Final EA Networks Release Notes — a 13-year enterprise edition, deployed 19 August 2013 and completing its EA production run on the exact same date in 2026.
On 19 August 2013, EA Networks deployed LIMBA v1.0. Exactly 13 years later, on 19 August 2026, Limba completes his final day at EA Networks.
During that production run, LIMBA accumulated an enormous knowledge database, resolved more problems than anyone kept tickets for, supported the people around him, and somehow established network connectivity with almost everyone in the organisation.
Inside IT, that production environment was small: Limba, Tony, Kathryn and Junix. Four people sharing the same station, the same daily problems, the same quick chats that were rarely quick, and the same familiar Limba routines.
Most importantly, LIMBA introduced a set of features that became part of everyday life around the IT station. Some are documented below. Others simply had to be experienced.
Automatically activates whenever someone approaches the IT station looking for help. Compatible with technical issues, work problems, questions, ideas — and sometimes simply someone who needs a good conversation.
Triggers when a user finally understands the solution. Usually indicates successful knowledge transfer and a satisfied Limba expression.
Runs continuously in the background. Can be activated simply by saying “Limba” within audible range. No login, ticket or formal request required.
Executes when Limba arrives: “Good Morning!” followed by “How’s everyone doing?” Unlike most automated health checks, this one actually cares about the result.
Notices when someone is not quite themselves, checks in, listens, shows genuine sympathy, and makes sure the team knows they are supported. This functionality cannot be replicated by automation.
Recognises potential and gives people room to prove themselves. Known side effect: people tend to remember who gave them their chance.
Initial deployment to EA Networks. System successfully entered production.
Learning. Leading. Troubleshooting. Teaching. Talking. Lots of talking. Helping. Listening. Supporting. Giving people opportunities.
Exactly 13 years after initial deployment. Same date in. Same date out.
Thirteen years can be measured in projects, tickets, systems and incidents. But that would not really measure Limba’s contribution.
His legacy is also in the “Good Morning” when he arrived. The genuine “How’s everyone doing?” The “What’s on your mind?” when someone needed help. The “Yes sir!” that told you he was listening. And the “There you go!” when something finally clicked.
Underneath those familiar expressions was a manager who was mindful of his team — someone who noticed people, listened, showed sympathy, shared what he knew, trusted others and gave people opportunities.
For some people, that opportunity changed the direction of a career.
Those things aren’t stored in SharePoint. They aren’t documented in a ticket. They aren’t captured in a handover. And they don’t disappear when an account is disabled.
They stay with the people who worked with him.
The other three are going to notice.
The desk will still be there. The tickets will still come in. The systems will still need looking after. But the team will feel different.
For Tony, Kathryn and Junix, this is not only the departure of an ICT Manager. It is the departure of the person who has been part of the rhythm of the IT station — the morning greeting, the check-in, the stories, the advice, the “Yes sir!”, the “What’s on your mind?”, and the “There you go!” that became part of an ordinary working day.
And that is probably the best indication of Limba’s impact: some of the things we will miss most were never written into a position description.
It’s a major career upgrade.
13 YEARS // 19 AUG 2013 → 19 AUG 2026
EA Networks Edition: Successfully completed ✓
Solutions Architect Edition: Ready for deployment 🚀
From the three people still sitting at the IT station — Tony, Kathryn and Junix — thank you for the leadership, trust, knowledge, care, opportunities and conversations.