Skip to main content
Just like any app on your phone, printer apps can also reach an “end of service.” But what happens when you get an email that reads “this app will reach end of service next month”? What does that actually mean? Will the app simply stop working? And most importantly, what should you do about it?
As long-time Xerox partners, we’ve guided businesses through this exact scenario more times than we can count. Printer apps, like those in the Xerox App Gallery, are meant to go through a lifecycle. And while “end of service” sounds ominous, it doesn’t have to spell disaster if you understand what it truly means and plan ahead.
In this article, we’ll explain what end-of-service for printer apps really is, the risks of ignoring it, how Xerox typically handles it, and the smartest steps you can take to keep your workflows running smoothly.
Table of Contents
- What “End of Service” Really Means
- Risks of Using an End-of-Service App
- How to Know If an App Is Reaching End of Service
- What to Do If Your App Reaches End of Service
- How Xerox Handles End of Service
- Choosing the Right Replacement App
- Who Can Help You Navigate This?
- Conclusion: Preparing For What’s Next
What “End of Service” Really Means
End of service (EOS) is when an app is no longer actively supported or updated by its developer. In practice, this can mean a few things:
- The app may continue to work for a while in its current form.
- You won’t receive bug fixes, updates, or new features.
- Compatibility issues may crop up as your printer firmware or operating systems update.
It’s similar to when support ends for the apps on your phone or even your printer. The app might still work for a while, but eventually, it stops keeping pace with everything around it.
Risks of Using an End-of-Service App
At first, it might seem easiest to just keep using the app until it breaks. But there are some real risks to doing that:
- Security vulnerabilities: Without patches, unsupported apps can become easy targets for hackers.
- Compatibility issues: Updates to Xerox VersaLink or AltaLink firmware could cause the app to stop working altogether.
- Productivity losses: If bugs and errors aren’t fixed, your team will be stuck with frustrating workarounds.
So, while the app may still “work,” it’s not a stable or safe long-term solution.
For more insights on how outdated printer firmware can further impact security and reliability, visit our blog on the risks of running outdated firmware.
How to Know If an App Is Reaching End of Service
The good news is you won’t usually be blindsided. Below are common ways your printer manufacturer will let you know an app is nearing EOS:
- Pop-up notifications right on your printer interface.
- Email communication from Xerox or your print vendor.
- In-app alerts prompting you to explore alternatives.
Be on the lookout for these messages. Too often, we see businesses dismiss them as minor updates, only to scramble when the app finally stops functioning.
What to Do If Your App Reaches End of Service
If you learn an app you rely on is going away, here’s a practical action plan:
- Contact your print vendor (that’s us). We can confirm timelines, explain why the app is being retired, and share replacement options.
- Evaluate alternatives. Often, Xerox will offer newer apps that provide the same functionality or better.
- Test before you commit. Most Xerox apps come with free trials, letting you see how they work in your environment before you purchase.
Ultimately, you don’t need to scramble alone. There’s almost always a clear replacement path.
How Xerox Handles End of Service
One advantage of the Xerox ecosystem is that EOS doesn’t usually leave you stranded. Instead of pulling the plug, Xerox typically:
- Provides clear notices in advance through email.
- Ensures new apps are compatible with ConnectKey-enabled devices (VersaLink and AltaLink).
Xerox may even offer an alternative app with comparable or expanded features.
For example, when certain legacy apps were retired, customers were able to migrate to newer, more secure versions that integrated better with cloud platforms.
Check out our blog on how Xerox replaced the Scan to Email app with an improved version here.
Choosing the Right Replacement App
When it comes time to evaluate the alternatives, here are key questions to ask:
- Does the app accomplish the same tasks your team depends on?
- Does it add new features that could save you even more time?
- Is it fully compatible with your Xerox devices?
- What does it cost compared to your previous app?
In some cases, EOS can be an opportunity to upgrade. We’ve seen clients move from a simple scan-to-cloud app to a more advanced workflow tool like Xerox Workflow Central. This change ended up cutting hours out of their weekly processes.
Who Can Help You Navigate This?
You don’t have to become an app lifecycle expert. As Xerox Platinum Partners, we stay ahead of these changes so you don’t have to. Our team can:
- Alert you to apps reaching EOS before they impact your business.
- Recommend the best replacements for your workflows.
- Set up trials so you can see new apps in action.
- Handle installation and user training so the transition is painless.
End of service can feel disruptive, but with the right guidance, it’s really just part of keeping your tech current and secure.
Conclusion: Preparing for What’s Next
When printer apps approach EOS, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will end. Apps evolve, business needs change, and developers shift focus to better tools. What matters most is how you prepare.
If you rely on Xerox printer apps today, EOS is something you’ll encounter eventually. But with the right approach, it can be a chance to refresh your workflows rather than a roadblock.
Ready for the Next Step?
If you’ve received an EOS notice or simply want to be proactive, reach out to us. We can help you explore the alternatives, set up free trials, and make sure your workflows stay uninterrupted.
