South Central logo SCLS Home
Technical Support
Search
 


Non-Link Hardware and Software Obsolescence Policy



Limitations on Support for Obsolete Hardware and Software
The SCLS technical support specialist will provide routine assistance with troubleshooting obsolete hardware or software components as he is able to, and will provide a quick fix if one is available. He will not spend significant amounts of time researching, repairing or refurbishing any obsolete hardware that is malfunctioning, nor on rescuing data from obsolete storage devices and/or obsolete software versions. Obsolete software applications that will not install or operate correctly must be abandoned. The obsolescence of computer workstations, computer peripherals, and computer software applications will be measured by the following criteria.
  1. PC Workstations are obsolete when any of the following milestones occur:

    1. The CPU is three or more generations out of date (i.e. the Pentium 4 obsoletes the original Pentium, and the P-5 will obsolete the P-2).
    2. The PC is five or more years old.
    3. The maker's web site no longer offers support for that PC model.


  2. PC Peripherals are obsolete when any of the following milestones occur:

    1. The model has been discontinued for three years (unless warranted).
    2. The maker folds or is bought by a competitor (unless they support it).
    3. The maker does not provide suitable device drivers for the operating system(s).


  3. PC Applications are obsolete when any of the following milestones occur:

    1. The software version is three or more generations out of date.
    2. The maker folds or is bought by a competitor (unless they support it).
    3. The maker fails to correct any significant security flaw in a timely manner.
    4. The application will not install cleanly or run safely on the current OS.


  4. PC Operating Systems are obsolete when any of the following milestones occur:

    1. The operating system is four or more generations out of date (i.e. Windows XP obsoletes Windows 95)
    2. The maker no longer supports the OS.
    3. The maker fails to correct any significant security flaw in a timely manner.


Grandfather Clause
Libraries with obsolete hardware and software may continue to use it, subject to the limitations on support stipulated above. However, in the event of any major problem where the obsolescence of the hardware or software is implicated as a contributing factor, the SCLS technical support specialist will not spend significant amounts of time repairing any obsolete hardware or software that is malfunctioning.


For more information about the hardware and software policy, contact Stef Morrill.

SCLS Home | Technical Support

Page created 06/04.
Page updated 06/04.
South Central Library System
5250 E Terrace Drive
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 246-7970