IBM Power Systems Reviews

Organizations transitioning from POWER7 to POWER8 report significant performance improvements and enhanced capabilities, particularly in virtualization and workload management. Leasing systems present natural opportunities for financial benefits. Customers experience reduced software licensing costs with POWER8 due to fewer core requirements. The ROI often stems from the system's scalability and reliability, resulting in more efficient resource utilization. Features like PowerHA contribute to cost effectiveness, with performance gains translating into better service and increased customer acquisition.

IBM Power Systems is known for its high pricing, often surpassing competitors like Huawei and Dell EMC; however, the solution's performance and reliability provide a significant return on investment for large enterprises. While some users appreciate the cost model and find licensing reasonable, others struggle with complexity and additional costs for software and maintenance. The solution is generally considered expensive for small organizations, but larger companies justify the expenditure through high performance and long-term value.

• "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 is primarily utilized for database servers, core banking, and commercial solutions across various industries such as banking, telecommunications, and government. Users appreciate its stability, high performance, and comprehensive virtualization features. It supports applications like Oracle, SAP HANA, and Middleware. IBM Power Systems is implemented in different environments, including cloud, data centers, and on-premises setups for institutions needing robust infrastructure and high availability.

IBM Power Systems customer service is highly responsive and knowledgeable, with many praising its efficiency and expertise. Second-level support typically offers better solutions, while first-level can be hit-or-miss. Some prefer US-based help over outsourced options. Experienced technicians are valuable, and support tends to shine with direct and local assistance. Though not every interaction is seamless, IBM's readiness and dedication stand out, helping to resolve issues promptly.

Experiences with IBM Power Systems's initial setup vary. Some find it straightforward, especially with prior knowledge or professional support, while others note complexity, requiring careful pre-planning and technical expertise. Migration involves steps like logical partition mobility. The duration can range from days to months, influenced by factors such as specific requirements, environment complexity, and data migration needs. Support from IBM professionals or internal teams often aids in simplifying the process.

IBM Power Systems exhibit excellent scalability, allowing organizations to grow from small setups to extensive operations. Users appreciate the ease of scaling due to features like virtual partitions, capacity planning, and dynamic resource allocation. Many highlight the seamless expansion capabilities, especially transitioning between POWER versions. The platform supports varied business sizes and ensures minimal downtime when scaling, accommodating thousands of users efficiently. Despite some concerns about modeling flexibility, the scalability remains highly regarded.

IBM Power Systems exhibits strong stability with consistent performance. Users report high reliability and rare outages, often caused by network or human errors rather than the system itself. The system offers excellent hardware and software stability, frequently receiving perfect or near-perfect ratings. Upgrades are usually straightforward, and stability remains even during updates. This reliability boosts user confidence, enabling IT teams to operate efficiently without concern for unexpected downtime.