IBM PowerVM Reviews

Vendor: IBM

4.3 out of 5

34 reviews
96% willing to recommend

2,321 followers

What is IBM PowerVM?

Power is server virtualization without limits. Businesses are turning to PowerVM server virtualization to consolidate multiple workloads onto fewer systems, increasing server utilization and reducing cost. PowerVM provides a secure and scalable server virtualization environment for AIX, IBM i and Linux applications built upon the advanced RAS features and leading performance of the Power Systems platform.

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IBM PowerVM is the #11 ranked solution in best Server Virtualization Software. PeerSpot users give IBM PowerVM an average rating of 8.6 out of 10. Based on the analysis of the 34 most recent IBM PowerVM reviews, the overall sentiment is positive, with a sentiment score of 7.0. (Among the lowest in the category). IBM PowerVM is most commonly compared to Proxmox VE: IBM PowerVM vs Proxmox VE. IBM PowerVM is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 61% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 20% of all views.

Helped 824,095 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Atif Najam

Chief Information Officer and Program Lead at Gatron Industries Ltd

The only problem with the IBM system is improving its hardware licensing model. For example, when you procure a server with 40 physical codes, you must also procure licenses to activate the codes. In Dell or any system, you procure the hardware and have the full right to use the hardware. For IBM, it's different because when you procure a 40-code processor and have 40 physical codes, you only have a license to use 20. As a result, the 20 alert codes will always be in activated mode. Hence, the hardware licensing model could be improved because the licensing model is a bit different from the standard hardware procured.

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Atif Najam

Chief Information Officer and Program Lead at Gatron Industries Ltd

PowerVM is likely one of the most stable hypervisors available, albeit highly specialized. However, it is solely command-line based. When someone manages virtualization as a whole, they typically expect a graphical user interface (GUI) for configurations. This is the case for Hyper-V, XenServer, and VMware. But with PowerVM, you need to understand and memorize commands to operate the hypervisor. I believe PowerVM should have a GUI; that would be a significant improvement.

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Desianto Abdillah

System Administrator at Japfa Comfeed Indonesia

The practicality of IBM PowerVM is a crucial feature, especially with the help of HMC (Hardware Management Console). The Live Partition Mobility help us handle virtual adapters effectively when we need to upgrade firmware or the system, and LPM helps us transfer workloads with minimal downtime. This feature ensures that our systems remain online even during maintenance, significantly minimizing any potential disruptions.

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IBM PowerVM mindshare

As of December 2024, the mindshare of IBM PowerVM in the Server Virtualization Software category stands at 1.3%, up from 1.2% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Server Virtualization Software

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Server Virtualization Software	Dec 27, 2024	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Dec 27, 2024	Download
Comparison	IBM PowerVM vs Proxmox VE	Dec 27, 2024	Download
Comparison	IBM PowerVM vs VMware vSphere	Dec 27, 2024	Download
Comparison	IBM PowerVM vs Hyper-V	Dec 27, 2024	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Proxmox VE	4.3	18.2%	98%	62 interviews Add to research
VMware vSphere	4.4	19.6%	94%	452 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

IBM PowerVM offers flexibility, stability, and security. Users appreciate its ability to manage hardware resources, support Oracle licensing, enable Live Partition Mobility, and provide 99.999% availability. Its efficient resource allocation, performance, and technical features like processor infinity and shared processor pools are highly valued. The dynamic resource allocation and management of different environments make it indispensable for organizations using tools like IBM Content Manager.

"PowerVM excels in efficiently managing all systems and environments, including development, UI, and production."
"PowerVM excels in efficiently managing all systems and environments, including development, UI, and production."
"The most valuable feature of PowerVM is the dynamic allocation of resources."

