The purpose of this blog is to explain the difference between IBM Hardware Support (HWMA) and IBM HWMA Extended Support. If you are an IBM POWER server user, you may be familiar with the acronym “HWMA”, or Hardware Maintenance Agreement. If so, you probably know that if you have HWMA in place, IBM will repair a server hardware failure. In the United States, you just call 800-IBM-SERV (800-426-7378). You provide the IBM receptionist with your server type (i.e. 8286, 9009, etc.) and serial … [Read more...]
What You May Not Know About IBM i (iSeries/AS400) HWMA And SWMA For Software Support
The purpose of this blog is to highlight a subtle yet important nuance that IBM HWMA and SWMA users need to know. Disclaimer: IBM AS400 and iSeries are servers. IBM i is an operating system. I use these terms interchangeably to make is easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web. I am a big fan of IBM support to keep your server current. As you may now be aware, IBM provides Technology Refreshes (TRs) to make it simpler and less expensive to keep your system current with … [Read more...]
IBM Announced 8202-E4D End Of Service Is 12-31-20. Your 4 Options When IBM Stops 8202-E4D Support.
Please be aware that IBM has announced that they intend to withdraw hardware maintenance (HWMA) for your 8202-E4D effective December 31, 2020. Review Your Options And Start Planning For The End Of Your IBM 8202-E4D HWMA. When IBM 8202-E4D HWMA expires, here are your choices: 1) Do Nothing. Run your server until you get an error or it fails and then reach out to a 3rd party maintenance company to fix it when it breaks. 2) Get IBM Extended HWMA (when available) or 3rd Party … [Read more...]
Who Tracks Your IBM i (iSeries/AS400) HWMA And SWMA Expirations So You Have Continuous Coverage?
The purpose of this blog is to stress the importance of monitoring the renewal of your support agreements. Often, IT departments are so swamped that these renewals can get overlooked. Ideally, your Business Partner gives you 90-120 day advance notice so you have plenty of time to get them renewed. Disclaimer: iSeries and AS400 are IBM servers. IBM i is an operating system. I use them interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find related information on the web. If you are like most of … [Read more...]
Yikes! IBM i (iSeries/AS400) POWER Servers Without Support?
The purpose of this blog is to highlight the risk of running an IBM POWER server without support. While the IBM POWER servers are exceptionally reliable, unexpected downtime without adequate support and backup can delay recovery for days…if at all. AND, it can be VERY EXPENSIVE. Whatever savings some executive thought was to be gained can evaporate compared to the cost of recovery. Disclaimer: AS400 and iSeries are IBM servers. IBM i is an operating system. I use them interchangeably to make … [Read more...]
IBM i POWER (AS400/iSeries) RAID Controller Cache And Battery – What You Need To Know
The purpose of this blog is to highlight what you need to know about the IBM i POWER (AS400/iSeries) RAID controller cache and battery. I wrote this because I had 3 customers encounter cache battery problems in the last 7 days (yikes). I want IBM i users to understand what the cache battery is and how to respond when you get that first error message that lets you know to replace…not the one that tells you that your cache battery has died. Disclaimer: AS400, iSeries, and POWER are IBM servers. … [Read more...]
You Have A Legacy IBM Server And No Hardware Support. Now What?
The purpose of this blog is to let you know that if you want the least disruption with your IBM POWER servers, keep your IBM hardware and software support current. Also, keep your PTFs and technology refreshes current as well. When you learn your server is at End of Service life, it is ideal to move to the newest technology or a dependable alternative like hosting. To remain on a legacy server without support is a gamble and you will likely experience untimely disruption. Disclaimer: IBM i … [Read more...]
Assess On-Premise IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Server Total Cost Of Ownership To Understand Your Options
The purpose of this blog is to identify the elements to make up the on premise server total cost of ownership so you can determine your options to upgrade to a new on premise server or move to the cloud to host your IBM I (iSeries/AS400) applications. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use them interchangeably to make it easier for users to find this information when searching on the web. Every day I speak to IBM i (iSeries/AS400) users to help them … [Read more...]
Protect Yourself From 3 Alarming Trends That Can Hurt IBM i (ISeries/AS400) Users
The purpose of this blog is to share 3 shocking trends that I sense hurts IBM i Users. I have also provided some action items you can take to protect yourself. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system and iSeries and AS400 are IBM servers. I use the terms interchangeably to make it easier for users to find this information with search engines. I am a big fan of the IBM i and its amazing design. Even so, I am saddened to see 3 alarming trends that can hurt IBM i users. 1. New CFOs … [Read more...]