As the IT security landscape continues to evolve rapidly, email security solutions have become more critical than ever. For organizations using Trellix (formerly McAfee Enterprise) Email Security products, understanding the End of Sale (EOS) and End of Life (EOL) schedules is essential for maintaining operational continuity. This comprehensive guide covers the latest Trellix Email Security product EOL schedules, licensing policies, and practical migration strategies based on current official documentation.
1. Trellix Email Security Product Portfolio and Brand Evolution
Trellix was formed in 2022 through the merger of McAfee Enterprise and FireEye, creating a dedicated cybersecurity company. The Email Security solutions are currently available in three main deployment models:
Cloud-Based Solutions
- Trellix Email Security – Cloud: A SaaS-based email security service offering real-time threat detection and automated remediation through native API integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace.
On-Premises Server Solutions
- Email Security – Server (EX): The successor to McAfee Email Gateway, designed as a dedicated email security gateway for private data center deployment.
Hybrid and Appliance Solutions
- Email Security Appliances: Purpose-built security appliances based on the EX series hardware platforms.
2. Complete Email Security Software Product EOL Schedule
Based on Trellix’s official End-of-Life documentation, the support schedules for all Email Security-related software products are as follows:
2.1 Email Security – Server (EX) Series
| Version | Current Status | End-of-Life Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 11.0 | Currently Supported | — | Latest major version |
| 10.0 | Currently Supported | June 30, 2026 | Long-term support version |
| 9.1 | Currently Supported | May 30, 2025 | ⚠️ EOL approaching |
2.2 Security for Microsoft Exchange
| Version | End-of-Life Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 8.8.2, 8.8.1, 8.8 | Currently Supported | Latest stable version |
| 8.7 | May 14, 2023 | End of support |
| 8.6 | May 19, 2022 | End of support |
| 8.5 | January 14, 2022 | End of support |
2.3 Email Gateway (7.X and later)
| Version | End-of-Life Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 7.6 | January 10, 2021 | End of support |
2.4 SaaS Email Protection
| Version | End-of-Life Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 10, 2021 | End of support |
2.5 Security for Lotus Domino (Legacy)
| Version | End-of-Life Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5 | January 28, 2021 | End of support |
🚨 Critical Alert: Email Security – Server version 9.1 will reach End of Life on May 30, 2025. Organizations currently running this version must establish upgrade plans for the first half of 2025.
3. Complete Email Security Hardware Appliance EOL Status
The EOL schedules for all Email Security-related hardware appliances are organized by product category below. Note: File Protect, IVX, Malware Analysis, and Central Management are independent products that integrate closely with Email Security Server to form a comprehensive email security solution ecosystem.
3.1 Complete Email Security and Integrated Product Hardware Appliance Matrix
| Product Category | Model | End-of-Life Date | Status | Recommended Replacement | Product Classification |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Email Security (EX) | EX 3600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 5600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 8600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 3500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | EX 3600 | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 5500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | EX 5600 | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 8500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | EX 8600 | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 3400 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | EX 3600 | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 5400 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | EX 5600 | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 8400 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | EX 8600 | Core Email Security |
| Email Security (EX) | EX 8420 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | EX 8600 | Core Email Security |
| Email MPS | EMPS 3300 | March 31, 2019 | ❌ End of support | EX 3600 | Core Email Security |
