Managing backup solutions means eventually facing the reality of end-of-support announcements. For NetBackup, which plays a critical role in enterprise environments, understanding and preparing for EOS (End of Sale)/EOL (End of Life) schedules is crucial. Today, we’ll explore Veritas NetBackup’s EOS/EOL timeline along with essential information every IT professional should know.
1. Understanding NetBackup Product Lifecycle – 3-Phase Support System
Veritas operates a systematic lifecycle policy for NetBackup products. Understanding this helps clarify when to plan upgrades.
Primary Phase (Standard Support)
- Duration: 3-4 years after General Availability (GA)
- Support Coverage: Full technical support, bug fixes, security patches
- Cost: Essential Support only required
- Features: Most comprehensive level of support available
Extended Phase (Extended Support)
- Duration: 1-2 years after Primary Phase ends
- Support Coverage: Existing bug fixes and patches only (no new development)
- Cost: Essential Support + Extended Software Support additional fee
- Limitations: Severity 1 issues focus on service restoration or data recovery only
Sustaining Phase (Sustaining Support)
- Duration: 1-6 years after Extended Phase ends
- Support Coverage: Minimal technical support, existing patches only
- Cost: Essential Support + Sustaining Software Support additional fee
- Limitations: No 24×7 continuous support, no new security patches
2. NetBackup Software Version-Specific Release and Support Status
Currently Supported Major Versions (As of 2025)
| Version | GA Release Date | Current Support Phase | Expected Primary Phase End | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetBackup 10.5.0.1 | January 22, 2025 | Primary (Latest) | Expected 2028 | Multi-factor Authentication, Inline Malware Scanning |
| NetBackup 10.4.0.1 | June 17, 2024 | Primary | Expected 2027-2028 | Cloud Multi-stream, MSDP Volume Groups |
| NetBackup 10.3.0.1 | January 15, 2024 | Primary | Expected 2027-2028 | Security Risk Meter, Recovery Blueprints |
| NetBackup 10.2.0.1 | June 12, 2023 | Primary | Expected 2026-2027 | Intelligent Groups for PaaS Workloads |
| NetBackup 10.1.1 | December 19, 2022 | Primary | Expected 2025-2026 | Cloud-to-On-Premises VMware Recovery |
| NetBackup 10.0.0.1 | June 27, 2022 | Primary | Expected 2025-2026 | Last version including OpsCenter |
NetBackup 9.x Series Status
| Version | GA Release Date | Current Support Phase | Expected Primary Phase End | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetBackup 9.1.0.1 | June 7, 2021 | Primary | Expected 2024-2025 | Final version supporting Solaris Master/Media Server |
| NetBackup 9.0.0.1 | January 4, 2021 | Primary | Expected 2024-2025 | NetBackup Flex Scale, Enhanced OpenStack Protection |
NetBackup 8.x Series Status
| Version | GA Release Date | Current Support Phase | Expected Primary Phase End | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetBackup 8.3.0.2 | July 28, 2020 | Extended Support | Expected 2023-2024 | Latest maintenance version eligible for extended support |
| NetBackup 8.2 | June 28, 2019 | Extended/Sustaining | Expected 2022-2023 | Agentless VMware Recovery, Cloud DR |
| NetBackup 8.1.2 | September 17, 2018 | Extended/Sustaining | Expected 2021-2022 | Version where HP-UX/AIX support ended |
| NetBackup 8.1.1 | February 16, 2018 | Extended/Sustaining | Expected 2021-2022 | AWS Glacier, PostgreSQL Support |
| NetBackup 8.1 | September 26, 2017 | Extended/Sustaining | Expected 2020-2021 | NetBackup CloudCatalyst, Parallel Streaming |
Confirmed End-of-Support Versions
| Version | GA Release Date | Confirmed EOSL Date | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetBackup 7.7.3 | 2016 | May 5, 2023 | Complete End of Support | Officially confirmed EOSL |
| NetBackup 7.6.x and earlier | Pre-2015 | Pre-2021 | Complete End of Support | Legacy versions |
Important Support Policy Changes
Extended/Sustaining Support Limitations (NetBackup 8.3.x example):
- Extended Support and Sustaining Support are only available on the latest maintenance version
- Example: For NetBackup 8.3.x, only 8.3.0.2 is eligible for extended support
- NetBackup 8.3 or 8.3.0.1 are not eligible for extended support
3. Platform-Specific End of Support Status and Migration Guide
HP-UX and AIX Platform Complete End of Support ⚠️
End of Support Date: Complete discontinuation starting with NetBackup 8.1.2 (released September 17, 2018)
Affected Systems Details
| Platform | Last Supported Version | End of Support Date | Impact Scope | Alternative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP-UX Itanium | NetBackup 8.1.1 | September 2018 | Master/Media Server only | Linux/Solaris Migration |
| AIX (All versions) | NetBackup 8.1.1 | September 2018 | Master/Media Server only | Linux/Solaris Migration |
Important: Client support continues, so using HP-UX/AIX servers as NetBackup clients only is still possible.
