IT Lifecycle Management
IT Lifecycle Management
Lifecycle management is the strategic process of managing IT assets, such as hardware, software, and infrastructure, from acquisition to retirement and it is an essential process in IT.
It is part of our service delivery and ensures that technology investments align with business goals, keep clients secure and up to date, are reliable and provide maximum value throughout their lifespan. It includes planning, development, implementation, maintenance, and eventual retirement or decommissioning.
So how does this play out?
Below are 2 examples of Lifecyle management of existing hardware and software assets.[/vc_column_text]
Sophos Firewalls
Installing a firewall is essential for any business to safely use the internet and prevent unauthorized access. Over six years ago, Integer installed and secured many of our clients with Sophos XG Firewalls. At the time of installation, we subscribed to security updates for an initial 36 months. Since then, we have continuously updated these firewalls with major software releases and enhancements to protect the IT infrastructure as part of our service.
After the initial 36-month term, we transitioned to monthly security updates. This not only continues to secure our clients’ sites but also extends the hardware warranty as long as the security subscriptions are active.
On 30th September 2021, Sophos announced they would stop selling these firewalls and security subscriptions on 31st March 2025. As part of our lifecycle management, we began engaging with our clients in October 2023 to highlight the need to budget for a replacement firewall. This replacement must be completed before 31st March 2025, as security updates and warranties will end, leaving the systems unprotected.
Some clients committed to the new investment before the financial year-end on 30th June 2024, while others budgeted for the change during the current fiscal year. As a result, Integer does not anticipate clients needing to consider another firewall upgrade for at least six years.
2. Microsoft Windows 10 End of Life
Similar to the firewall scenario, Microsoft announced that support for Windows 10 will end on 14th October 2025, along with Microsoft Office 2016 and 2019.
We informed all our clients and published an article on our website (See below) in January 2023, urging clients to start planning. This provided advanced notification and two financial year budget cycles to prepare for the necessary future investment.
With support agents on our clients’ desktop and notebook computers, we can assess which devices meet the technical requirements to run Windows 11 and identify those that do not. Integer has reported to clients the number of devices that can be upgraded to Windows 11 to remain secure after 14th October 2025. Quotations have been sent for new equipment and the disposal of older devices to E-waste for those that do not pass the technical test.
The obvious challenge is the sheer number of Windows 10 devices in circulation, as it has been such a stable and reliable operating system.
Windows 10 End of Life – 14th October 2025 – Let’s Plan for it.
Top 5 Reasons Why IT Lifecycle Management is So Important
- Cost Efficiency – Effective budget planning reduces unnecessary spending by optimizing IT investments.
- Security & Compliance – Ensures systems are up-to-date and protected from cyber threats.
- Performance & Productivity – Keeps IT infrastructure running smoothly with minimal downtime.
- Sustainability – Promotes responsible disposal and minimizes e-waste.
- Strategic Decision-Making – Helps businesses plan for future technology needs.
Failing to properly manage the IT lifecycle poses significant risks to businesses. Unsupported IT items can lead to network vulnerabilities, making them susceptible to security breaches and compatibility issues with newer software versions.
As a final note, when hardware or software falls out of support and is not planned for an upgrade, these items should be added to the known risk register. This ensures directors are aware of their potential exposure.
If you found this article interesting and would like to discuss your IT lifecycle management or any aspect of IT security and planning, please do not hesitate to contact us.
