If you’re managing data centers, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: “How long will our servers be supported?” This question becomes even more critical if you’re running HPE ProLiant servers. With HPE Gen10 servers reaching End of Life (EOL) on October 31, 2024, many IT administrators are struggling to plan their infrastructure roadmap.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about HPE ProLiant EOS (End of Sales)/EOL (End of Life) schedules, warranty policies, and those tricky iLO licensing issues that keep us up at night.
1. Understanding HPE ProLiant EOS/EOL Policies
The Difference Between EOS, EOL, and EOSL
Let’s start with the terminology – getting this right is crucial for planning:
- EOS (End of Sales): The date HPE stops selling the product
- EOL (End of Life): The date HPE completely stops manufacturing the product
- EOSL (End of Service Life): The date HPE Foundation Care support ends
Typically, EOSL occurs 5 years after EOL. For example, Gen10 servers that reached EOL on October 31, 2024, will receive HPE official support until October 2029.
Why HPE EOS/EOL Information is Hard to Find
Unlike Microsoft, HPE doesn’t provide a unified page where you can check EOS/EOL schedules for all products. This forces IT administrators to hunt for information across different sources, which is frankly frustrating.
2. Complete HPE ProLiant Series Analysis
HPE ProLiant Complete Series Overview
HPE ProLiant consists of multiple series designed for different form factors and use cases.
DL Series (Rack servers)
- Key Models: DL20, DL120, DL320, DL325, DL360, DL365, DL380, DL385, DL560, DL580
- Features: 1U to 4U rack servers, general-purpose, most widely deployed series
- Use Cases: Virtualization, web services, databases, enterprise applications
ML Series (Tower servers)
- Key Models: ML30, ML110, ML350
- Features: Tower form factor, convertible to rack mount
- Use Cases: SMBs, branch offices, standalone server environments
BL Series (Blade servers)
- Key Models: BL460c, BL465c, BL490c, BL495c, BL680c, BL685c
- Features: Fits in c3000/c7000 blade chassis, high-density deployments
- Use Cases: Large data centers, virtualized environments
SL Series (Scalable Line)
- Key Models: SL160s, SL165s, SL170s, SL335s, SL390s
- Features: Purpose-built for HPC, web services, hosting
- Use Cases: HPC, cloud services, scale-out workloads
Apollo Series (High-density)
- Key Models: Apollo 4510, Apollo 6000, Apollo XL series
- Features: Ultra-high density, AI/ML workload optimized
- Use Cases: Big data analytics, AI training, HPC
MicroServer Series
- Key Models: MicroServer Gen11
- Features: Compact, low-power, economical
- Use Cases: Small businesses, home offices, edge computing
Synergy Series
- Key Models: Synergy 480 Gen11 Compute Module
- Features: Composable infrastructure, software-defined environment
- Use Cases: Cloud-native, containers, microservices
Edgeline Series
- Key Models: EL series
- Features: Ruggedized for harsh environments, industrial design
- Use Cases: Manufacturing, retail, remote deployments
Series-by-Series EOS/EOL Status – Complete Edition
Currently Supported Models (Gen10 and above)
| Series | Model Name | EOSL Date | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| DL Gen10 | ProLiant DL380 G10 | March 31, 2028 | Currently Supported |
| DL Gen10 | ProLiant DL360 Gen10 | January 31, 2028 | Currently Supported |
| DL Gen10 | ProLiant DL380 Gen10 (Cohesity 48TB) | March 30, 2028 | Currently Supported |
| DL Gen10 | ProLiant DL380 Gen10 (Cohesity 96TB) | March 30, 2028 | Currently Supported |
| DL Gen10 | ProLiant DL360 Gen10 (Cohesity 32TB) | January 31, 2028 | Currently Supported |
| DL Gen10 | ProLiant DL360 Gen10 (Cohesity 77TB) | January 31, 2028 | Currently Supported |
| Gen11 | All Gen11 Models | TBD | Currently Supported |
End-of-Support Models – Gen8 Series (Support ended in 2021)
| Model Name | EOSL Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ProLiant BL420c G8 | November 30, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL465 G8 | November 30, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL580 G8 | September 30, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL320e G8 V1 | August 16, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL320e G8 V2 | October 1, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL360e G8 | August 16, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL380e G8 | August 16, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL580 G7 | August 16, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant ML350e G8 V2 | August 16, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant ML350p G8 | August 16, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL460c G8 | August 2, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL380p G8 | June 30, 2021 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL360p G8 | June 13, 2021 | Support Ended |
Gen7 Series (Support ended in 2018)
| Model Name | EOSL Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ProLiant DL360 G7 | April 30, 2018 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL380 G7 | April 30, 2018 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL385 G7 | April 30, 2018 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL460c G7 | February 28, 2018 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL465c G7 | December 31, 2017 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL490c G7 | December 31, 2017 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL685c G7 | October 1, 2021 | Support Ended |
Gen6 Series (Support ended in 2016)
| Model Name | EOSL Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ProLiant DL360 G6 | April 30, 2016 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL380 G6 | April 30, 2016 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant DL385 G6 | December 31, 2015 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL460c G6 | June 30, 2016 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL465c G6 | December 31, 2015 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL490c G6 | March 31, 2016 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant BL680c G5 | March 31, 2016 | Support Ended |
ML Series End-of-Support Status
| Model Name | EOSL Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| ProLiant ML350 G6 | July 31, 2018 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant ML110 G7 | May 30, 2015 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant ML150 G6 | August 30, 2014 | Support Ended |
| ProLiant ML310 G4 | August 30, 2014 | Support Ended |
Critical Discovery: Additional Confirmed EOS/EOL Models
After checking external EOSL databases, we found that HPE has published EOS/EOL information for a total of 154 ProLiant models. This includes everything from very old models to the latest ones.