Room for Improvement

IBM PowerVM needs an improved user interface and greater automation features. The pricing is seen as excessive, leading to challenges in cost management. Users require better support for virtualization performance and increased compatibility with multiple operating systems. There are desires for enhanced integration with cloud platforms and more flexible licensing models. The lack of a graphical user interface and clustering options are areas where customers see room for advancement.

"The pricing is expensive, which poses a financial challenge, especially in Argentina."
"The pricing is expensive, which poses a financial challenge, especially in Argentina."
"Technical support could be improved."

ROI

IBM PowerVM enhances return on investment by saving on Oracle licensing costs as it only charges for allocated cores. It offers scalability, easy administration, and secure remote access, outperforming physical systems. The cost efficiency impact is modest, with advantages arising from reduced downtime and maintenance needs. Although some platforms provide a better ROI due to lower setup and maintenance costs, PowerVM’s substantial benefits demonstrate its financial effectiveness in large database environments.

Pricing

IBM PowerVM pricing is generally perceived as high, with variations based on individual projects and negotiations. The cost includes hardware and licenses, with options for monthly or annual payments, plus possible support costs. Users appreciate the bundled licenses, unlike competitors requiring separate fees. Though expensive, many find it justified by long-term reliability and performance benefits. Compatibility with RISC-based IBM systems is crucial, especially for Oracle setups, impacting licensing considerations.

"The tool is competitively priced, especially right now."
"The cost is on the higher side. Typically, we invest in the machine and support for two, three, or five years."
"IBM PowerVM's pricing is cheap."

Popular Use Cases

IBM PowerVM is used for virtualization, primarily in on-premises deployments for business-critical operations such as core banking systems, SAP, and Oracle databases. Organizations partition servers for specific tasks, manage workloads efficiently, and support high availability and disaster recovery. It's essential for server migration, consolidating workloads, and running applications in banking and enterprise sectors. Due to its complexity, experienced professionals manage PowerVM, which supports dynamic resource allocation and high stability for diverse IT environments.

Service and Support

IBM PowerVM support is often described as very good, responsive, and proactive, with strong local expertise and quick response times. Many express high satisfaction, noting expertise and quick solutions. Some mention average experiences, while others find areas for improvement, particularly for those without a support subscription. Users recognize IBM's efficiency in delivering services promptly, often exceeding expectations. Overall, the service is praised, with instances where it’s rated as exceptional, but there are also calls for improvement.

Deployment

Many users find IBM PowerVM's initial setup straightforward, especially with IBM support or proper guidance. Deployment times vary, typically from one day to two weeks. Complexity levels differ based on experience and environment requirements, with some users noting it simpler than other hypervisors. Expertise in related technologies is beneficial. New installations usually involve creating logical partitions and configuring settings, while simplifying traditional infrastructure challenges. Deployment can be completed efficiently with automation and planning.

Scalability

IBM PowerVM is highly scalable, accommodating large user bases and allowing seamless integration with new systems. Users appreciate the ability to scale up or out based on needs, making it suitable for diverse IT environments. The system supports substantial memory and processing enhancements, catering to various enterprise and small business requirements. Users mention its flexibility, ease of adding resources, and compatibility in adapting to demanding workloads, contributing to its positive reception regarding scalability.

Stability

IBM PowerVM exhibits exceptional stability and reliability. Users consistently report high performance with no data loss, crashes, or freezes. Its uptime is remarkable, requiring minimal restarts and offering resistance to viruses. Many rate its stability as ten out of ten, appreciating its robustness in handling critical workloads. Compared to other platforms, IBM PowerVM stands out for its stable operation and essential features. High-end data processing benefits significantly due to its stable nature.

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

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

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20%

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14%

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Learn more about IBM PowerVM

IBM PowerVM was previously known as PowerVM.

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IBM PowerVM customers

Sto, Soitec, SNO, Bundesrechenzentrum GmbH, Al Mansour Holding, Baptist Health of Northeast Florida, Huhtamaki, ELK Group, IT-Informatik, Arkansas Tech University, Pneuhage