IBM Power Systems Reviews

Vendor: IBM

4.4 out of 5

69 reviews
97% willing to recommend

428 followers

What is IBM Power Systems?

IBM Power Systems are built to crush the most advanced data applications - from the mission-critical workloads you run today to the next generation of AI.

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IBM Power Systems is the #4 ranked solution in top Rack Servers. PeerSpot users give IBM Power Systems an average rating of 8.8 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 69 most recent IBM Power Systems reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 8.5. (The highest in the category). IBM Power Systems is most commonly compared to Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers: IBM Power Systems vs Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers. IBM Power Systems is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 62% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 17% of all views.

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Featured reviews

Omobolaji Olaloku

Senior Enterprise System Engineer at Zenith-bank

The most valuable feature of our machines is their ability to replace faulty parts without causing any downtime. Our servers are equipped with advanced technology, making it possible to replace defective parts without having to bring down the servers. This is crucial, as any disruption to our services would result in inconvenience to our customers. Therefore, being able to service the machines and replace parts without causing any downtime is highly beneficial.

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Lindra Heryadi

Dept Head of Enterprise Hardware Product at PT Multipolar Technology Tbk

IBM Power Systems provides very good performance and stability compared to other brands or processors IBM should provide a platform where users can learn about the storage and security of IBM Power Systems. We have had some minor issues with IBM's technical support. However, IBM support is good…

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Getachew Zeleke

Senior Custormer Engineer at Afcor PLC

We use IBM Power Systems for bank systems and databases. All banking systems use IBM Power Systems. Our additional operating and virtual and vRO systems, expansion systems, everything is IBM IBM Power Systems get updated every two years and are scalable and stable. It is 99.99% easy to update.…

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IBM Power Systems mindshare

As of November 2024, the mindshare of IBM Power Systems in the Rack Servers category stands at 9.0%, down from 9.4% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

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Key learnings from peers

Last updated Nov 21, 2024

Valuable Features

IBM Power Systems offer reliability, flexibility, and performance, excelling in virtualization and security. They provide excellent processing power with high availability and serviceability. Users appreciate their ability to dynamically add resources, handle disaster recovery, and support Linux and AIX on the same hardware. The architecture allows for efficient resource management and minimal downtime during maintenance. Virtualization, Live Partition Mobility, and scaling capabilities are highly valued, along with robust technical support and cost-effective ownership.

"The most valuable features of the solution are disaster recovery, replication, and the ability to migrate to another location."
"IBM Power Systems provides very good performance and stability compared to other brands or processors."
"Additionally, the processing power is far superior, especially with the RSA feature for reliability, serviceability, and availability."

Room for Improvement

IBM Power Systems needs improvements in cost, licensing clarity, and cloud integration. Users express a desire for simpler management interfaces, increased speed, and enhanced support for emerging technologies like AI and GPU computing. They seek more flexibility in licensing models and easier OS upgrades. Pricing concerns are prevalent, with calls for more competitive rates. Users also identify a need for better documentation, marketing efforts, and a simplified approach to manage virtual environments.

"IBM systems are old technologies. I couldn't renew and get to use IBM Power Systems, and it offers users very expensive support."
"IBM should provide a platform where users can learn about the storage and security of IBM Power Systems."
"Sometimes, the availability of additional services can be a challenge. Certain IBM software takes time to deliver to the client. It can be slow."

ROI

Users reported ROI improvements after upgrading to IBM Power Systems, particularly from POWER7 to POWER8. They cited enhanced virtualization, workload management, and reduced software licensing costs as significant benefits. Improved performance, scalability, and hardware upgrades were other advantages driving ROI. Organizations appreciated the increased reliability and reduced administrative tasks. Power8's capability to handle more workload with fewer resources contributed to its positive financial impact. Overall, they expressed satisfaction with increased performance and cost-effectiveness.

Pricing

IBM Power Systems pricing is perceived as expensive compared to competitors, yet justifiable with its ROI, performance, and reliability for large workloads and enterprises. Users note the complexity in setup and licensing, favoring configurations that align with business scalability needs. While some appreciate cost-saving opportunities through oversubscription and inclusive licensing, others mention potential cost reductions could enhance competitiveness. Discounts may yield favorable pricing in certain regions, balancing the perceived value against higher initial costs.

"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."

Popular Use Cases

IBM Power Systems is primarily used for database servers, core banking applications, and enterprise resource planning. It supports Oracle Databases, SAP HANA, and is highly valued for stability, reliability, and virtualization. Telecommunications, government, and educational sectors utilize it for middleware applications, disaster recovery, and data centers. Organizations appreciate its high availability, performance, and scalability, serving multiple clients efficiently through virtualization, making it ideal for critical applications in diverse environments.

Service and Support

Customers find IBM Power Systems' customer service generally strong and knowledgeable, with responsive support and skilled technicians. Many appreciate swift assistance, though some express concerns about outsourcing and tiered escalation impacting response times. While U.S.-based support is praised for effectiveness, others note frustration with first-level help and delays. Users favor in-person technicians for their expertise and accessibility. Some experience challenges due to regional support availability and delays, while many report positive interactions with support teams.

Deployment

IBM Power Systems initial setup varies in complexity. Many find it straightforward with adequate experience and support, while some perceive it as challenging, especially for newcomers. The setup process often involves detailed planning and knowledge, requiring a knowledgeable team or IBM's assistance. Hardware installation is generally quick, but software setup and integration can be more time-consuming. Users highlight the importance of familiarity with IBM's unique terminology and tools for smoother deployment.

Scalability

IBM Power Systems impresses with exceptional scalability, accommodating diverse needs from small businesses to large enterprises. Users appreciate its flexibility, allowing easy expansion and resource optimization without downtime. The platform supports multiple LPARs, enabling efficient system utilization and seamless upgrades from POWER8 to POWER9, benefiting varied industries. Its ability to handle large user bases while maintaining performance highlights its robust architecture. Scalability receives high praise, making it a preferred choice for many.

Stability

Users express high satisfaction with IBM Power Systems' stability, praising it for minimal downtime, exceptional reliability, and consistent performance. They note its ability to operate without unexpected outages, claiming it's more stable than competing platforms. Customers mention the hardware rarely experiencing failures and needing minimal maintenance. Even during upgrades, it remains stable. Many have used it extensively without encountering significant problems. The platform is regarded as an industry leader in terms of stability.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our IBM Power Systems Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.