Software Lifecycle
Last Updated: 03/03/2021
Overview
Software applications are rapidly changing in the IT world and, as such, have an associated life cycle. OIT provides the software guide below with the following phases:
- Early Adoption: Software that is either in a limited release state or released with some underlying compatibility issues.
- Recommended: Applications that have been thoroughly tested and are endorsed for use by OIT.
- Upgrade Soon: Applications that have been released for some time and generally function well. Some compatibility issues may exist with new applications.
- Upgrade Now: Software needs to be upgraded, has many security vulnerabilities, and is no longer supported by vendors.
*Please Note: Operating systems and software recommendations below do not directly correlate to what is supported by OIT. Please visit the Supported Software and Hardware page for more information.
Operating Systems 
| Early Adoption | Recommended | Upgrade Soon | Upgrade Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
macOS 11.0 Big Sur |
macOS 10.15 CatalinaMAC Windows 10 (20H2)Windows
|
macOS Mojave (10.14)MAC Windows 10 (1909 - 2004)Windows Windows 8.1Windows |
macOS High Sierra (and older)MAC Windows 10 (1903 or older)Windows Windows 7*Windows |
Productivity Applications 
| Early Adoption | Recommended | Upgrade Soon | Upgrade Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Office 365*WindowsMAC Office Online*Windows MACLinux G Suite*Windows MACLinux |
Office 2019 WindowsMAC Office 2016WindowsMAC |
Office 2013Windows Office 2011MAC Office 2010Windows |
* CULoginName@colorado.edu and IdentiKey password credentials are required to log in and download software.
Web Browsers 
| Early Adoption | Recommended | Upgrade Soon | Upgrade Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
EdgeWindows Safari**MAC Chrome*Windows MACLinux Firefox*Windows MACLinux |
|
Internet Explorer 11 and olderWindows |
* Most up to date browser version
** Apple applications (e.g. Safari) come pre-installed with a particular Mac OS X version.
Email & Calendar 
| Early Adoption | Recommended | Upgrade Soon | Upgrade Now |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Outlook 365*WindowsMAC Outlook Online*Windows MACLinux |
Outlook 2019 WindowsMAC Outlook 2016WindowsMAC
|
Outlook 2015MAC Outlook 2013Windows Outlook 2011MAC Outlook 2010Windows
|
* CULoginName@colorado.edu and IdentiKey password credentials are required to log in and download software.