| Email MPS | EMPS 5300 | March 31, 2019 | ❌ End of support | EX 5600 | Core Email Security |
| Email MPS | EMPS 8300 | March 31, 2019 | ❌ End of support | EX 8600 | Core Email Security |
| Email MPS | EMPS 8320 | March 31, 2019 | ❌ End of support | EX 8600 | Core Email Security |
| File MPS | FMPS 5300 | March 31, 2019 | ❌ End of support | FX 6600 | Core Email Security |
| File Protect (FX) | FX 6600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Email Integration Product |
| File Protect (FX) | FX 6500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | FX 6600 | Email Integration Product |
| File Protect (FX) | FX 5400 | January 15, 2023 | ❌ End of support | FX 6600 | Email Integration Product |
| File Protect (FX) | FX 8400 | January 15, 2023 | ❌ End of support | FX 6600 | Email Integration Product |
| Virtual Execution (IVX) | VX 12600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Email Integration Product |
| Virtual Execution (IVX) | VX 5600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Email Integration Product |
| Virtual Execution (IVX) | VX 12550 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | VX 12600 | Email Integration Product |
| Virtual Execution (IVX) | VX 5500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | VX 5600 | Email Integration Product |
| Virtual Execution (IVX) | VX 12500 | December 4, 2023 | ❌ End of support | VX 12600 | Email Integration Product |
| Malware Analysis (AX) | AX 5600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Email Integration Product |
| Malware Analysis (AX) | AX 5550 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | AX 5600 | Email Integration Product |
| Malware Analysis (AX) | AX 5400 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | AX 5600 | Email Integration Product |
| Malware Analysis (AX) | AX 5500 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | AX 5600 | Email Integration Product |
| Malware Analysis (AX) | AX 8400 | January 15, 2023 | ❌ End of support | AX 5600 | Email Integration Product |
| Malware Analysis (AX) | MAS 8300 | March 31, 2019 | ❌ End of support | AX 5600 | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 4600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 7600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 9600 | Currently Supported | ✅ Current latest | — | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 4500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | CM 4600 | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 7500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | CM 7600 | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 9500 | March 31, 2028 | 🟢 Long-term support | CM 9600 | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 4400 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | CM 4600 | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 7400 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | CM 7600 | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 9400 | November 15, 2022 | ❌ End of support | CM 9600 | Email Integration Product |
| Central Management (CM) | CM 2500 | December 31, 2025 | 🟡 EOL approaching | CM 4600 | Email Integration Product |
Product Classification:
- Core Email Security: Dedicated email security products (EX series, MPS series)
- Email Integration Products: Independent products that integrate closely with Email Security to form complete solutions
- IVX: Email attachment/URL sandbox analysis (integrated with Email Security Server)
- File Protect: DLP capabilities and email attachment security
- Malware Analysis: Advanced threat analysis (including email threats)
- Central Management: Unified management platform for all Trellix products
3.2 Models Requiring Immediate Action (2025 EOL)
| Product Category | Model | EOL Date | Priority | Recommended Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Management | CM 2500 | December 31, 2025 | 🔴 High | Replace with CM 4600/7600/9600 |
3.3 Status-Based Classification Summary
✅ Currently Supported
- EX Series: EX 3600, EX 5600, EX 8600
- File Protect: FX 6600
- Virtual Execution: VX 12600, VX 5600
- Malware Analysis: AX 5600
- Central Management: CM 4600, CM 7600, CM 9600
🟢 Long-term Support (until March 31, 2028)
- EX Series: EX 3500, EX 5500, EX 8500
- File Protect: FX 6500
- Virtual Execution: VX 12550, VX 5500
- Malware Analysis: AX 5550
- Central Management: CM 4500, CM 7500, CM 9500
🟡 EOL Approaching (2025)
- Central Management: CM 2500 (December 31, 2025)
❌ End of Support
