IBM has introduced a new subscription-based pricing model for its Power10 systems, marking a significant shift from the traditional perpetual licensing model. This change aims to provide more flexibility and cost-effectiveness for businesses adopting IBM Power10 technology.
Power 10 Subscription Pricing Model
The new pricing structure for IBM Power10 is tiered and subscription-based. This model allows businesses to pay for the resources they need on a more flexible basis, rather than making a large upfront investment.
General Power 10 Pricing Tiers
As of April 2024, the annual pricing for subscription-based IBM Power10 includes:
OS Licensing:
- Non-expiring: $15,895
- Subscription: $8,925
Users (10s):
- Non-expiring: $3,180
- Subscription: $800
Unlimited Users:
- Non-expiring: $63,600
- Subscription: $16,000
Power 10 Conversion Pricing
To ease the transition, IBM offers conversion pricing for customers switching from perpetual licenses to subscriptions. This limited-time offer provides significant discounts:
- OS licensing subscription: Reduced from $8,925 to $7,140
- Unlimited Users tier: Reduced from $63,600 or $16,000 to $2,000
Customers opting for a five-year plan can benefit from these conversion prices for the entire period, resulting in substantial long-term savings.
Example Power 10 Configurations
IBM Power10 systems can be tailored to various business needs. Here are some example configurations with estimated pricing:
- Entry Server for IBM i solutions:
- 4 cores, 64GB RAM, IBM i (20 users)
- Estimated 2024 Power10 Total Initial Cost: $44,000
- Entry Server for SAP HANA:
- 12 cores, 2TB RAM, SLES or RHEL
- Estimated 2024 Power10 S1022 Total Initial Cost: $47,100
- Redhat OpenShift Configuration:
- Estimated Price: $82,100
Power 10 System Performance and Cost Efficiency
IBM Power10 systems offer significant performance improvements and energy efficiency compared to previous generations and competitors:
- 50% faster than its predecessor and 33% more energy efficient
- Container workloads processed 4.1 times faster than on an average Intel server
- Two Power10 systems can handle the same Oracle workloads as 126 Intel or 3 Power9 servers, using only 20 kW of power compared to 102 kW for Intel servers
These performance gains can lead to substantial cost savings in terms of software licensing, floor space, and energy consumption.
IBM Power10 pricing is designed to offer flexibility and cost-efficiency for businesses of all sizes.
The subscription model, combined with the system's superior performance and energy efficiency, can result in significant long-term savings. Businesses should carefully assess their needs and consult with IBM or authorized partners to determine the most suitable configuration and pricing plan for their specific requirements.