The purpose of this blog is to explain how IBM i hosting can be an option for IBM users who discover that their server is nearing End of Server (EOS). Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system and AS400/iSeries are brand names for servers. I use them interchangeably to make it easier for IBM users to find information on the web.
IBM i users have been notified that IBM POWER5 (such as 9406-520), POWER6 (such as 9407-515, 8203-E4A) and 2 generations of POWER7 (8202-E4B and 8202-E4C) servers will no longer have IBM hardware support in 2019.
Also, many popular IBM iOS versions (V5R4, V6R1, and V7.1) are no longer actively supported nor have new enhancements.
Besides the EOS announcements, IBM users face other issues that include shrinking pool of IBM i experts, Disaster Recovery (DR), and an uncertain future as new systems are rolled out. Also, does the IBM users’ organization favor capitol or operating expenses for new technology.
Lately, I see IBM i cloud hosting to be more popular and accepted.
Hosting offers 5 benefits.
1) Lower Cost
2) IBM i Expert Administration
3) Greater Security and Redundancy
4) Affordable Disaster Recovery
5) Flexible Operating Expense
First, hosting can be less expensive than buying a new server. With hosting, you only rent the small allocation of resources you need for your workload instead of a large, powerful server with the extra cost of licensed program products, hardware and software support, and related expenses.
Second, IBM i-specific hosting providers include IBM i expert administration. This includes managing your backups, monitoring and responding to console error messages, and keeping the IBM OS fresh with software patches (PTFs). When you have support issues, your hosting provider is your first call. Generally, you will find them easier to reach and you get answers much faster. And, as a client, they get to know you and your operation.
Third, IBM i hosting providers’ data centers generally have greater security and redundancy than most users. The hosting data centers are disaster resistant.
Fourth, IBM i hosting providers offer a range of affordable DR options for hosted applications. Or, if you prefer to keep your production in-house, hosted DR solutions can range from tape recovery, online backup to the cloud, and high availability. Above all, hosted DR is generally way less expensive than traditional offerings.
Fifth, hosting is a flexible operating expense. You “rent” for only as long as you need. Users faced with uncertainty to sunset an application or phasing in new systems want the flexibility of “pay as you go”. Other users learn they cannot get a capital investment approved yet they can get an operating expense approved.
Summary Of The Hosting Benefits
When I engage with IBM users that understand their total cost of owning and managing an on premise server which, besides the cost of a new server, includes the costs for administration, support, backups, and disaster recovery, they generally opt for hosting. They tell me the decision to host is a “no-brainer”.
If you want to learn more about IBM i Cloud Hosting, email me at blosey@source-data.com or call me at 714-593-0387.
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