocking threats at the edge before they reach your systems.
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Cloud infrastructure support
Expert support for the servers and cloud infrastructure your business runs on, wherever they are hosted.
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Microsoft and Azure
Microsoft 365 and Azure managed end to end by a Microsoft Partner, from licences to cloud infrastructure.
Further reading
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Guide
Understanding EOL IT services: a guide
End of life: when a manufacturer stops supporting hardware or software. What it means for your firewalls and servers.
Read the guide →
Questions people ask
How can I tell if my hardware or software has reached end of life?
Manufacturers usually announce end of life dates for their products. Your IT provider can also assess the status of your hardware and software and advise on what to do.
We still have Windows 10. What should we do?
Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025, so it no longer receives free security updates. Microsoft's paid Extended Security Updates cover only a limited period: a stopgap, not a plan. Plan the move to Windows 11.
What happens when a firewall reaches end of life?
The manufacturer stops providing updates, patches and technical support, and any hardware warranty expires, so the firewall is exposed to new threats and will not be repaired if it fails.
Is an unsupported server a compliance risk?
It can be. As well as missing security patches, running servers on end-of-life software may lead to non-compliance with regulations such as GDPR or PCI-DSS.
Why plan replacements rather than wait for a failure?
A planned replacement can be budgeted for and scheduled. A failure forces an emergency purchase and unplanned downtime.
Talk to a human about end-of-life hardware and software
Call and we answer within three rings. Or tell us what you need and we will call you back at any time.