The purpose of this blog is to explain your options if you are faced with IBM EOS. In my opinion, 2 options – used servers and non-IBM hardware support are poor choices. I explain why. Your other 2 viable choices include a new IBM POWER server or IBM i cloud hosting. I briefly explain what you can expect.
Clearly, this a high-level presentation so you get a sense of what you can expect. As they ultimately say, the devil is in the detail.
Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are brand names for hardware. I use them interchangeable to make it easier for folks to find this kind of information on the web.
Legacy IBM i that have EOS servers are thinking about their options…or should be, as the EOS deadlines approach.
Simply older iSeries 9406-520, 9407-515, 8203-E4A, 8202-E4B and 8202-E4C will no longer have IBM hardware support in 2019. The EOS dates range from January 31, 2019 to September 30, 2019. (This is a brief summary of servers and EOS dates. Call or email me for specifics that are relevant to your server.)
So, what can you expect as likely options?
Used IBM Servers And Non-IBM Hardware – Buyer Beware
For starts, 2 unlikely options are used POWER servers and non-IBM maintenance.
But these options have worked in the past. What is different now?
While used servers may be low-priced, you may be unable to get IBM Software Support for your current IBM licensed program products (i.e. IBM i OS, user count, compilers, Query 400, iAccess aka Client Access, etc.). And, the older POWER servers will not have IBM hardware support.
Also, most folks are unaware that POWER6 and POWER7 system boards are uniquely serialized to the specific server serial number. Only IBM can change a failed system board. If your used POWER6/7 system board fails and the proprietary IBM software to assign a new system board serial number to your server is no longer available due to IBM EOS, your server is dead. I highlight this because in the last 8 years I have seen more system board failures with POWER 6/7 servers than other IBM server.
This means that non-IBM maintenance companies cannot fix a failed system board.
So, when it comes to used servers or non-IBM hardware support, buyer beware.
New IBM POWER Server
More than likely you will look at a new POWER server.
How much do they cost?
All situations vary based on a variety of factors.
On the other hand, I have done so many configurations here are some very simple guidelines:
1) If you can be satisfied with a P05 server (4 cores with 1 core active with IBM i, and maximum 10 disk slots), you will find your new entry server price in a range of $34,000 to $51,000 with 3 years of IBM support. Add another $7,000 – $10,000 for an extra 2 years of support for a total of 5 years of IBM support.
2) If you need a P10 server (6-8 cores with 1 core active with IBM i), your price range will more likely be $65,000 to about $100,000 with 3 years of IBM support. Add another $10,000 – $20,000 for an extra 2 years of support for 5 years of IBM support.
3) If you need a larger IBM POWER server, you will have to request specific configuration to get good budgetary pricing.
The above examples can help you get a sense of what kind of budgetary pricing you can expect for the new server.
But Wait … There’s More. Extra Cost You Can Expect
When you move your system from your legacy server to a new server you need to do more research.
First, you need to ask your software providers what is involved with moving to a new server with a new serial number and higher OS version.
You will probably discover that your software providers charge a transfer fee from very modest to outrageous. You may be shocked at the transfer fee you pay even though you have paid current on your software support fees.
Second, you may need to hire an expert to migrate your system to the new platform with a version upgrade. Depending on the expert, I have seen prices range from $2500 to $10,000. I have even seen as much as $20,000 and more.
Third, if you are moving to IBM i V7.3 be sure to confirm with your software provider that your software is V7.3 certified.
Fourth, you may discover that some IBM software you use is no longer supported at V7.3, such as AFP (Advanced Function Printing). AFP is commonly used to generate forms or print bar-code labels. So, if you have AFP and you plan to move to V7.3 start looking for options. While I have heard some users tell me that it may still work, be aware that it is NOT supported if something goes wrong.
IBM i Cloud Hosting Is Another Option
Not surprising, I hear that 3 out of 4 IBM i users are also evaluating hosting.
There are several attractive aspects of hosting. They include:
Flexibility – pay for only what you need and only as long as you need it (ideal for an interim need of 2-3 years).
IBM i Expert Administration – outsource your administration, backups, software patches, console error messages and hardware repair to IBM experts.
Outsource Security, Redundancy and Disaster Recovery – rather than deal with the complexities and changes related to security, redundancy and disaster recovery, users favor outsourcing these issues to data center experts.
Save Money – Hosting is less expensive than a new server for a short term of 3 years or less. Hosting can also be less expensive for users that place a value on outsourcing server administration, security, redundancy and disaster recovery.
How Much Does IBM i Hosting Cost?
The cost for IBM i hosting ranges depending on the resources (processor CPW or performance speed, RAM memory, disk storage and backup retention) as well as length of term.
The general range I see most often for the majority of IBM i users is between $700 and $2500 per month, depending on the factors I mentioned above.
Conclusion
If your system is on an EOS server and you need still need to support it, you will need to consider a new server or hosting.
If so, have some relative price ranges to share with your management team so they can get mentally prepared for the migration off your current server.
Next step is to jump in and start your research for this important transition.
The earlier you start your research, the more time you allow for a smooth transition to the new direction.
If you need help, email me at blosey@source-data.com or call me at 714-593-0387.
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