Make 2025 Your Most Efficient Year Yet
Whether you're upgrading cloud services or scaling operations, our specialists can guide you in prioritizing and planning your IT infrastructure for maximum impact in 2025.
Whether you're upgrading cloud services or scaling operations, our specialists can guide you in prioritizing and planning your IT infrastructure for maximum impact in 2025.
For decades, countless organizations have put their faith in IBM Power to lay the framework for their entire IT architecture. The name IBM has become synonymous with innovation and reliability. When it comes to this technology – the sky is the limit, which is why so many companies are considering cloud migration for their IBM Power Systems.
Well, that might not be the only reason.
The truth is that IBM Power Systems are incredibly complex, requiring certified expertise to keep the proverbial wheel turning. This talent pool is not easy to come by, and many organizations have difficulty retaining or obtaining these experts. Plus, there’s a premium on these positions, making on-premise IBM Power expensive. Combine this with the costs of maintaining IBM Power servers on-premises, and you have a recipe for migration. But anyone who has worked within this environment knows just how difficult that route can be - regardless of whether you choose a public or private cloud.
Let's address concerns about migrating to the cloud and the steps to take to quell some of those anxieties.
The Harsh Truth:
Migration might be necessary
Sure, there are a handful of common instigators for IBM Power cloud migration. Whether it’s outdated hardware, limited certified expertise, security concerns, or scalability restrictions – cloud migration is often touted as a necessary expressway for success. However, many organizations fail to take the leap.
Let’s explore some of the most influential motivators for migrating your IBM Power systems to the cloud.
Cloud migration has evolved beyond the conventional “lift and shift” approach. Organizations recognize the enduring value of moving traditional workloads to the cloud, extending well beyond the initial migration phase. The transition unlocks access to value-added cloud-native services, such as:
These enhanced capabilities not only prolong the relevance of traditional applications but also empower intelligent decision-making, providing a necessary edge across various industries.
Revitalizing modern business applications for improved integrations with cloud-native services has become the goalpost for many enterprises spanning many industries. Some are in the midst of migrating to cloud-based ERP systems, necessitating the relocation of ERP-adjacent workloads to the cloud. Traditionally, IT teams hesitated to migrate or refactor business-critical, highly customized applications built on IBM Power systems. However, the impetus for digital transformation and modernization has prompted organizations to migrate these workloads to the cloud, oftentimes leveraging offerings from major public clouds or specialized private clouds to run IBM Power unchanged.
In a world still impacted by a global pandemic, political unrest, and worsening natural disasters – robust disaster recovery plans are absolutely critical. These plans and infrastructures ensure the continuity of operations even during extreme situations or unexpected events, like the Texas Power Crisis in 2021. Cloud-based disaster recovery is an attractive option for businesses to back up and recover data in a third-party cloud computing environment, offering advantages over on-premises solutions.
A significant portion of the total IBM i is installed on Power8 or later generations – and unfortunately, IBM announced End of Service Life (EOSL) for select Power8 scale-out and scale-up systems. What does this mean for the majority of customers? There are essentially three avenues:
For organizations looking to achieve some of the benefits we discussed earlier, like value-added cloud native services, modernization, and improved DR – IBM cloud migration is often the ideal long-term solution.
The IBM Power Systems listed in the chart below have already reached their end-of-life stage and are scheduled to reach End-of-Support in the near future.
Machine type | Model | Description | EoS effective date |
8001 | 12C | Power Systems S821LC | 31-Oct-24 |
8001 | 22C | Power Systems S822LC for Big Data | 31-Oct-24 |
8247 | 21L | Power Systems S812L | 31-May-24 |
8247 | 22L | Power Systems S822L | 31-Mar-24 |
8247 | 42L | Power Systems S824L | 31-Mar-24 |
8284 | 22A | Power Systems S822 | 31-Mar-24 |
8286 | 41A | Power Systems S814 | 31-May-24 |
8286 | 42A | Power Systems S824 | 31-Mar-24 |
8335 | GCA | Power Systems S822LC | 31-May-24 |
8335 | GTA | Power Systems S822LC | 31-Mar-24 |
8335 | GTB | Power Systems S822LC for HPC | 31-Oct-24 |
8348 | 21C | Power Systems S812LC | 31-Mar-24 |
8408 | 44E | Power Systems E850C | 31-Oct-24 |
9080 | MHE | Power Systems E880C | 31-Oct-24 |
9080 | MME | Power Systems E870C | 31-Oct-24 |
9119 | MHE | Power Systems E880 | 31-Oct-24 |
9119 | MME | Power Systems E870 | 31-Oct-24 |
The next step is selecting an IBM Power partner, which is critical in ensuring a smooth and successful migration from on-premises legacy systems to off-premises cloud alternatives. Here's a guide on choosing the ideal partner who comprehensively understands the intricate nature of IBM Power environments and can expertly navigate the complexities of the IBM cloud migration process.
Partner checklist for your IBM migration journey:
Long History in IBM Power Environments
Look for a partner with a deep understanding of IBM Power Systems. This includes certified professionals who possess the requisite skills and knowledge to manage, optimize, and troubleshoot IBM Power environments. A partner with specialized expertise in IBM technologies can effectively address the unique challenges associated with these complex systems.
Proven Track Record in Cloud Migrations
Evaluate the partner's track record in successfully migrating on-premises legacy systems to off-premises cloud alternatives. A reputable partner should be able to showcase previous successful migrations, highlighting their ability to handle the intricacies of IBM Power migration projects. Case studies and client testimonials can provide valuable insights into their past performance.
Comprehensive Support and Services
Choose a partner that offers end-to-end support throughout the migration journey. This includes assessing the existing on-premises infrastructure, developing a tailored migration strategy, executing the migration process, and providing ongoing support post-migration. A comprehensive approach ensures a seamless transition and minimizes disruptions to your business operations.
Understanding of Compliance and Security
Given the sensitive nature of data and regulatory requirements, opt for a partner well-versed in compliance standards and security best practices. Ensure they can address your organization's specific compliance needs and implement robust security measures to safeguard data during and after the migration. This is especially important for industries or organizations with specific regulatory needs regarding their data transfer, hosting, and management.
Scalability and Future-Proofing
Select a partner that considers scalability and future requirements in their migration strategy. A forward-thinking approach ensures that the chosen cloud solution can accommodate your organization's growth and evolving needs. The partner should provide insights into how they plan to future-proof the migrated IBM Power environment.
Clear Communication and Collaboration
Effective communication and collaboration are key elements of a successful migration partnership. Choose a partner who communicates transparently, keeping you informed at every stage of the migration process. A collaborative approach ensures that your organization's goals align with the migration strategy, fostering a strong and mutually beneficial relationship.
The IT landscape will only continue to grow and evolve. Organizations looking at the big picture and long-term success will need to consider migrating their IBM Power Systems to the cloud from both a strategic and modernization point of view.
The decision isn’t whether or not an organization should migrate their IBM Power Systems to the cloud, it’s when and with whom. The choice between public and private cloud migration unfolds a spectrum of considerations, each with its unique advantages and potential concerns. We hope we’ve armed you with enough information to help you find the right IBM Power Systems partner to help you begin your cloud migration journey.
Embracing this shift is not just a means to future-proof a legacy-burdened IT infrastructure. It’s a necessary strategic positioning for the entire organization.
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