I understand the life-cycle model for everything from central office (5ESS specifically) equipment to PCs. Try as I might, the small business customers I have are all wedded to the break-fix model, doubly so since things when south in 2008. Those that have not already gone under are just trying to survive till people start spending again. Big ticket items (e.g. a forklift for a hardware store) just don't happen while smaller things like an hand-held inventory scanner are E-Bayed.

I'll share the group's wisdom with the owner and see where that goes. Thanks for the input.