Official Migration Tools
- Tool Name:
NbServerMigration - Provider: Veritas Official Support
- Function: Configuration and catalog data migration support
- Supported Target Platforms: Linux, Solaris
Solaris Platform End of Support ⚠️
Last Supported Version: NetBackup 9.1 (released June 7, 2021)
Solaris End of Support Details
| Solaris Architecture | Last Supported Version | End of Support Timeline | Impact Scope | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Solaris SPARC | NetBackup 9.1 | Starting NetBackup 9.2 | Master/Media Server | Migration Required |
| Solaris x86-64 | NetBackup 9.1 | Starting NetBackup 9.2 | Master/Media Server | Migration Required |
Client Support: Solaris client backup continues to be supported in latest NetBackup versions.
Recommended Migration Paths
- Linux Platforms:
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server (SLES)
- Oracle Linux
- Windows Platforms:
- Windows Server 2019/2022
- Hybrid environment configuration possible
Database and Application Platform Support Changes
Discontinued Database Agents (NetBackup 8.1 baseline)
| Agent/Platform | Discontinuation Timeline | Alternative Solution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lotus Notes/Domino | NetBackup 8.1 | File system backup | Agent-based backup discontinued |
| Informix (certain versions) | NetBackup 8.1 | Latest Informix versions | Version-specific compatibility check required |
| Legacy Oracle versions | NetBackup 8.1 | Oracle 12c and later | RMAN integrated backup recommended |
Virtualization Platform Support Status
| Virtualization Platform | Current Support Status | Latest Supported Version | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMware vSphere | Full Support | 8.0 U2 and later | Instant Access, vProxy |
| Hyper-V | Full Support | 2019/2022 | Agentless Backup |
| Red Hat Virtualization | Supported | 4.4 and later | Since NetBackup 8.2 |
| OpenStack | Limited Support | Yoga/Zed | NetBackup for OpenStack |
| Citrix XenServer | Legacy Support | 6.5 SP1 | XCP-ng migration recommended |
Cloud Platform Support Status
Public Cloud Support Matrix
| Cloud Provider | Supported Services | NetBackup Features | Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon AWS | EC2, S3, Glacier | CloudCatalyst, Snapshot Orchestration | Regional Restrictions |
| Microsoft Azure | VM, Blob Storage | Direct LTR Archive | Azure Stack Support |
| Google Cloud | Compute Engine, Storage | Snapshot Backup | Limited Features |
| Alibaba Cloud | ECS, OSS | Cloud Connector | China Regions Only |
Legacy System Migration Checklist
Items Requiring Immediate Verification
- [ ] Current Master/Media Server operating system versions
- [ ] NetBackup software versions
- [ ] End-of-support platform usage
- [ ] Client-by-client operating system compatibility
- [ ] Database agent compatibility
- [ ] Virtualization environment support status
4. NetBackup Appliance Hardware Detailed EOS/EOL Schedule
Current End-of-Sale/Supported Models
NetBackup 5000 Series Status
| Appliance Model | EOS (End of Sale Date) | EOSL (End of Support Life Date) | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NetBackup 5250 | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2028 | End of Sale, Support Continues | Final Hardware Model |
