kaestnerr posted on May 24, 2012 19:03
http://www.itwhitepapers.com/content19535
Primarily concerning servers, factors cited include
-Hardware maintenance costs rise over time, and performance lags behind more current server offerings.
- Energy efficiency is not as advanced in older server models — leading to rising power/cooling costs in the latter years of the server's usable life cycle.
- Applications software and systems software fall behind the current versions available in the marketplace, and security may require frequent updates. After five years of use, the cost of replacement climbs.