Data centers are particularly bulky and environmentally unfriendly IT hardware assets. Yet, like all IT hardware, the equipment in them can only last so long – either before it is rendered defunct or needs to be replaced with a newer and higher performing model.
The nuances of data center equipment is such that every configuration is different, but there are some estimations that can be made on how long servers can be expected to last. Read on for the full guide on data center server longevity, and what can be done to ‘sweat’ the most possible value from your IT assets.
The Typical Replacement Cycle of Data Center Servers
Traditionally, data center servers have been replaced on a cycle of between 3-5 years by their owners. However, this is not necessarily because the servers have ceased working, but often because either further performance or power is needed (usually provided from a newer model of server), or the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) has withdrawn their support in favour of a newer model. OEM warranty periods tend to last no longer than 5 years.
Indeed with the ever-shifting, growing and improvement in tech, up to 5 years has been considered the average lifespan of a data center server before something newer and higher powered is available. Now that data centers are capable of such vast processing power, it should be that servers last longer; but in truth this is largely down to the owner or operator choosing to extend their lifespan rather than simply replacing them.
However, studies into data center server lifespan by analysts compared with the figures provided by OEMs vary hugely. On average, while OEMs tend to recommend replacement or refresh between the standard 3-5 year mark (and then withdraw their warranty), analysts have found that in reality, data center servers tend to function for between 7-10 years; with rack servers averaging around 6 and integrated systems 10.
The Concept of EOSL and EOL
There are two acronyms used often in data center management referring to the lifespan of hardware: EOSL (End Of Service Life) and EOL (End Of Life).
The former, EOSL, refers to the date at which the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) will withdraw their ongoing support, maintenance and updates for the server. It is at this point that traditionally hardware was replaced with a model of which the OEM still offered support, and it usually happens around the 4-5 year point. However, this doesn’t necessarily equate to the end of the operation of servers as in many cases, the assets are still perfectly functional.
EOL, refers to the true end of life point of the hardware. It is at this point that the servers cease to function entirely and should be replaced (if not prior, to prevent downtime or service disruption).
The Potential Longevity of Data Center Servers
Although a hardware’s OEM may not continue to offer support, Third Party Maintenance services can be purchased if the server/s are still operational – so there need be no downtime or service disruption even when the manufacturer chooses to focus on newer models.
Third Party Maintenance is offered by a variety of specialist companies, including Procurri. Our Third Party Maintenance services are often more comprehensive than those offered by OEMs, including:
- 24/7 access to support engineers on out ‘follow the sun’ model
- Level 3 and 4 expert engineers available at all time
- On-site and remote support available all hours of the day
- Flexible and short-term contracts
- Access to the industry’s biggest hardware inventory for spare parts, including legacy and rare hardware
- Customizable Service Level Agreements
- Coverage in 100+ countries.
Third Party Maintenance allows the longevity of IT assets to be extended and ‘sweated’ for as long as possible; allowing for budget accumulation to replace assets, existing hardware to be used to its full potential and the avoidance of unnecessary overconsumption and e-waste production. As such, data center servers subject to Third Party Maintenance services are often able to operate over 8 years and up to 10 years at a time with proper maintenance and reasonable load.
The Benefits of Extending the Lifespan of IT Hardware Assets
Hyperscalers, such as AWS (Amazon Web Services) and Meta, facing increasing focus on the sustainability impact of their operations. As such, they’re now choosing to extend the lifespan of their data center servers to at least 6 years, in order to negate environmental and overconsumption concerns.
Yet all businesses running data centers can benefit from the increased sustainability focus and economic focus of extending their servers lifespan. These include:
- ROI on hardware purchase is increased the longer its used for
- Working with a Carbon Neutral certified business in choosing to use Procurri’s services
- Extending server lifespans defers further hardware purchase; fuelling cost savings
- Avoiding unnecessary overconsumption through the regular repurchase of hardware
- Avoiding unnecessary e-waste through the regular cycle of ITAD (IT Asset Disposition)
- Newer, bigger servers often require more cooling, which is an added deferred expense
- OEM maintenance services are usually more expensive than Third Party Services.
Factors to Consider in Choosing to Extend IT Asset Lifespan
While an OEM will always recommend replacement of data center servers at their EOSL point, there is actually more to consider than simply their maintenance service availability. Such considerations include (but are by no means limited to):
- Are the users’ demands on the server still being met?
- Is the server still performing as needed?
- Can the server purchase be paid by credit over an extended period of time if it remains in use?
- What disruption will end users be subject to if data is transferred between servers?
- Is replacing the hardware the best use of budget if there is an alternative option in Third Party Maintenance?
- Can a Third Party Maintenance service offer the same maintenance services (or ideally, even more comprehensive) than those available from the OEM?
All of the answers to these questions will be bespoke dependent on the business, with the solution for each tailored to them. Get in touch with the Procurri team today to talk through your configuration and options for it.
Other Ways To Extend Data Center Server Lifespan
Regular maintenance with security patches and updates are essential for the extension of data center server lifespan, but there are other ways that can help IT assets perform well for longer. These include:
- Keeping cooling systems up-to-date and ensuring they continue to perform as effectively as possible
- Purchasing pre-owned and refurbished hardware for installation
- Purchasing pre-owned and refurbished spare parts for installation when required
- Regularly ensuring the server is not overwhelmed by data, and if further provision is required, this is added on as an extension rather than treated as an outright replacement.
Why Does It Matter How Long Data Center Servers Last For?
Aside from the fact that IT hardware is a large financial expense for businesses that most can’t afford to invest in all of the time, data centers are more in demand than ever and this demand is only continuing to grow. When IT hardware does finally reach its EOL point – even if this comes after it having been refurbished and remarketed, if possible – it must have the data sanitised from it before it is scrapped. The creation of e-waste at this point is inevitable, and comes with huge risk. According to Business Waste, over 50 million tonnes of e-waste is generated globally every year.
All e-waste contains hazardous substances that can cause both health risks to those around them and environmental impact on the area in which it is disposed. If disposed of improperly, e-waste can lead to air pollution, water contamination and soil contamination. With so much e-waste being generated and then transported to developing countries where informal recycling practices are fairly common, this poses a huge risk to both the environment and people in it.
It is critical that when data center servers do reach their EOL point that they are disposed of in the safest and most efficient way possible. As a Carbon Neutral certified business, Procurri operate all ITAD on a zero-to-landfill basis, always recycling, repurposing, refurbishing and re-marketing hardware wherever possible. Valuable resources such as precious metals are recovered wherever possible and all e-waste is disposed of in a sustainable manner.
With award-winning data destruction techniques recognised worldwide and the opportunity to generate income through the re-marketing of assets, Procurri offers a fantastic ITAD service even when inevitably data center servers do reach the end of their functional life.