| NetBackup 5350 | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2028 | End of Sale, Support Continues | Final Hardware Model |
| NetBackup 5240 | June 1, 2022 | Expected 2027 | End of Sale | Expansion shelf orders unavailable |
| NetBackup 5340 | March 30, 2023 | Expected 2028 | End of Sale | Expansion shelf orders unavailable |
| NetBackup 5330 | TBD | August 30, 2023 | Complete End of Support | Immediate Replacement Required |
| NetBackup 5030 | December 1, 2015 | December 1, 2020 | Complete End of Support | Replaced by 5330 |
Flex Appliance Series Status
| Flex Appliance Model | EOS (End of Sale Date) | EOSL (End of Support Life Date) | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flex 5250/5350 | December 31, 2025 | December 31, 2028 | End of Sale, Support Continues | Future Hardware Option |
| Flex 5340 | March 30, 2023 | Expected 2028 | End of Sale | Expansion shelf orders unavailable |
Access Appliance Series Status
| Access Appliance Model | EOS (End of Sale Date) | EOSL (End of Support Life Date) | Current Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Access 3340 | July 31, 2024 | Expected 2029 | End of Sale | Expansion shelf orders unavailable |
| Access 3350 | January 1, 2026 | Expected 2031 | Currently Available | Expansion shelf orders available |
Storage Expansion Shelves Detailed Schedule
Important: Expansion shelves are not interchangeable between product models and have separate EOS schedules.
Expansion Shelf EOS Schedule Detail Table
| Expansion Shelf Model | Compatible Appliances | EOS Date | Extension Status | Replacement Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5250 D Series | NetBackup 5250 | December 31, 2025 | Extended 6 months | Required Purchase Model |
| 5350 Expansion Shelf | NetBackup 5350 | December 31, 2025 | Extended 6 months | Consider Flex 5350 |
| 5240 Expansion Shelf | NetBackup 5240 | June 1, 2022 | Complete | 5250 D Series |
| 5340 Expansion Shelf | NetBackup 5340 | March 30, 2023 | Complete | Flex 5340 |
| 3340 Expansion Shelf | Access 3340 | July 31, 2024 | Complete | Access 3350 |
| 3350 Expansion Shelf | Access 3350 | January 1, 2026 | – | Currently orderable |
Appliance Software Release Schedule
Latest NetBackup Appliance Software Versions
| Appliance SW Version | Release Date | Included NetBackup Version | Supported Hardware |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.5.0.1 | February 12, 2025 | NetBackup 10.4, 10.5, 10.5.0.1 | 5250, 5350, Flex |
| 5.3.0.1 MR4 | January 27, 2025 | NetBackup 10.3 | 5250, 5350, Flex |
| 5.1.1 MR5 | August 28, 2024 | NetBackup 10.1 | 5250, 5350, Flex |
| 5.0.0.1 MR5 | November 8, 2023 | NetBackup 10.0 | 5250, 5350, Flex |
Appliance Software Release Cycle
- Annual Major Releases: Q4 or early Q1
- Maintenance Releases: Approximately 60-day cycle
- Support Policy: MRs provided for latest 2 major releases only
- Security Patches: Immediate release as needed
5. Virtual Appliance (NBVA) Support Status
NetBackup Virtual Appliance final version support information can be found in Veritas technical document 100061312. Virtual appliance users should regularly check this document to verify support status.