- All Email MPS series (March 31, 2019)
- All File MPS series (March 31, 2019)
- EX 4400 series (November 15, 2022)
- Various legacy FX, VX, AX models
3.4 Trellix Hardware EOL Policy Interpretation
According to Trellix’s official EOL policy, hardware products receive support for up to 5 years after End-of-Sale, with graduated support levels:
0-3 Years: Full Support
- Manufacturer warranty support
- Firmware update delivery
- Technical support and troubleshooting
- Hardware replacement services (equivalent or better models)
3-5 Years: Limited Support
- Trellix-issued firmware updates
- Commercially reasonable maintenance and technical support
- Limited repair services subject to replacement parts availability
- Service level restrictions may apply
5+ Years: End of Support
- All hardware support discontinued
- No support available after published End-of-Life date
4. Complete Email Security Software EOL Summary
4.1 Software Products Reaching EOL in 2025 (Immediate Action Required)
| Product Category | Version | EOL Date | Recommended Replacement | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Email Security Server | 9.1 | May 30, 2025 | 10.0 or 11.0 | 🔴 High |
| File Protect | 9.1 | May 30, 2025 | 10.0 or 11.0 | 🔴 High |
| Intelligent Virtual Execution | 9.1 | May 30, 2025 | 10.0 or 11.0 | 🔴 High |
| Malware Analysis | 9.1 | May 30, 2025 | 10.0 or 11.0 | 🔴 High |
| Central Management | 9.1 | May 30, 2025 | 10.0 or 11.0 | 🔴 High |
4.2 Integrated Hardware + Software Management Strategy
🚨 2025 Action Items
- Software: Upgrade all 9.1 versions → 10.0/11.0
- Hardware: Replace CM 2500 → CM 4600/7600/9600
⚠️ Immediate Replacement Required (Already EOL)
- All Email MPS series (EMPS 3300/5300/8300/8320)
- All File MPS series (FMPS 5300)
- All EX 4400 series (EX 3400/5400/8400/8420)
5. Trellix Product Lifecycle Policy Deep Dive
Key support policies from Trellix’s official EOL policy documentation:
Software Product Support Policy
- Major Release (x.y.z where x): New product release, major architecture changes, significant UI modifications
- Minor Release (x.y.z where y): Feature updates, moderate UI changes, major bug fixes
- Update/Patch (x.y.z where z): Minor bug fixes, security fixes, service packs
Support End Timeline Software support extends from End-of-Sale date until N+2 release becomes GA (Generally Available), or a maximum of 3 years, whichever is shorter.
Hardware Product Support Phases
- 0-3 years: Full support (manufacturer warranty, firmware updates, troubleshooting, hardware replacement)
- 3-5 years: Limited support (firmware updates, limited technical support)
- 5+ years: End of support
6. License Migration and Upgrade Practical Guide
Existing License Utilization Options
When migrating to Trellix Email Security, organizations should explore existing McAfee license utilization options:
- Trade-up Programs: Upgrade existing licenses to latest versions at discounted rates
- License Transfer: Transfer licenses within the same product family
- Hybrid Deployment: Mixed cloud and on-premises operations
Upgrade Planning Considerations
- Current Environment Analysis: Inventory of versions, hardware models, license quantities
- EOL Schedule Mapping: Timeline alignment for all components
- Business Continuity: Minimize service disruption during upgrades
- Budget Planning: Hardware replacement, licensing costs, migration services
7. Cloud Migration and Hybrid Strategies
Trellix Email Security – Cloud Advantages
The latest Trellix Email Security – Cloud delivers 99.995% availability with average email processing times under 10 seconds. Key features include:
- API-Based Integration: Native integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace
- Intelligent Virtual Execution (IVX): Real-time sandbox analysis of attachments and URLs
- Automated Remediation: Automatic email removal from user mailboxes upon threat detection
- FedRAMP Moderate Certification: Security certification for public sector customers
Hybrid Deployment Strategy
Many organizations adopt a phased approach when immediate full cloud migration isn’t feasible:
- Phase 1: Migrate lower-priority mail servers to cloud
- Phase 2: Gradual migration of critical business mail servers
- Phase 3: Integration of on-premises backup/archival systems with cloud security
8. Technical Support Channel Changes and New Support Framework
Trellix Thrive Portal Transition
Effective December 1, 2024, the legacy ServicePortal is no longer available. All support services have been consolidated to the Trellix Thrive Portal.
