If you use HPE servers, you've probably come across "End of Sale" (EOS) announcements when trying to upgrade your existing infrastructure or when looking to purchase more of the same products to ensure consistency in your setup. But what exactly does EOS mean? EOS refers to the date after which a product is no longer available for purchase from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, its global subsidiaries, affiliates, authorized resellers, or country distributors. Typically, HPE announces the EOS date for a product 3 to 6 months prior to its actual effect.
A notable case is the DL380 and DL360 Gen9, which reached its EOS in 2020. Despite this, many still widely use these servers. Let's explore why HPE manages the lifecycle of their products in this manner.
Understanding the HPE game
The IT hardware industry, like other businesses, tries to maximize its profits. One of their strategies involves operating in cycles. Organizations invest heavily in new hardware, expecting long-term use and consistent performance. However, within a few years, manufacturers may stop the sale of essential components, and eventually, they may also withdraw technical support. While this business model supports OEM profitability, it often forces many organizations to make premature and sometimes unnecessary purchases. After all, these companies are measured by new sales, not by assisting their customers in maintaining their hardware for as long as desired.
Who should decide your IT lifecycle strategy, HPE or you?
Enterprises should remain the decesion makers of their hardware lifecycle strategy. Rather than being pressured by the OEM, companies must be able to decide when and how to upgrade or replace their equipment. The ability to make decisions based on operational needs and budgetary considerations, rather than manufacturer deadlines, is crucial for optimal business operations. We often find that HPE users are unaware of options other than dealing with the OEM and purchasing new equipment. Another common scenario is that they've had a negative experience buying used hardware from sources like eBay or other unreliable vendors. It's understandable that they wouldn't want to take risks. However, there are many reliable sources available, so such past experiences shouldn't stop them.
How can refurbished hardware save budget and stress for you?
When sourced from reliable vendors, refurbished equipment—thoroughly tested and certified—provide a performance level like new products, complete with long-term warranties. Let's see the advantages of purchasing refurbished hardware:
Big savings: purchasing refurbished hardware results significant savings, ensuring better utilization of IT budgets.
Rapid availability: HPE servers and parts can be delivered to any EU country within a few business days.
Environmental benefits: choosing refurbished equipment significantly reduces electronic waste, promoting a more sustainable IT approach.
Realibility: a common reservation about refurbished products is around reliability. However, top-tier providers have established very high quality assurance standards, ensuring that the products enterprises receive have undergone exhaustive testing and meet the highest industry benchmarks.
If you have any questions or would like more information about our refurbished HPE equipment and parts, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Whether you're ready to make a purchase or just exploring your options, we're here to help. You can reach us at info@server-parts.eu.