What does “end-of-life” refer to in software context?

In the context of software, "end-of-life" refers to the stage when a software product is no longer supported or updated by the vendor. This means that the company that developed the software will not provide any further technical support, updates, or security patches, leaving the software vulnerable to new threats and issues. This situation is critical for users and organizations to understand, as continuing to use software that has reached its end-of-life can expose them to various risks, including security vulnerabilities and compatibility problems with other systems.

This concept is especially significant for businesses that rely on the software for critical operations, as they must plan for upgrades or replacements to ensure they continue to operate securely and efficiently. Knowing when software reaches its end-of-life helps users to make informed decisions about maintaining their technology stack.