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The Next Generation of IBM Power Systems: 2025 brings a New Era for Enterprise Computing – What Power Systems Users Need to Know
Anticipated IBM Power Systems Launch: July 2025
IBM will announce its latest generation Power Server in July of this year. This forthcoming release is generating considerable anticipation, promising advancements that could reshape data centres and redefine how businesses approach their critical workloads.
It is crucial for strategic planning to understand the 2025 Power System’s potential – its new features, the benefits it may bring, how it could integrate with existing infrastructure, and the necessary software adaptations.
The Evolving Power Landscape: A Strategic Retrospective
To appreciate the potential of this new breed of Power System, it’s essential to understand the trajectory of IBM’s Power architecture, a journey marked by strategic shifts, innovation, and adaptation to market demands.
Power8: Laying Groundwork, Initial Challenges (from 2014 onwards).
With Power8, IBM signalled a move towards broader ecosystem engagement. This era saw the introduction of Power OEM/LC systems, a significant collaboration with NVIDIA, bringing GPUs into the Power ecosystem via the NVLink connector, and early explorations into KVM on Power.
However, the path was not without its hurdles. While some observers felt IBM was ahead of the market curve, others pointed to a need for more mature, supported solutions to realise the anticipated impact. Mass adoption by hyperscalers like Google or Rackspace was discussed in the IBM community, but the practical challenges, for various reasons, limited the full scope of these early ambitions.
Power9: The Embrace of Openness from 2017 onwards.
Power9 marked a significant milestone in IBM’s strategy, championing a more open and accessible architecture.
Through the OpenPOWER Foundation, IBM released a substantial portion of Power9’s specifications and associated technologies. This pivotal move enabled third parties like Raptor Computing Systems to design and manufacture their own Power9-based systems, often utilising open-source firmware and software. The result was the availability of highly auditable and user-controllable platforms, fostering a vibrant community and encouraging collaborative innovation.
Power10: A Strategic Pivot and Its Consequences from 2021 onwards.
The journey to Power10 encountered development delays, perhaps exacerbated by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Once launched, Power10 saw IBM licensing intellectual property blocks from Synopsys for critical components like the DDR4/5 PHY and PCIe 5.0. While addressing time-to-market pressures, this decision introduced proprietary firmware into the system. This marked a departure from the openness championed by Power9 for segments of the Power community, limiting direct community involvement in developing these core technologies.
Furthermore, NVIDIA’s strategic direction had evolved since the Power9 era, with a stronger focus on its CPU endeavours and alternative architectures, complicating the deep reintegration of their latest GPUs into the Power10 platform in the same vein as Power8/9. IBM’s strategic response within Power10 was to enhance inference capabilities directly within the processor cores, enabling on-chip artificial intelligence processing without explicit reliance on external GPUs for these specific tasks.
Anticipating the New IBM Power in 2025: Addressing the Past, Shaping the Future
As we look towards the new Power System, there’s a palpable expectation that IBM will seek to address the challenges and lessons from previous generations, aligning its strategy closely with current and future market demands. For Covenco’s customers, this means a potential rebalancing of proprietary innovation with the collaborative strength of an open ecosystem.
The Call for Renewed Openness
The decisions surrounding Power10, particularly the shift away from a fully open architecture for some components, raised concerns among developers and enterprises that prioritise transparency, control, and collaborative development. In a technology landscape where open-source solutions increasingly dominate new workload deployments and open hardware initiatives like RISC-V are gaining traction, the competitive value of openness is undeniable.
Industry observers and advocates anticipate that the next generation of Power could represent a renewed commitment from IBM towards open development practices, potentially providing greater access to firmware source code and detailed specifications. Such a move would undoubtedly strengthen the Power community’s collaboration, trust, and innovation.
Reintegrating Advanced Acceleration: Beyond the CPU
A key expectation is a robust strategy for integrating a diverse range of accelerators. This involves potentially regaining more direct control over critical interface technologies like DDR PHY and PCIe and embracing a heterogeneous computing model.
The market’s appetite for specialised processing units – including GPUs for AI and HPC, FPGAs for adaptable workloads, and dedicated AI processors – continues to grow. By architecting Power to support a wide array of these accelerators seamlessly, IBM can offer highly flexible and powerful solutions tailored to demanding and varied computational requirements, moving beyond the primarily core-centric acceleration of Power10.