6. End of Support Preparation Strategy – Complete Guide for IT Professionals
Current Environment Assessment Checklist 📋
Phase 1: Immediate Basic Information Verification
NetBackup Software Version Check
# UNIX/Linux environment
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/admincmd/bpgetconfig -g | grep VERSION
# Windows environment
"C:\Program Files\Veritas\NetBackup\bin\admincmd\bpgetconfig" -g | findstr VERSION
GUI Verification: NetBackup Administration Console → Help → About NetBackup
Platform Information Collection
- [ ] Master Server operating system and version
- [ ] Media Server operating system and version
- [ ] Client operating system distribution
- [ ] Appliance hardware model and software version
- [ ] Virtualization environment (VMware, Hyper-V, etc.) versions
Phase 2: Support Status Risk Assessment
HIGH Priority ⚠️
- Using NetBackup 7.7.3 or earlier versions
- Operating Master/Media Server on HP-UX/AIX
- Operating Master/Media Server on Solaris (NetBackup 9.1 or earlier)
- Using NetBackup 5330 Appliance
MEDIUM Priority ⚠️
- Using NetBackup 8.x versions (Extended Support required)
- Using NetBackup 5240/5340 Appliances
- Planning additional expansion shelf purchases
LOW Priority ✅
- Using NetBackup 9.x/10.x versions
- Using Linux/Windows platforms
- Using latest appliances
Phased Migration Strategy 🚀
Phase 1: Preparation and Planning (2-4 weeks)
1.1 Current State Analysis and Documentation
- Complete NetBackup infrastructure topology mapping
- Survey backup policies and schedule status
- Analyze storage capacity and performance requirements
- Review Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO)
1.2 Upgrade Path Determination
NetBackup 7.7.x → NetBackup 10.x (direct upgrade)
NetBackup 8.x → NetBackup 10.x (staged upgrade recommended)
NetBackup 9.x → NetBackup 10.x (direct upgrade)
1.3 Budget and Resource Planning
- Hardware replacement cost estimation
- Software license upgrade costs
- Parallel environment construction costs for downtime minimization
- Third-party support service cost comparison
Phase 2: Test Environment Construction (3-4 weeks)
2.1 Test Lab Environment Configuration
- Implement identical network topology to production environment
- Sample representative client systems
- Database agent compatibility testing
2.2 Functional Verification Testing
- Existing backup policy migration testing
- Performance benchmark comparison (backup/recovery speed)
- New feature utilization possibility review
2.3 Integration Testing
- Integration with existing monitoring systems
- Third-party application compatibility
- Security policy and permission system verification
Phase 3: Production Environment Migration (6-8 weeks)
3.1 Hardware Replacement (if applicable)
Priority 1: Master Server upgrade
Priority 2: Critical Media Server upgrade
Priority 3: Secondary Media Server and storage
Priority 4: Client agent updates
3.2 Software Upgrade Scenarios
Scenario A: Zero-downtime Upgrade (Recommended)
- Build new Master Server and operate in parallel with existing environment
- Staged client migration
- Decommission existing environment after verification complete
Scenario B: In-place Upgrade
- Direct upgrade utilizing maintenance windows
- Backup data integrity verification essential
- Rollback plan mandatory preparation
3.3 Data Migration Strategy
- Catalog backup and verification:
bpdbjobs -report,bpcatlist - Tape inventory migration:
vmquery,bpmedialist - Policy and schedule backup:
bppllist,bpschedule
Phase 4: Verification and Optimization (2-3 weeks)
4.1 Operational Verification
- Confirm complete backup cycle normal operation
- Perform recovery testing (files, databases, VMs)
- Performance monitoring and tuning
4.2 User Training and Documentation
- Administrator new feature training
- Operations procedure manual updates
- Incident response manual updates
Cost-Effective Extended Support Options 💰
Veritas Official Extended Support
Extended Software Support
- Target: 1-2 years after Primary Phase ends
- Cost: Annual additional premium over standard license
- Services Provided: Existing patches, limited technical support
Sustaining Software Support
