Support for hardware already in place must be flexible enough to allow the user to receive adequate support but rigid enough to clearly define limits. New hardware purchases however must meet a different standard and are addressed below.

Existing hardware will only be supported for the specified time period as defined below. These guidelines are based upon the University-wide Desktop Standards Committee recommendation for new purchases, with adjustments for AS&E and Fletcher. As technology is introduced, a new hardware generation will be supported for four (4) years from the date of the standard - not the date of the purchase. The standard is re-evaluated every six months, so cycles start and end in January and July.