AI ITAM Platform
IT Asset Management Software: The Features That Matter
An asset register in Excel answers “what do we have?” badly and “who approved that change?” not at all. Here is what an ITAM platform must add.
Key takeaways
- End of support — not end of sale — is the date that matters.
- Find unsupported systems from the asset register and discovery data.
- Prioritize by criticality and exposure.
- Remediate or formally accept time-bound risk.
Why it matters
After end of support, the vendor stops releasing security updates. New vulnerabilities stay open permanently. For example, Windows 10 reached end of support on 14 October 2025 and Windows Server 2012 / 2012 R2 on 10 October 2023, although extended security update programs may be available for a fee.
Finding them
- Record the operating system and version for every asset.
- Compare against vendor lifecycle dates.
- Include appliances, ATMs, kiosks and operational technology.
- Flag assets reaching end of support within six months.
Prioritizing
| Factor | Higher priority |
|---|---|
| Criticality | High CIA rating, production |
| Exposure | Internet-facing or broadly reachable |
| Data | Personal or confidential data |
| Compensating controls | None in place |
Remediation options
- Upgrade the operating system.
- Replace the device.
- Buy extended security updates where available.
- Isolate: segment, restrict access, monitor closely.
- Accept the risk formally, with an expiry date and owner.
Track progress
Report the number of end-of-support assets every month and per business unit. The trend is one of the clearest security KPIs for a board.
Compensating controls while you remediate
- Network segmentation and strict firewall rules
- Application allow-listing
- Removing internet access
- Enhanced monitoring and alerting
- Restricting administrative access
- Regular backups tested for restore
Reporting template
| Field | Example |
|---|---|
| Asset and owner | Server, application owner |
| Operating system and end-of-support date | Recorded per asset |
| Exposure | Internal, segmented |
| Plan | Upgrade by quarter end |
| Risk acceptance | Approved until a set date |
Planning ahead
Most end-of-support dates are announced years in advance. Maintain a twelve-to-twenty-four-month view of upcoming end-of-support events across the estate, include them in budget planning, and start migrations early for systems with complex application dependencies. Specialist devices such as ATMs, medical equipment and industrial controllers need longer lead times because the vendor must certify new versions.
How NAZZTEC helps
NAZZTEC AI ITAM automates this end to end — with AI assistance, segregation of duties, analytics and signed reports — and is available as SaaS, in your private cloud or on-premises. Our consultants design and run the process alongside it through our IT Asset Management services.
Next step: request a demo of NAZZTEC AI ITAM or read more on the product page.
Frequently asked questions
Is end of support the same as end of life?
Vendors use the terms differently; what matters is the date security updates stop.
Can we keep unsupported systems?
Sometimes, with isolation, monitoring and documented time-bound risk acceptance.
How do we find them quickly?
From an asset register that records operating system and version, combined with discovery data.
NAZZTEC Editorial TeamWritten and reviewed by NAZZTEC practitioners. This briefing is general guidance, not legal advice.
