If you’re managing IBM Power Systems infrastructure, this is the critical information you need. Get the exact EOS (End of Service) and EOL (End of Life) timelines for every model at a glance.

Key Terminology:

• EOL (End of Life): IBM stops selling and marketing the hardware, but technical support continues
• EOS (End of Service): IBM discontinues all technical support, maintenance, and security updates
• Machine Type-Model: IBM’s hardware identification format (e.g., 8247-21L where 8247=machine type, 21L=model)

1. IBM Power8 Systems EOS Status (Completed/In Progress)

The IBM Power8 generation launched a decade ago, and it’s time to retire this generation. IBM’s end-of-service support for the entire Power8 server line began in March 2024 and concludes in July 2025.

Power8 Model-Specific EOS Schedule

⚠️ Critical Note: The S812 (8284-21A) is the final Power8 model supported until July 31, 2025.

2. IBM Power7 Systems EOS Status (Completed)

IBM Power7 reached end-of-service on September 30, 2019. If you’re still running Power7 systems, immediate replacement is required.

Power7 Major Models (All EOS Completed)

3. IBM Power9 Systems EOL Status (Sales Discontinued, Support Continues)

IBM Power9 systems were withdrawn from marketing on October 20, 2023, meaning they can no longer be purchased new. However, they haven’t reached EOS yet, so technical support continues.

Power9 EOL Model List

Note: Power9 EOS schedules haven’t been officially announced yet, but typically EOS occurs 3-5 years after EOL.

4. IBM Power10 Systems Status (Currently Supported)

Power10 is IBM’s current flagship generation with full support. No EOL/EOS schedules have been announced yet.

Power10 Major Models

5. IBM i Operating System EOS Schedule

IBM i Version Support Status

⚠️ Key Information:

• IBM i 7.2 extended support began May 1, 2021, and continues through April 30, 2026
• IBM i 7.3 Service Extension Offering started October 1, 2023, and continues through September 30, 2026
• Service Extension Offering: IBM’s fee-based support program providing continued maintenance and defect support beyond standard lifecycle, with some limitations compared to standard support

6. Machine Type Quick Reference

Power8 Machine Types (EOS Completed/In Progress)

• 8247: -21L(S812L), -22L(S822L), -42L(S824L)
• 8284: -21A(S812), -22A(S822)
• 8286: -41A(S814), -42A(S824)
• 8335: -GTB(S822LC)
• 8348: -21C(S812LC)
• 8001: -12C(S821LC)
• 8408: -44E(E850C)
• 9119: -MME(E870), -MHE(E880)
• 9080: -MME(E870C), -MHE(E880C)

Power7 Machine Types (All EOS Completed)

• 8202: -E4B, -E4C, -E4D
• 8203: -E4A
• 8204: -E8A
• 8205: -E6B, -E6C, -E6D
• 8231: -E1C, -E1D, -E2B, -E2C, -E2D
• 8233: -E8B
• 8408: -E8D, -E8E
• 8412: -EAD
• 9117: -MMA, -MMB, -MMC, -MMD
• 9179: -MHB, -MHC, -MHD

Power9 Machine Types (EOL Completed, EOS Not Announced)

• 9009: -41G(S914), -42G(S924), -22G(S922)
• 9223: -22S(H922S), -42S(H924S)
• 9040: -MR9(E950)

Power10 Machine Types (Currently Supported)

• 9105: -41B(S1014), -22A(S1022), -22B(S1022s), -42A(S1024)
• 9786: -22H(L1022), -42H(L1024)
• 9043: -MRX(E1050)
• 9080: -HEX(E1080)

7. Priority-Based Response Guide

🔴 Immediate Action Required (Power7)

• Status: EOS completed since 2019
• Action: Immediate replacement or third-party maintenance (TPM) contract required
• Risk: No IBM support, security patches, or firmware updates available

🟠 Response Planning Needed (Power8)

• Status: EOS in progress 2024-2025
• Action: Establish replacement or extended support plan by end of 2025
• Options: Upgrade to Power10, migrate to cloud, or negotiate TPM contracts

🟡 Long-term Planning (Power9)

• Status: EOL completed, EOS not announced
• Action: Review upgrade plans within 3-5 years
• Advantage: Still under IBM support with time to plan strategic migration

🟢 Stable Operations (Power10)

• Status: Currently fully supported
• Action: Regular updates and maintenance only
• Benefit: Long-term support guaranteed with latest features and security updates

8. License Transfer Policies

Key considerations for IBM Power Systems upgrades regarding license transfers:

IBM i Licenses

• Same customer hardware replacement: Free transfer available
• Capacity expansion: Additional license purchase required
• Downgrade scenarios: Separate condition review needed

AIX Licenses

• SWMA (Software Maintenance Agreement) customers: Automatic transfer with hardware replacement
• One-time licenses: New licenses required for new hardware

IBM Software Licenses

• PVU-based: Recalculated based on new hardware PVU (Processor Value Unit) ratings
• Named User Plus: Per-user licensing model – transfer possible if user count unchanged

Note: PVU is IBM’s licensing metric based on processor core count and performance. Different Power generations have different PVU ratings per core.

Quick Reference Checklist

✅ Identify Your System’s Machine Type-Model

• AIX systems: Use lscfg -vp command to display hardware configuration
• IBM i systems: Use DSPHDWRSC TYPE(*PRC) command to show processor resources
• Look for entries showing machine type and model (format: XXXX-XXX)

✅ Verify EOS Date

• Check exact EOS date for your model in the tables above
• Cross-reference with IBM’s official Product Lifecycle site for updates

✅ Assess Business Impact

• Identify mission-critical applications and their dependencies
• Determine acceptable downtime windows for migration
• Calculate costs of extended downtime vs. upgrade investment

✅ Evaluate Alternatives

• Review IBM’s official replacement models and migration paths
• Consider third-party maintenance (TPM) for temporary support extension
• Assess cloud migration via IBM Power Virtual Server or other providers

Important Disclaimer: While this information is compiled from multiple sources and represents the most current data available, IBM may update schedules without notice. For mission-critical planning decisions, always verify information directly with IBM or your authorized IBM Business Partner.

Last Updated: January 2025 (Based on real-time web research)

Official References:

• IBM Product Lifecycle
• IBM Power8 End of Service Announcement