New Support Framework Utilization
- Knowledge Base Search: Legacy KB IDs remain searchable
- OKTA Authentication: Unified authentication system for enhanced security
- Case Management: Integrated ticketing system for improved support efficiency
Support Contract Verification Current product support status can be verified in the Thrive Portal’s ‘My Products’ section:
- Support Contract Status
- End-of-Life Dates
- Available Updates
9. Complete Migration Checklist and Product-Specific Verification Guide
9.1 Current Environment Assessment Checklist
Email Security Product Verification □ Email Security Server version verification (Console: System → About)
□ Security for Microsoft Exchange version verification
□ Email Gateway version verification (if legacy product in use)
□ SaaS Email Protection usage verification
Integration Product Verification □ File Protect (FX) model and version verification
□ Intelligent Virtual Execution (IVX) model and version verification
□ Malware Analysis (AX) model and version verification
□ Central Management (CM) model and version verification
Hardware Appliance Verification □ EX series model names and serial numbers
□ MPS series usage status (immediate replacement required)
□ Hardware warranty period and support status
□ Power, rack space, and network port inventory
License and Contract Verification □ Current license quantities and types
□ Support contract expiration dates
□ Upgrade entitlements (Support with Upgrade vs Support Only)
□ Bundle license status with other Trellix products
9.2 Priority-Based Migration Schedule
🔴 Critical (May 30, 2025 EOL)
- Email Security Server 9.1 → 10.0 or 11.0 upgrade
- File Protect 9.1 → 10.0 or 11.0 upgrade
- IVX 9.1 → 10.0 or 11.0 upgrade
- Malware Analysis 9.1 → 10.0 or 11.0 upgrade
- Central Management 9.1 → 10.0 or 11.0 upgrade
🟡 Attention Required (December 31, 2025 EOL)
- CM 2500 appliance → CM 4600/7600/9600 replacement
🟢 Stable (2026+ EOL)
- All 10.0 versions → Supported until June 30, 2026
- Current generation hardware → Supported until March 31, 2028
9.3 Product-Specific Migration Guides
Email Security Server Migration
9.1 → 11.0 Upgrade Procedure:
- Backup current policies and rules (Policy → Export)
- Hardware compatibility verification (minimum 8GB RAM, 500GB Storage)
- Download 11.0 installation media (Trellix Thrive Portal)
- Test environment policy import validation
- Production environment upgrade execution
- User notification and training implementation
File Protect + IVX Integrated Migration
Recommended Architecture:
- Email Security Server 11.0 + IVX 11.0 integrated configuration
- Automated sandbox analysis for all email attachments
- Cloud-based Trellix Advanced Threat Intelligence integration
Central Management Upgrade
9.1 → 11.0 Upgrade Considerations:
- Version compatibility verification for all managed Email Security devices
- Database migration planning (PostgreSQL version verification)
- User permissions and group settings migration
9.4 Cloud Migration vs On-Premises Upgrade Decision Framework
Cloud Migration Suitable When: □ Limited IT staff for hardware management
□ Rapid user growth requiring scalability
□ CAPEX to OPEX conversion requirements
□ Disaster recovery and high availability complexity avoidance
□ Immediate access to latest AI/ML threat detection capabilities
On-Premises Upgrade Suitable When: □ Regulatory restrictions on external data transfer
□ Existing hardware investment protection requirements
□ Granular network control and customization needs
□ High-volume email processing making cloud costs prohibitive
□ Close integration requirements with existing on-premises security solutions
9.5 Migration Risk Management
Technical Risks
- Version compatibility issues between configurations
- Hardware performance and capacity limitations
- Network configuration changes causing mail flow interruption
- Third-party integration solution compatibility problems
Operational Risks
- Insufficient user training leading to increased false positives
- Security policy gaps during migration
- Unverified backup and recovery procedures
- License contract term modifications
Understanding Trellix Email Security product EOL schedules and establishing appropriate migration plans is essential for maintaining continuous email security. Organizations using products scheduled for EOL in 2025 require immediate action. The key is developing a comprehensive email security strategy that addresses evolving threat landscapes, rather than simply replacing products. Whether adopting cloud-first strategies, hybrid operations, or on-premises enhancement, organizations should select optimal approaches aligned with their specific requirements to build secure and efficient email environments. 🙂