Key Findings:
- Most Gen10 servers are supported until 2028
- Gen8 servers mostly ended support in 2021
- Gen7 servers ended support in 2018
- Some special models (like XL270d Gen10) reached EOL earlier than expected
For Complete Lists: If you need the complete list of all 154 models, you can check the EOSL.date website. This is a third-party database based on HPE official information.
Note on Gen9 Series Status: Gen9 series hasn’t had official EOS/EOL dates announced yet. Historically, HPE announces EOS for previous generations 2-3 years after new generation releases, so Gen9 EOS is expected around 2025-2026.
What Gen10 EOL Actually Means
Gen10 servers reached EOL on October 31, 2024, but HPE will continue providing support contracts for at least 5 years. Additionally, Gen10 servers purchased through certified resellers after the EOL date are still eligible for HPE warranty.
Latest Update: Gen12 Series Arrival
In Q4 2024, HPE introduced the next-generation ProLiant Gen12 line featuring HPE and NVIDIA’s latest AI technologies. Gen12 series features NVIDIA GH200 NVL2 superchips with 1.2TB unified memory to accelerate AI workloads.
3. HPE Foundation Care Warranty Policy
Foundation Care Service Levels
HPE Foundation Care offers these service levels:
1. Foundation Care Next Business Day (NBD)
- 9×5 support with next business day onsite service
- Suitable for general business servers
- Most cost-effective option
2. Foundation Care 24×7
- 24/7 support with 4-hour response time
- Essential for mission-critical servers
- Higher cost but premium support level
3. Post-Warranty Foundation Care
- Extended support after basic warranty expires
- Useful option when server replacement budget is tight
Key Foundation Care Features
Foundation Care includes hardware remote diagnostics, onsite repair, basic software support, and collaborative call management for selected non-HPE software. The ability to support some third-party software issues on HPE servers is a significant advantage.
4. iLO Licensing Complete Analysis
iLO License Types and Features
HPE iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) is the core management feature of HPE servers. Available functionality varies significantly based on licensing.
iLO Standard (Included by default)
- Basic server monitoring
- Simple remote management
- Firmware updates
iLO Advanced (Requires separate purchase)
- Directory service authentication support
- Two-factor authentication (CAC/PIV card support)
- Kerberos authentication for server-to-server Single Sign-On
- Group virtual media, group power control, group power capping
- HTML5 remote console
iLO License Pricing Information
HPE official store pricing for iLO Advanced licenses:
- 1-year support included: ~$207
- 3-year support included: ~$251
iLO Free Trial License
HPE provides a 90-day free trial license. It can only be applied once per server and allows you to experience all iLO Advanced features.
The Importance of iLO Federation Features
With iLO Advanced licenses, you can fully utilize iLO Federation capabilities:
- Group firmware updates
- Group virtual media
- Group power management
- Group license activation
In large server environments, these features significantly improve management efficiency.
5. Practical Tips for Real-World Operations
How to Track EOS/EOL Information
- Leverage HPE Community: Monitor questions and answers from other users on HPE’s official community
- Use Third-Party Vendor Information: Third-party support companies like Procurri and Park Place Technologies organize EOS/EOL information more systematically than HPE
- Regular HPE Partner Inquiries: Get regular information updates through certified HPE partners
Gen10 EOL Response Strategies
If you’re running Gen10 servers, there’s no immediate need to upgrade. You have these options:
- Continue Using Current Servers: HPE support continues until 2029
- Purchase Refurbished Gen10: Quality refurbished products come with the same warranty
- Gradual Gen11 Transition: Progressive replacement after software validation
Cost Reduction Strategies
Third-party support vendors can provide 30-40% cost savings compared to HPE. However, consider these factors:
- Service quality and response times
- Genuine parts supply capability
- Technical support level
- Security and compliance requirements
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