Version Upgrade Blog – BASICs to Understand
The Purpose of this blog is to outline the fundamental aspects of IBM i OS upgrades and software support, including why IBM introduces new OS versions, the frequency of announcements, and the benefits of IBM Software Support, empowering users to make informed decisions about their system maintenance and upgrades.
Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web
Why does IBM introduce new IBM i OS versions and how often are they announced?
While this may sound obvious, IBM introduces new IBM i operating system (OS) versions with significant improvements for functionality, performance, reliability and security about every 2-3 years:
??????????? Version??????????????????????????????????????????????? Release Dat
??????????????? V7.2?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 2014-05-02
??????????????? V7.3?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 2016-04-15
??????????????? V7.4?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 2019-06-21
??????????????? V7.5?????????????????????????????????????????????????????? 2022-05-10
When may we expect the next IBM i OS version?
This pattern suggests that IBM may introduce the next OS version sometime in 2nd Quarter 2025.
What do I get with IBM Software Support?
Access to PTFs (patches to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities – monthly since 1-20)
With IBM software support, users have access to monthly Program Temporary Fixes (PTFs), or software patches.? These software patches include new functionality as well as fixes to newly discovered software “bugs” and security vulnerabilities.
?TRs
IBM also offers Technology Refreshes (TRs) is a collection of PTFs and improvements to make the updates to the IBM i OS simpler and less expensive than applying monthly PTFs. A common practice is to apply TRs about every 6 months.
IBM phone support
Direct access to IBM's support resources for timely assistance.
What should I know about my IBM i OS (several key factors)?
As an IBM user, you have several key factors:
1)????? Do I have IBM software support for my IBM i OS version,?
2)????? Is my IBM i OS currently supported as opposed to “End of Life” (withdrawn from active support),
3)????? At a minimum, do I upgrade my IBM i OS with TRs about every 6 months to keep IBM i software current,
4)????? Is my application software certified to be upgraded to the next IBM i OS release
Let me elaborate what makes each of these factors important.
1)????? IBM software support provides you access to direct access for best efforts IBM software support for back-level version and lower costs to migrate your Licensed Program Products (LPPs) when you upgrade to a new IBM Power server.
2)????? Currently supported IBM i OS provides you access to currently supported PTs, cyber security patches, and direct access to IBM software support.
3)????? Applying TRs every 6 months improves your IBM i cyber security. Since 2022, IBM has made monthly cyber security fixes available.
4)????? For IBM i OS version upgrade planning, check with your software developers that your applications are certified to run at the next level so you can upgrade. With each IBM i OS release variations in the OS and firmware may require your software developer test and fix for your applications to work.
Why should I stay current with IBM I OS and software support?
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Access to PTFs & IBM Phone Support
Access to PTFs and IBM phone support ensures timely fixes for bugs and security vulnerabilities.
In fact, you lose access to Cyber Security patches unless you are on currently supported IBM i OS.
Cost Considerations
Staying current can be less expensive than lagging behind. Generally, professional services fees to upgrade are less than the cost of IBM Extended SWMA fee.
How Much Does IBM V7.3 Extended SWMA Cost? More Than You May Expect?
IBM announced dramatic price increase for Extended SWMA fee. IBM now charges an extra 150% of SWMA for the first year, an extra 200% of SWMA for the second year and 250% of SWMA for the third year. Yikes!
How Much You May Pay For P05 Software Tier Extended SWMA?
IBM servers are grouped in software tiers, such as P05, P10, P20, P30 and P40, based upon performance characteristics. SWMA prices vary depending on your server and the number of active cores. The more powerful the server, the higher software tier number.
Most of my clients are P05 software tier. So let’s look at what P05 Extended SWMA may look like if you have a 9009-41A with one core active with IBM i:
?Year??? SWMA Fee??? SWMA Extension Fee????? Total
1??????? $2,547.00??????????? $3,820.50??????????????? $6,362.50
2??? ??? $2,547.00??????????? $5,094.00????????????????$7,614.50
3??????? $2,547.00??????????? $6,367.50?????????? ???? $8,914.50?????????????
How Much You May Pay For P10 Software Tier Extended SWMA??
1????????$6,660.00???????????? $9,990.00????????????? $16,650.00
2?????? $6,660.00???????????? $13,320.00???????????? $19,980.00
3??????? $6,660.00???????????? $16,650.00???????? ????$23,310.00??????????????????????????
We’re here to help
Staying current with IBM i OS upgrades and software support is essential for maintaining system integrity, security, and cost-effectiveness. Let Source Data assist as you navigate the upgrade journey with confidence and efficiency, ensuring that your IBM i environment remains resilient and future-ready.
?Need Help?
Call me at 714-593-0387 or email me at [email protected]. Let us know how we can help!
To learn more about us, and view our customer testimonials, please visit our website: www.Source-Data.com and see our other links:
1)?????IBM I on POWER (iSeries/AS400)
2)?????IBM I (iSeries/AS400) Cloud Hosting
3)?????IBM I (iSeries/AS400) Disaster Recovery Options
4)?????IBM I (iSeries/AS400) Version Upgrade