The purpose of this blog is to provide you a practical explanation of IBM’s EOSS and what options you can select for planning your next step.
What Does IBM’s End Of Service Support (EOSS) For POWER Mean To You? Really?
I have many clients that have called me in alarm after receiving a letter from IBM dated June 21, 2016 announcing an End of Service Support (EOSS) for IBM POWER 5 systems and older
IBM Plans To Discontinue Hardware Support For POWER5 and older systems.
IBM wants you to know that they will discontinue hardware support for POWER 5 system starting January 31, 2019*.
If you run your business on 9406-520 or 9407-515, start checking out your options.
What can you do?
- You will be able to get IBM hardware support up to January 31, 2019 (or later depending on your specific server and IBM’s EOS date)
- You can consider non-IBM hardware support.
- You can migrate to a new POWER8 server.
- You can migrate to a used POWER6/7 server.
- You can move your IBM I applications to a hosted solution, like Cloud400.
What is right for you?
Which of the above options is right for you depends on your situation.
If you have a clear commitment to your IBM i applications, the new IBM POWER8 offers tremendous performance. More than likely, the POWER8 will be less expensive that what you paid for your POWER5.
Even so, I generally see new POWER8s sell in a range of $25,000 – $65,000 and more depending on client needs. For many, that is just too much to spend.
If you are OK with non-IBM hardware support, this may be your lowest cost option.
Just be aware that some used parts are harder to find. And, if you lose a motherboard, you recovery option is a replacement server …. Which can take days to arrive and may involve new software keys (which also causes delay …and in some cases, will NOT be made available.)
When your IBM i future is uncertain, or you have made the decision to migrate to a new platform, an IBM i hosted solution offers affordability and IBM expert support.
You have a lot of flexibility. Your hosting term can be quarterly to a few years. You hosting can be terminated when you no longer have a need.
In some cases, a used server may be an attractive option. While the initial cost of a used POWER6 or POWER7 is less than a new POWER8, be advised that to transfer your IBM licensed software (RPG compiler, Query, Client Access, etc.), you will need to buy Software Maintenance (SWMA) and After License Fee (ALF). SWMA and ALF can range from $4500-$10,000 on top of the initial server purchase price. Securing SWMA and ALF may also be a delay because the used server you buy must be registered in the IBM equipment database before you can buy them. In can take weeks to get IBM to update their records with you used server information. (Many folks I talk find a used server is not that attractive)
Need More Help?
While I may think the options are clear cut, most folks I talk to are busy with running their business…not makes changes to their server.
If you need more help or clarity with your option, let me know I can help.
Call me at 714-593-0387 or email me at blosey@sxource-data.com
*End of Service Dates For IBM Servers:
Between January 31, 2019 to October 31, 2020 IBM will stop supporting legacy POWER servers.
If you have 9406-520 or 9407-515, hardware support stops on January 31, 2019.
If you have 9406-170 or 720, game over on January 31, 2020.
If your server is 820, 830, 840, 250, 270, 525, 570, 595, 800 or 810, no more hardware support after October 31, 2020.
For more details, call me at 714-593-0387 or email me at blosey@sxource-data.com
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