Strengthening the Linux and Open-Source Proposition
The success of this new generation of Power System will also hinge on its appeal to the open-source world. Enhancing support for open-source workloads and ensuring seamless compatibility with the vast ecosystem of Linux applications and tools is paramount. This includes robust KVM integration, support for popular containerisation platforms like Kubernetes, and contributions to the open-source projects that matter most to enterprise users.
A strong open-source play will attract a larger developer community, simplify migrating existing applications to the Power platform, and address market demands for flexible, cost-effective solutions.
The Enduring Importance of AIX and IBM i
While embracing new workloads and open source is critical, IBM’s longstanding commitment to its AIX and IBM i customers remains a cornerstone of the Power strategy. Businesses running mission-critical applications on these robust operating systems will watch how the new Power Systems hardware advancements translate into tangible benefits.
Key considerations will be improvements in performance, enhanced security features, seamless compatibility, and unwavering availability. The expectation is that this version of IBM Power will provide a strong and stable foundation for the continued evolution of AIX and IBM i environments.
Under the Hood: What Features Can We Expect from 2025’s IBM Power Release?
While IBM keeps specifics under wraps ahead of the July launch announcement, industry analysis, historical trends, and IBM’s strategic imperatives allow for some informed speculation on the new Power System’s potential features.
New Server Line-up: Scalability and Performance
It is widely anticipated that IBM will continue its tradition of offering a tiered range of servers to cater to diverse business needs. We expect to see models spanning from 1 and 2-socket systems, analogous to the current Power10 S1012, S1022, and S1024, up to larger 4-socket and potentially 16-socket enterprise-class machines, succeeding the E1050 and E1080. Crucially, businesses will look for clear rPerf (Relative Performance) metrics to understand the performance uplift compared to existing Power9 and Power10 models, facilitating informed upgrade decisions.
The Heart of the Machine: Processor Enhancements
The new generation of IBM Power processor itself is expected to deliver significant advancements:
Increased Core Density and Clock Speeds: Reports suggest a potential 25% increase in cores per chip compared to Power10, coupled with higher clock speeds. This combination directly translates to greater raw processing power and throughput.
Enhanced Efficiency and Reliability: Building on IBM’s legacy, the latest Power System will likely feature improvements in power efficiency (performance per watt) and an even stronger focus on reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features, which are critical for enterprise workloads.
Next-Generation Security: Power10 introduced foundational quantum-safe cryptography capabilities. This latest generation of Power is expected to build upon this, offering enhanced security features to protect against emerging threats in an increasingly complex cyber landscape.
Manufacturing and Design Innovations
To achieve these performance and density gains, the new systems are expected to leverage cutting-edge chip manufacturing technologies. Innovations such as Integrated Stacked Capacitor (ISC) technology could play a role, along with improved cooling systems (more efficient heat sinks and fans). These advancements are crucial for managing heat dissipation in densely packed, high-performance processors, ensuring optimal performance and longevity while optimising energy consumption.
Memory Advancements: The DDR5 Leap (and beyond)
Support for DDR5 memory as standard is a key expectation, promising higher memory bandwidth and greater efficiency than DDR4. This is vital for feeding the more powerful cores and accommodating data-intensive workloads. An interesting aspect noted by some analysts is that DDR5 support might not be exclusive to the new generation Power Systems, suggesting that later Power10 systems will also be able to leverage DDR5 (and potentially interoperate with DDR4), potentially allowing for memory reuse from older systems in specific upgrade scenarios. Looking further ahead, the groundwork laid now could pave the way for DDR6 integration in future Power server generations, pushing memory performance boundaries even further.
The IBM Spyre Accelerator: IBM’s AI Power Play?
One of the most talked-about potential inclusions in the new Power ecosystem is the IBM Spyre accelerator. This IBM-designed component is reportedly targeted at AI workloads and could significantly enhance capabilities in generative AI, complex model processing, and machine learning. Its versatility could extend to modernising legacy code (e.g., RPG applications with AI insights), enhancing DB2 with AI-driven analytics, and bolstering support for AI/ML workloads within the Open Source on ppc64le (Linux on Power) and High-Performance Computing (HPC) segments.
Power’s renowned memory bandwidth and efficient data pathways between processors, memory, and accelerators could be a key differentiator. If the Spyre accelerator is integrated, the new generation of Power Systems systems could offer compelling performance for AI tasks, potentially outperforming some x86 or ARM-based systems at a fraction of the cost associated with high-end, third-party AI GPUs. The ultimate impact will depend on IBM’s implementation, software ecosystem support, and real-world benchmarks.