- Target: 1-6 years after Extended Phase ends
- Cost: Higher annual premium over standard license
- Services Provided: Minimal technical support, existing patches only
Third-Party Support Service Comparison
| Service Provider | Cost Savings | Service Scope | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park Place Technologies | 30-40% | Hardware+Software | Parts Procurement, 24×7 Support | No New Features |
| Origina | 25-35% | Software-focused | Oracle expertise | Limited hardware support |
| Spinnaker Support | 30-45% | Hardware-focused | Rapid parts replacement | Limited software support |
Third-Party Support Service Selection Criteria
Considerations ✅
- High stability of existing environment
- No significant need for new features
- Budget reduction is top priority
- Gradual migration is possible
Cautions ⚠️
- Security patch delivery schedule confirmation
- Parts procurement availability and timeframe
- Technical support scope and response times
- Contract termination conditions and penalties
Emergency Response Scenarios 🚨
Situation 1: End of Support Imminent (Within 3 months)
1. Immediately contract Veritas Extended/Sustaining Support
2. Rapid migration through parallel environment construction
3. Determine critical system priorities
4. Utilize temporary third-party support services
Situation 2: Hardware Failure Occurs
1. Contact third-party vendors for parts procurement
2. Temporary migration to virtualized environment
3. Utilize cloud backup services in parallel
4. Activate disaster recovery site
Situation 3: Budget Approval Delayed
1. Establish staged upgrade plan
2. Prioritize critical system investment
3. Secure time through third-party support
4. Review lease/rental options
7. Cost-Effective Extended Support Methods
Third-Party Support Service Considerations
Some organizations utilize third-party vendor extended support services after official support ends. Companies like Park Place Technologies provide extended support at 30-40% cost savings compared to Veritas official support.
Advantages:
- Cost reduction
- Hardware lifecycle extension
- Flexible support options
Disadvantages:
- Limited technical support
- No new feature updates
- Possible security patch delays
8. Latest Update Monitoring and Information Collection Strategy
Official Information Channels and Usage 📡
Essential Monitoring Sites
| Site | URL | Update Frequency | Key Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| SORT EOSL | https://sort.veritas.com/eosl | Real-time | Product-specific detailed EOSL schedules |
| Product Lifecycle | https://www.veritas.com/support/en_US/eosl | Monthly | Complete product lifecycle |
| NetBackup Latest Features | https://www.veritas.com/protection/netbackup/whats-new | Quarterly | New features and release information |
| NetBackup Upgrade Portal | Upgrade Guide | Per Release | Upgrade paths and procedures |
| Compatibility Matrix | SORT Compatibility | Monthly | OS, hardware, application compatibility |
Automatic Notification Setup
SORT Website Notification Registration (Recommended)
- Access SORT site and create account
- Set following notifications in “Create Notifications” menu:
- NetBackup Future Platform and Feature Plans
- NetBackup Hot fixes/EEBs releases
- Hardware Compatibility Lists (HCLs) updates
- Array Support Libraries (ASLs) updates
- High Availability Agents updates
Custom Notification Setup
- Environment-specific custom notifications available
- Specify particular versions, platforms, hardware models
- Receive via email or RSS feed
Social Media and Community Channels
Official Channels
- Veritas Official Blog: Product announcements and updates
- LinkedIn Veritas Page: Corporate announcements
- Twitter @Veritas: Real-time updates
Community Channels
- Veritas VOX Community: User forums
- Reddit r/Veritas: Unofficial user discussions
- Stack Overflow: Technical Q&A
Information Collection Automation Tools 🤖
PowerShell/Bash Script Utilization
NetBackup Version Automatic Collection Script
#!/bin/bash
# NetBackup Environment Assessment Script
echo "=== NetBackup Environment Assessment ==="
echo "Date: $(date)"
echo ""
# NetBackup version check
echo "NetBackup Version:"
