IBM Power8 End of Support
The IBM Power servers have been reliable workhorses for over 30 years for many organizations, providing the computing power needed to run critical workloads. However, as technology advances and new hardware becomes
available, older technologies become outdated and have an increased risk of failure and security breaches.
IBM’s date for the end of support for all Power8 servers is October 31st, 2024, meaning businesses can no longer get hardware maintenance and support, order upgrades, or receive replacement parts from IBM.
This announcement is forcing those running the Power8 to evaluate their hardware strategy. Do you want to continue down the path of purchasing and depreciating hardware or are you ready for another option?
If you are ready to get out of the hardware business, this might be the perfect time to migrate to the cloud but, if not, companies have plenty of other options available.
Migrate to the Cloud for Futureproofing
As technology continues to evolve, many organizations are considering migrating their infrastructure to the cloud as a future-proofing strategy. Cloud computing offers numerous benefits, including scalability, flexibility, and reduced maintenance overhead.
By migrating from on-premises Power8 servers to a cloud-based solution, businesses can take advantage of the IBM Power10 platform without the upfront investment in new servers. Cloud providers often offer a range of options, allowing organizations to choose the most suitable configuration and performance levels for their workloads resulting in only paying for the resources they use.
Once migrated to the cloud, installing PTFs, security patches, and OS upgrades are a thing of the past as your cloud provider now takes care of those at your convenience and on your schedule. With a cloud-based solution, you also get to experience a secure, reliable, resilient data center environment where everything is fully redundant, greatly reducing the risk of downtime if disaster strikes.
An IBM Power in the Cloud solution can offer future-proofing benefits, enabling businesses to take advantage of the latest technologies and scale their infrastructure as needed.
Purchase a New Power10 Server
For organizations that want to own hardware, buying a new Power10 server is the way to go. Power10 servers offer significant improvements in processing power, memory capacity, and security features compared to previous generations.
By upgrading to a Power10 server, businesses can benefit from enhanced performance and efficiency, allowing them to handle demanding workloads more effectively. Additionally, investing in the latest server technology ensures long-term support from IBM and access to future updates and security patches.
However, it's important to carefully evaluate the cost of a new Power10 server and consider whether the performance enhancements justify the expense. Organizations should also assess their specific business requirements and determine whether purchasing the minimum configuration of the Power10 server is the best fit for their needs as they might be buying more resources than they need.
While investing in a new Power10 server involves a significant upfront cost, it can provide the most advanced capabilities and support for organizations that require cutting-edge technology. One thing to consider, the Power10 is already two years old and the Power11 is already being talked about.
Upgrade to a Used Power9 Server
Another option for organizations looking to move off the unsupported Power8 box is to purchase a used Power9 server. The Power9 server, while not the latest technology, will offer improved performance, scalability, and efficiency compared to its predecessor, and put you back on supported hardware.
By opting for a used Power9 server, organizations can save costs compared to investing in a brand-new Power10 server. When considering an upgrade to a used Power9 server, it's also important to consider the longevity of this support and whether it aligns with your organization's long-term goals.
Overall, upgrading to a used Power9 server can be a viable option for organizations that need more powerful hardware but want to minimize costs. It's crucial to carefully assess the condition of the server and evaluate the potential for future support before deciding.
Remain on the Power8 with Third Party Maintenance
For businesses looking to extend the life of their Power8 server, one option is to continue using it but purchase third-party maintenance. Third-party maintenance providers offer support and maintenance services for the Power8 server even after the end of IBM's official support. They can help with hardware repairs, software updates, and troubleshooting, ensuring that your Power8 servers continue to operate smoothly. However, these third-party maintenance companies can be expensive resulting in a higher total cost of ownership.
It is also important to consider the potential risks and limitations of relying on third-party maintenance. While these providers can offer support, they may not have access to the same level of expertise or resources as IBM. For example, a replacement part that IBM once always had in stock could take days or weeks to get or worse, be impossible to find. Additionally, using third-party maintenance means that you are unable to upgrade the operating system and you no longer receive security patches from IBM, potentially leaving your infrastructure vulnerable to emerging threats.
As IT professionals, we do not recommend this option as it could lead to the IBM Power Trap. However, the decision to remain on the Power8 with third-party maintenance should be based on your organization's specific needs, budget constraints, and risk tolerance.
How Racksquared can Help
At Racksquared, we understand the challenges organizations face when navigating the end of support for IBM Power8 servers. Our team of experts can provide guidance and support in choosing the best upgrade path for your specific needs.
Whether you decide to remain on the Power8 with third-party maintenance, upgrade to a used Power9 server, invest in a new Power10 server, or migrate to the cloud, Racksquared can assist you every step of the way. We offer comprehensive IBM Power solutions and services, including hardware procurement, cloud hosting, colocation, and ongoing administration and maintenance.
Check out our IBM Power solutions on the web to learn more about how Racksquared can help you navigate the end of support for IBM Power8 servers and ensure a smooth transition to a more modern and supported infrastructure.
