One of the common issues that enterprise customers and end users experience is the need to know how long a product is supported. This article explains the different stages of the Microsoft Lifecycle and provides the details on Microsoft's plans for discontinuing support. Don't worry, Microsoft is providing a long lead time to support Windows Mobile.
Stages of support: Windows Mobile operating systems
There are 3 different stages of support available from Microsoft. After the General Availability Date, Mainstream Support is available to users. This support is normally 5 years. During Mainstream Support, Microsoft actively reviews the products to provide patches and updates as well as phone support. The next phase is Extended Support, where you can expect only security patches as well as phone support. During the final phase, called Service Pack Retired, self help and patches are available on the Web; however, there are no new patches or phone support.
During all the support phases, most patches will come solely from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) or from the carrier of your device. The only exception I have seen to date is the time zone patch that Microsoft issued directly. Likewise, phone support is available from Microsoft; however, it is not free and only covers the operating system. All other phone and hardware support is available from your OEM or carrier.
At the time that this article was written, Microsoft had not posted the lifecycle dates for Windows Mobile 6. However, they are expected to follow the 5 years for Mainstream Support and 10 years for Extended Support.
Patch management update
During my conversations with Microsoft regarding Windows Mobile 6, the new Windows Update will only be used for security patches. The concept is to be able to patch security patches quickly directly to the user. All other patches and updates will be provided from the OEM and carrier at their discretion.
Deployment planning for enterprise customers
With this information, enterprise customers can plan accordingly to identify where they are in their Windows Mobile deployments to ensure that they are completed prior to the termination of support. Additionally, this information allows users to better understand the levels of support they can expect during the life of their Windows Mobile device.
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