IBM uses three key lifecycle milestones when they discuss support for hardware products. End of Marketing (EOM), End of Support (EOS), and End of Life (EOL). These terms define when a system is no longer sold, when IBM winds down official support, and when it reaches the absolute end of its support. Knowing these distinctions helps businesses plan upgrades, extend warranties, and maintain system reliability.
End of Marketing (EOM): No Longer Available for Purchase
What it means: IBM stops selling a specific System or Feature. This means new units can no longer be purchased directly from New from IBM.
Impact:
- Existing users can continue using the system.
- IBM still provides support and warranty services.
- Customers should plan for future upgrades since new systems will eventually replace the old models.
📌 Example: IBM POWER9 systems reached EOM in 2024, meaning IBM no longer sells them, but support continues.
End of Support (EOS): No more standard IBM maintenance or fixes.
What it means: IBM officially stops providing firmware updates, security patches, and technical support for a system. After this date, IBM will no longer offer standard maintenance contracts/renewals.
Impact:
- Systems continue be supported for the duration of all existing contracts.
- Extended support contracts are often available, though at considerable extra cost.
- Businesses should strongly consider upgrading to a supported platform to avoid business interruptions and maintain compliance with the latest security standards.
📌 Example: IBM POWER8 reached EOS in 2024, meaning IBM no longer provides fixes, but some businesses opt for an extended service contract at an additional cost.
End of Life (EOL): All Official Support is Ended.
What it means: End of Life is the final stage—when IBM considers that a system is obsolete and no longer practical to use. While IBM doesn’t always define a strict EOL date, systems past EOS become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.
Impact:
- No official IBM support, replacement parts, or software updates.
- Higher risk of failure and security vulnerabilities.
- Companies should replace these systems to maintain reliability and compliance.
📌 Example: IBM POWER7+ reached EOS in 2020, and most organizations have since retired these systems due to software incompatibilities and hardware aging.
Key Takeaways: Plan Ahead!
- EOM = IBM stops selling the system, but support continues.
- EOS = No more official support or patches—upgrade planning is critical.
- EOL = System is obsolete and should be replaced to avoid risks.
If your IBM POWER system is nearing End of Support or End of Life, now is the time to act. Avoid unexpected downtime, security vulnerabilities, and compliance risks by renewing your support contract or planning an upgrade.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your renewal options, extended support solutions, or migration to a modern IBM POWER system. Midland is here to help you keep your infrastructure running smoothly and securely!