Storage, server and networking hardware, like people, have life spans. Like human adolescents, they need to be nurtured when they’re younger—with updates and refinements to maintain a healthy, productive life. Once these products reach midlife, their stability increases and the need for updates decreases. As the equipment ages, its performance may not be as optimal as it once was. However, with cost-effective support, it can still perform many useful functions. Tailoring maintenance to a piece of equipment’s lifecycle, in this manner, is a practical way to help extend its life and cut costs.

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