This blog briefly describes IBM’s SWMA (Software Maintenance for IBM Licensed Program Products) price increases beginning April 1, 2020 and an overview of some of your options. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use the terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web. IBM plans big SWMA price increases effective April 1, 2020. You can expect to see your SWMA renewal to increase in a range of 10%-24%, … [Read more...]
What Is IBM SWMA Service Extension?
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, … [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...]
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...]
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...]
IBM i (AS400/iSeries) Upgrade Season Is In Full Bloom
The purpose of this blog is to briefly summarize key factors happening right now that affect IBM i version upgrades. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. AS400 and iSeries are names for servers. I use them interchangeably so users can more easily find information on the web. IBM i upgrade season is in full bloom as users upgrade to V7.2 or V7.3. As IBM users know, IBM software support (SWMA) is no longer available for V5R4 and V6R1. 5/1/2018 - IBM i 7.1 SWMA Will Be SE … [Read more...]
How To Plan For Your IBM i (iSeries/AS400) Future?
What We Can Expect To Come For IBM i And POWER9 The purpose of this blog is to share the early insights I have read about the IBM iOS and the POWER9 server. Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system and iSeries and AS400 are server names. I use them interchangeably to make it easier for users to find information with search engines What Is The Foreseeable Future For IBM i? I often get asked how long will IBM support my IBM i OS. I expect the IBM i OS to evolve and be supported for 10 … [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...]