We are at a pivotal moment in history regarding IBM i migration options. Public IBM cloud solutions, such as IBM Power Virtual Server and Skytap on Azure, have matured. They are now suitable for production workloads. This change comes after the initial excitement when IBM launched its Power9 machines and, to a lesser extent, Power10 systems.
Also, Managed Service Providers (MSPs) around the world have Power10 hardware. They have the skills to help with migrations and ongoing operations. On-premises Power10 offers great price-to-performance benefits. IBM Power11 is set to improve this even more when it launches in the second half of 2025. With more choices than ever before, the question remains: Which IBM i hardware option best suits your environment?
When evaluating these options, several key factors will guide the decision. If latency is important, consider using an on-premises solution. A managed services provider (MSP) with a nearby datacenter could also be a good choice.
The choice between capital expenditure (CapEx) and operational expenditure (OpEx) is important. Cloud solutions often work better for those who prefer OpEx models. On-premises IBM i setups may attract those with existing CapEx budgets. Organizations with strong IBM i skills may prefer on-premises or hybrid setups. Those without these skills can benefit from the IBM i expertise provided by MSPs or cloud providers.
Data sovereignty requirements can also dictate choices, especially if regulations mandate that data remain within specific geographical boundaries. Also, if resource needs are unclear or change, IBM cloud platforms provide easy scalability. This is something on-premises solutions may find hard to do. Finally, whether the workload is short-term or long-term will affect the best solution for your business. The operating system version needed must also be supported by the platform you choose.
No matter which IBM migration option you choose, Maxava and its Migrate Live solution stand out as the sensible choice for ensuring a smooth, efficient, and reliable transition. Migrate Live is designed to support migrations to cloud, MSP, and on-premises environments with minimal disruption, offering real-time replication for IBM i servers throughout the migration. Whether you’re moving to IBM Power Virtual Server, Skytap on Azure, any of the hundreds of MSPs in the market, or an on-premise setup, Migrate Live provides seamless IBM i migration minimizing downtime, helping maintain business continuity throughout the process. Both traditional applications and data residing in *SYSBAS and iASPs are supported, and distance is no barrier.
One of the most underappreciated features of Maxava’s Migrate Live is its ability to facilitate seamless data migration across different versions of the operating system. This capability allows customers to thoroughly test their servers on later OS releases while maintaining synchronized data with their current live servers and applications. This ensures a risk-free environment for testing business critical applications without disrupting business continuity.
Maxava Migrate Live supports a wide range of supported IBM i operating system versions, from legacy releases such as OS/400 V5R3 to the most current version, IBM i 7.5, offering unmatched flexibility and compatibility for today’s IT environments.
Maxava’s Migrate Live service provides a comprehensive, managed solution for seamless IBM i system migrations. The offering includes temporary access to Maxava’s industry-leading replication technology for up to three months across two designated systems. A dedicated project manager ensures smooth execution by collaborating closely with your internal teams and aligning Maxava’s experts to meet your specific timelines and objectives.
Maxava’s pedigree in the IBM i space means that your migration will be backed by years of experience and cutting-edge technology, tailored to your specific needs. Maxava Migrate Live is the ideal solution for organizations seeking both flexibility and reliability, offering the confidence that your migration will be secure, fast, and cost-effective, no matter which path you take.
Written by Ash Giddings is a product manager at Maxava and an IBM Champion 2024.