IBM has introduced its Power-powered cloud to on-premises environments with the launch of IBM Power Virtual Server Private Cloud. This service, announced quietly on Tuesday, allows IBM Power Systems customers to expand their Power IT resources off-premises without the need for software adjustments or new licenses.
The Power Virtual Server Private Cloud replicates Power machines but operates them in a managed infrastructure as a service model from the IBM Cloud. IBM has designed Power server “pods” for this service, with small pods containing two to four servers with eight terabytes of memory each, while medium pods can host up to 40 servers with some capable of handling 32 terabytes of memory.
Customers can choose to enroll in this service for one, three, or five years with pay-as-you-go fees based on resource consumption. Supported operating systems include AIX, IBM I, and RHEL. Other cloud providers like Oracle, AWS, Microsoft, and Google have also introduced on-premises cloud offerings, each with unique approaches.
IBM’s Power Virtual Server Private Cloud is recommended for organizations that need to keep sensitive or regulated data on-premises and prefer to treat IT as an operational expense. This aligns with the strategy of IBM’s competitors and leverages IBM’s decades of experience in offering consumption-based pricing, such as with mainframes.
Although IBM’s cloud offerings have not been as robust as its competitors, the Power systems are known for their resiliency and performance, making them ideal for critical applications. IBM also offers x86 in the cloud for less demanding workloads.
In summary, IBM has launched the Power Virtual Server Private Cloud to bring its Power-powered cloud to on-premises environments, catering to customers who require on-premises IT resources with the flexibility of a cloud-like experience. This service allows for quick and cost-effective expansion of Power IT resources, offering familiar IaaS capabilities without the need for software adjustments or new licenses. Customers can enroll for one, three, or five years with pay-as-you-go pricing based on resource consumption, making IT an operational expense. This offering aligns IBM with other cloud providers who have introduced on-premises cloud solutions, leveraging IBM’s expertise in consumption-based pricing and resilient Power systems for critical applications.
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https://www.theregister.com/2024/05/22/ibm_power_virtual_server_private_cloud/