As an expert in the field of IT infrastructure and server management, I have spent years advising companies on how to maintain their servers and when to consider replacing them. The decision to keep or replace servers is a multifaceted one that depends on a variety of factors, including the server's role within the company, its performance, the cost of maintenance, and the company's technological strategy.

**Step 1: Assessing the Server's Role and Performance**
The first step in determining how long to keep a server is to assess its role within the organization. If the server is a critical production server, it is typically expected to have a lifespan of about five years. This timeframe allows for a balance between the cost of the server and the reliability it provides. Critical servers are those that are essential to the company's operations and cannot afford downtime or significant performance degradation.

Step 2: Maintenance and Upgrades
During the server's lifecycle, regular maintenance is crucial. This includes updating software, applying security patches, and monitoring the server's health. Many organizations choose to upgrade certain components, such as drives or power supplies, halfway through the server's expected lifespan. These upgrades can extend the server's life by improving its performance and reliability.

Step 3: Cost-Benefit Analysis
A cost-benefit analysis is essential when deciding whether to keep or replace a server. This analysis should take into account the cost of continuing to maintain the server versus the cost of purchasing a new one. Factors to consider include the server's age, the cost of repairs, the frequency of downtime, and the potential impact on business operations if the server fails.

Step 4: Technological Advancements
Technology is constantly evolving, and new servers often come with significant performance improvements and energy efficiency. Companies should also consider the technological advancements when deciding on the lifespan of their servers. Newer servers may offer better support for newer software and applications, which could be critical for the company's competitive edge.

Step 5: Risk Management
Risk management plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Older servers are more likely to fail, which can lead to data loss and downtime. The risk of failure increases as the server ages, so it's important to weigh the potential risks against the costs of replacement.

**Step 6: Environmental and Regulatory Considerations**
Finally, environmental and regulatory factors should be considered. Some companies may choose to replace their servers earlier to reduce their environmental impact or to comply with specific regulations.

In conclusion, while many experts agree that critical production servers should last about five years, the decision to keep or replace a server is highly dependent on the specific circumstances of the organization. It's a decision that should be made after a thorough analysis of the server's role, performance, maintenance costs, technological advancements, risk management, and environmental considerations.

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Most of the experts agree that critical production servers should last about five years and should be replaced or at least moved away from critical applications or off production all together. As mentioned, many opt to upgrade drives or power supplies halfway through the five years make them last longer.Jun 12, 2013read more >>