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When Brocade tells you that your hardware is EOL, it means that they are about to release a newer generation. Once the new version is released, Brocade stops actively selling or marketing this particular piece of hardware. During the EOL phase, they may still offer maintenance options to cover your hardware beyond the set EOL date. However, the equipment’s firmware is stable by this time, so typically, there are very few, if any, updates.
The final Brocade hardware lifecycle phase is called EOSL. When Brocade designates hardware EOSL, it means they are no longer selling the hardware, and they typically no longer provide maintenance support services. If there is any Brocade support for your hardware after this date, expect to pay a premium.
Choosing a third-party provider for your maintenance services saves your business money by allowing you to extend the life of your Brocade equipment. At the same time, it provides the same or better benefits of Brocade hardware maintenance like fast support and expert advice, all at a lower cost.
Having a clear understanding of the difference between EOL and EOSL can not only extend the life of your Brocade hardware, it can also save you money. By the time Brocade hardware has reached EOL, the firmware is extremely stable, Brocade has more than likely stopped releasing new updates, and security patches remain generally available to the public, regardless of who’s providing the support services.
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