MacDeSC Computer Lifecycle Policy
The Apple hardware warranty is limited to three years. While the MacDeSC machines participation is extended to a fourth year, we cannot be sure that they will not require software and/or memory upgrades before the end of this cycle. (It is extremely difficult to predict what new software releases from vendors might require in the coming year.)
Apple hardware models are approved to remain in MacDeSC for two operating systems. For example,
if a machine comes into the MacDeSC environment with the MacDeSC OSX 10.5.x image installed, it may remain in MacDeSC at 10.5.x when the MacDeSC OSX 10.6 image is released or upgraded to the new OSX image. If the MacDeSC computer needs to be re-imaged for any reason it must go to the latest MacDeSCE image with the most recent version of the Apple OS. If that does not occur, when the MacDeSC OSX 10.7 image is released this computer will need to be replaced and imaged with the 10.7 MacDeSC image before the end of the OSX migration period.
The Desktop Systems Council will continue to evaluate hardware and software requirements to determine the appropriate "refresh" cycle. For this reason, the Council cannot guarantee that the life-cycle will remain at four years if it is determined that this length of time is an ineffective solution for any particular model.
