Glossary A–ZLetter E
End of support (end of life)
End of support, also called end of life, is the point from which a manufacturer no longer maintains a product or software version, meaning it supplies no more updates, spare parts or help.
A distinction is often made between the end of sales and the end of security updates.
In screen networks, devices often run for longer than the software on them is maintained. A player with an old operating system version keeps playing but no longer receives security updates, and new versions of the playback app eventually require a newer operating system version. From December 2027, the Cyber Resilience Act requires manufacturers to define the support period and state it at the time of purchase; it should generally be at least five years.
Operators should ask about the end of support in their tender and record it for each device in the inventory. Once it is reached, a decision is due: replace the device, disconnect it from the network or consciously accept the risk. The term is used inconsistently; some manufacturers mean the end of sales by end of life, others the end of all maintenance. Retired devices must be disposed of properly.