/usr/openv/netbackup/bin/admincmd/bpgetconfig -g | grep VERSION
# Platform information
echo "Platform Information:"
uname -a
# Appliance information (if applicable)
if [ -f /usr/openv/netbackup/appliance/bin/nbapp_version ]; then
echo "Appliance Version:"
/usr/openv/netbackup/appliance/bin/nbapp_version
fi
echo "Assessment Complete"
Windows PowerShell Version
# NetBackup Environment Assessment (Windows)
Write-Host "=== NetBackup Environment Assessment ===" -ForegroundColor Green
Write-Host "Date: $(Get-Date)" -ForegroundColor Yellow
# NetBackup version check
$nbVersion = & "C:\Program Files\Veritas\NetBackup\bin\admincmd\bpgetconfig.exe" -g | Select-String "VERSION"
Write-Host "NetBackup Version: $nbVersion" -ForegroundColor Cyan
# Platform information
Write-Host "Platform: $(Get-WmiObject Win32_OperatingSystem | Select-Object Caption, Version)" -ForegroundColor Cyan
Monitoring Dashboard Construction
Recommended Monitoring Metrics
- Version Status: NetBackup version distribution by environment
- Support Status: Classification by Primary/Extended/Sustaining phases
- Risk Matrix: Identification of systems approaching EOSL
- Upgrade Progress: Migration project tracking
Tool Utilization Examples
- Grafana + InfluxDB: Time-series data monitoring
- Power BI: Executive reporting
- Excel/Google Sheets: Simple tracking management
Crisis Situation Early Warning System 🚨
Alert Criteria Setting
Level 1: Attention (12 months ahead)
- 12 months before Primary Support ends
- 12 months before hardware EOS
- Compatibility review when new versions release
Level 2: Warning (6 months ahead)
- 6 months before Primary Support ends
- Extended Support contract timing
- Last opportunity for hardware parts procurement
Level 3: Emergency (3 months ahead)
- 3 months before EOSL
- Third-party support contract essential
- Immediate migration plan execution
Automatic Notification Implementation
Email Alert System
# Python EOSL monitoring example
import requests
import smtplib
from datetime import datetime, timedelta
def check_eosl_status():
# Collect EOSL information via SORT API or web scraping
# Compare current date with EOSL date
# Send alert email when threshold reached
pass
def send_alert_email(subject, message):
# Send notification email via SMTP
pass
# Periodic execution with scheduler integration
Slack/Teams Integration
- Real-time notifications via webhook
- Automatic mention of responsible personnel by channel
- Automatic upgrade progress reporting
Industry Trends and Competitive Analysis 📊
Major Competitive Product Monitoring
- Veeam Backup & Replication: Virtualization environment specialization
- Commvault Complete Data Protection: Enterprise-grade integrated solution
- IBM Spectrum Protect: Large-scale environment support
- Acronis Cyber Backup: Cybersecurity integration
Technology Trend Tracking
- Cloud-Native Backup: AWS Backup, Azure Backup
- AI/ML-Based Data Protection: Anomaly detection, automated classification
- Zero Trust Architecture: Backup data security enhancement
- Container Backup: Kubernetes, Docker environment support
With systematic monitoring like this, you can proactively identify and prepare for NetBackup environment end-of-support risks. We especially recommend actively utilizing SORT site notification features and maintaining stable backup environments through regular inspections.
NetBackup end of support isn’t just a technical issue. It’s a critical matter directly related to business continuity and data security. With proper planning and preparation, end of support can become an opportunity for infrastructure modernization. Upgrading to the latest version can provide better performance and security features.
We recommend regularly checking the latest information through Veritas official channels and, most importantly, taking a planned approach with adequate time. Rushing upgrades can lead to unexpected problems.
Be sure to utilize the SORT site notification features. You can receive important updates via email without missing any information. Also, third-party support services can be a wise choice depending on circumstances, so carefully compare costs and service levels.