IBM Power Systems Reviews

IBM Power Systems users report substantial returns from hardware upgrades, enhanced virtualization, and improved software licensing efficiencies. Moving from POWER7 to POWER8 delivers noticeable performance boosts, scalability, and reliability. Users highlight better resource utilization and reduced total cost of ownership. They appreciate newer features, robust support for multiple workloads, and improved technology. Financial benefits often outweigh initial costs, with some achieving ROI in six months to a few years, especially when compared to alternatives.

IBM Power Systems offers strong performance and reliability, making it a preferred choice for enterprises with large workloads despite its higher pricing compared to competitors like Huawei, HPE, and Dell EMC. Licensing models are varied, and some users find them complex yet inclusive. While some appreciate the cost savings from efficient technology use, others view the solution as costly, with setup and maintenance fees contributing to the expense. Pricing is influenced by configuration, and significant discounts are available in certain regions.

• "When there is an error in the SAS drive of 10,000 RPM, my company buys support for 1,500 USD."
• "The solution's pricing is very, very high compared to other platforms."
• "It's more about the value you get for the price. Considering its stability and performance, the pricing is good."

IBM Power Systems are primarily used in banking, telecommunications, and government sectors for database servers, core banking applications, and enterprise resource planning. Organizations appreciate its reliability, high performance, and stability. It supports environments like Oracle Databases and middleware, with use cases ranging from data centers to call banking. Suitable for high availability and mission-critical environments, Power Systems facilitate virtualization, enabling cost-effective, shared use in financial and governmental settings.

IBM Power Systems has responsive customer service and knowledgeable tech support. Many users find US-based support efficient, while outsourced support varies. Technical expertise is praised across hardware and software services, but escalation is sometimes needed for complex issues. Users appreciate quick problem resolution and the Advocate Program. While some experience challenges due to location, most commend the support team's effectiveness. Long-term users note improvements, though localized support quality can differ.

Participants found IBM Power Systems' initial setup ranged from straightforward to complex, often influenced by prior experience. While some described it as easy and intuitive, others noted its complexity, requiring technical knowledge or professional assistance. Time frames varied, with full deployments taking days to weeks. Migration processes were generally straightforward, yet the setup phase posed challenges for those unfamiliar with the systems. Pre-planning and expertise were crucial for a smooth implementation.

IBM Power Systems exhibits remarkable scalability, praised for its ability to expand seamlessly in enterprise settings. It supports resource scaling like LPARs and memory expansion without downtime, catering to diverse needs from small businesses to large corporations. Its architecture facilitates both horizontal and vertical growth, allowing users to accommodate future demands effortlessly. Adoption varies across industries, with users frequently highlighting its flexibility and capacity to scale efficiently across multiple environments. Proper initial sizing is essential.

IBM Power Systems are consistently praised for stability, offering excellent uptime and reliability. Users report minimal disruptions with issues often linked to external factors like network or human errors. Maintenance is straightforward, and system upgrades are manageable. Security and performance are highly rated, making the platform suitable for mission-critical operations. Many emphasize reliability over other platforms, noting rare unscheduled downtimes and robust infrastructure resilience. The platform is frequently updated, further minimizing potential outages.