The purpose of this blog is to explain IBM Software Maintenance Service Extension (SWMA SE) and how you can benefit.
What Is SWMA?
If you are an IBM POWER user, you may already know the acronym “SWMA” refers to IBM Software Maintenance Agreement.
When you have SWMA, you are entitled to receive access to:
1) OS version upgrades,
2) Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs, or software patches),
3) Technology Releases (TRs, bi-annual PTFs),
4) Entitlement transfers, and
5) IBM support line to help with software issues and trouble-shooting.
So, What Is SWMA Service Extension (or SWMA SE)?
SWMA SE is support for IBM i OS versions that have been withdrawn from active support.
As many readers may recall from the recent past, IBM announced withdrawal of IBM i V5R4, V6.1 and V7.1 support. These announcements affect IBM POWER users who still operate 9406-810, 9406-520, 9406-525, 9407-515, 8203-E4A, and 8202-E4B/C/D. (This is not an all-inclusive list.)
When IBM withdraws software support for an OS version, it means that IBM will no longer update the OS with any enhancement, patches, or fixes.
Further, even though there may be known software bugs, IBM will not fix anything once IBM withdraws software support.
What Does SWMA SE Include?
When you have SWMA SE, you are entitled to receive access to:
1) OS version upgrades,
2) Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs, or software patches) through the end of that OS version,
3) Entitlements transfers, and
4) Best efforts IBM support line to help with software issues and trouble-shooting.
Why You May Want SWMA SE
Version Upgrades – Many users delay a version upgrade due to more pressing issues. Later when they want to upgrade, they need SWMA SE to get access to the newer OS software versions.
Program Temporary Fixes – Many legacy users discover their systems do not function properly because their PTFs are back-level. SWMA SE allows them to get the most current PTFs for their OS level.
Entitlement Transfers – When a legacy IBM i user is ready to upgrade to a new POWER server, the user can transfer his Entitlements (IBM i OS and user count) to his new server for $5,000 per IBM i active core. This is a good deal.
Recently I was talking to a legacy server client that wanted to migrate his 8202-E4B to a new 9009-41A. Because he did not have SWMA SE, he could not transfer his Entitlements. Instead, IBM charges $20,245 for IBM i OS and unlimited users — $15,245 more than if he had SWMA SE.
Best Efforts IBM Phone Support – Legacy IBM i users may still need trouble-shooting help. With SWMA SE, users can get IBM phone support. They just need to understand that best efforts means “best efforts” – there are NO new PTFs, NO new software patches, NO enhancements, and NO new fixes to bugs known and unknown. At best, IBM will provide the help they can and suggest workarounds. Moreover, they may tell you that the only fix is a version upgrade.
Need Help?
If you need help to understand SWMA SE and how you can benefit, call me at (714) 593-0387 or email me at blosey@source-data.com.
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