IBM i Hardware Upgrades and Replacement Parts

Is activating existing Capacity on Demand cheaper than a new server?

Often yes, if the current server has dormant processor or memory capacity available. Activation avoids the cost and downtime of a hardware swap and can be one of the fastest ways to solve a capacity ceiling.

It is not always available, though. Buyers should confirm what dormant capacity actually exists on their specific server before assuming this path is possible, since not every configuration ships with unused capacity to activate.

What should be included in AS400 hardware maintenance?

A useful AS400 hardware maintenance plan should name the covered machine type and serial number, covered components, response time, parts and labor terms, escalation path, locations covered, and exclusions.

For older AS/400, iSeries, and Power hardware, buyers should also ask how replacement parts are sourced and whether the contract is meant as a short bridge to a refresh or a longer-term support strategy.

How do we validate IBM feature codes before approving a quote?

Compare every feature code in the quote against the hardware and support requirements.

• Current machine type
• Target model
• Active processor and memory needs
• Storage path
• Adapter list
• Tape and console dependencies
• Power supplies
• Maintenance coverage

Ask the reseller to state what is installed and active, then state what is covered by warranty or excluded. That removes ambiguity before the purchase order instead of during migration weekend.

What SLA terms matter most in IBM Power maintenance?

The important SLA terms are the terms that decide what happens during a failure.

• Covered assets
• Machine type and serial number
• Response target
• Parts and labor coverage
• Parts sourcing path
• Escalation contact
• After-hours handling
• Exclusions
• Replacement-part validation

For older Power and AS/400 hardware, also define the refresh triggers that would end the maintenance bridge and start a replacement project.