The purpose of this blog is to let you know that IBM now offers hardware support for those POWER servers that had been identified as End Of Support (EOS). This new announcement will provide temporary relief to those users that have been fretting about how to keep their POWER supported for 1 more year as they transition to their next step. Whatever step that may be.
Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS00 are names of IBM servers. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easier for researchers find this information on the web.
I know from multiple conversations with IBM users that many have been anxious about what to do with their EOS POWER servers.
Specifically, users with POWER5 (9406-520, 9406-525), POWER6 (9507-515, 8203-E4A) and POWER7 (8202-E4B and E4C) have received notification in the last year that their servers will reach End of Service (EOS) in 2019. In essence, no more hardware support.
This is particularly fretful for users that do not want to make a long-term commitment to a new POWER9 server.
There are many reasons why users may need to keep withdrawn machines operating – purchasing delays, development and test cycles, lagging migration projects.
In fact, many POWER users have plans to sunset their IBM POWER servers in favor of different solutions. Consequently they only needed the IBM server support for a few more years.
IBM Technology Support Services (TSS) has announced that they will now offer continued hardware maintenance extension support for withdrawn equipment. Using TSS extension support can now provide dependable hardware support for users that need a few more years from their legacy server.
Users can continue to use servers, storage units and other hardware more affordably for a longer period as well as gain time needed to complete technology upgrades and migrations.
This TSS extended hardware support provides Level 1 and Level 2 support, including existing microcode fixes and patches. The service also covers parts replacement, depending on availability.
The standard renewal term is 12 months.
So, if you have been up in the air about what to do with your EOS IBM POWER server, now you can check out this new offering to get the hardware support you may need.
Important Limitations
If this is of interest, you want to understand the limitations.
First, the earliest you can get firm pricing is 90 days prior to EOS date. For 9406-520, you can get pricing now because EOS date is January 31, 2019. For 8203-E4A, you will have to wait until about February 1, 2019 because your EOS date is April 30, 2019. If your server is an 8202-E4B or 8202-E4C, you will have to wait until about July 1, 2019 to get pricing because your EOS date is September 30, 2019.
Second, this special maintenance agreement is currently for 1 year. This may change. We will just have to see.
Third, parts are “as available.” This can mean possible delays of up to several days for parts. If parts are not available, that can be an issue.
Fourth, service is provided on a “commercially reasonable effort” basis. Do NOT expect 4 hour response time. Repair is subject to parts and technical expertise availability. There is NO statement regarding fix times and parts procurement.
Fifth, IBM can withdraw this service with 30 days’ notice. So, no guarantee that you are covered for the 1 year term.
Sixth, this EOS extension is break fix only and Microcode/FW/Machine Code updates are not included. No code fixes will be developed or provided.
Next Step
If you want to know more about IBM EOS Hardware Service Extended Support, call me at (714) 593-0387 or email me at blosey@source-data.com.
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