Virtualisation Evolved: The Role of KVM on Power in 2025
Virtualization remains a cornerstone of the Power platform’s value proposition. PowerVM, IBM’s robust and feature-rich hypervisor, will remain central. However, KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) integration is expected to strengthen this generation of Power further, enhancing its Linux compatibility and appeal. Since Power10, KVM has operated within the PowerVM environment, enabling flexible hybrid environments where, for example, Power-based KVM nodes can be managed alongside other architectures in OpenStack clouds.
It’s important to note that KVM should not be considered a replacement for PowerVM, which offers a wealth of enterprise-grade features free of charge. Instead, enhanced KVM support provides choice and flexibility, particularly for organisations heavily invested in Linux-native tools and management frameworks, such as Canonical’s LXD.
Integrating New Power Systems: Considerations for Your Existing Infrastructure
For IT Managers and Directors, announcing a new server generation immediately brings practical questions about integration, migration, and adaptation.
Seamless or Disruptive? Upgrade Paths
The transition to the latest Power System will likely offer various upgrade paths. For businesses on Power9 or older Power8 systems, the new systems will represent a significant leap in performance, efficiency, and capability, making a compelling case for migration. As companies upgrade, this will likely stimulate the second-user market for POWER8 and POWER9 systems. For Power10 users, the decision will involve a careful cost-benefit analysis based on the specific enhancements 2025’s release of IBM Power offers over their current setups. IBM typically provides tools and services to facilitate migrations, and Covenco can offer expertise in planning and executing these transitions smoothly.
Leveraging Existing Investments
The potential for DDR5 memory to be compatible with some later Power10 systems (if confirmed) could offer investment protection for recent Power10 adopters. Beyond memory, compatibility with existing storage, networking, and peripherals will be key considerations. IBM’s focus on maintaining compatibility for AIX and IBM i workloads also means that investments in applications running on these operating systems are generally well-protected.
Software and Programming: Adapting to New Capabilities Harnessing Power’s full potential will, in some cases, require software and programming adaptations.
AIX and IBM i Environments:
While core applications will likely run with minimal changes, taking advantage of new hardware features (like more granular security controls or performance enhancements from new instructions) might involve recompilation or updates to system software. The upcoming IBM i V7.6, anticipated in the first half of 2025, and ongoing Technology Refreshes (TRs) will be crucial for unlocking the latest generation of IBM Power’s potential on the IBM i platform. These updates will empower technical and development teams with new features and capabilities.
Linux and Open Source Workloads:
The Linux ecosystem generally adapt quickly to new hardware. Enhanced KVM support, new accelerator interfaces (like for the Spyre accelerator), and more cores will be readily usable by modern Linux distributions and applications. Developers working on performance-sensitive applications may want to explore new compiler optimisations specific to this version of IBM Power.
The Rise of AI and IBM Code Assist:
The potential inclusion of the Spyre accelerator and a general focus on AI will open new avenues. IBM’s Code Assist, an AI-driven tool designed to decipher, explain, and help modernise older code, could be a game-changer for organisations with legacy applications. This tool aims to make legacy systems more accessible to new generations of developers and could significantly benefit from the AI processing capabilities within the latest Power Systems. For those concerned about AI replacing jobs, the prevailing view is that AI will supplement our capabilities; professionals learning to use and prompt AI effectively will likely outpace their peers.
The Broader Context: IBM Power in the Competitive IT Arena
The latest Power System doesn’t arrive in a vacuum. It enters a fiercely competitive market.
Market Dynamics and Competitive Pressures:
The server market is dynamic, with intense competition from x86 incumbents (Intel and AMD), the growing influence of ARM-based processors in servers, and emerging architectures like RISC-V. Specialised AI chip manufacturers like DeepSeek are also innovating rapidly. IBM’s strategy must clearly articulate its unique value proposition regarding performance, reliability, security, total cost of ownership, and support for specific mission-critical workloads where Power excels.
The Cloud Imperative: IBM i in a Multi-Cloud World
Cloud adoption continues to accelerate. Gartner predicted that over 95% of new digital workloads would migrate to cloud-native platforms in 2025, and this has essentially been born out. While IBM i has traditionally seen more cautious cloud adoption, 2024 showed promising growth in both public and private cloud deployments and multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud strategies. Increasingly sophisticated tools simplify migrations, a critical factor in overcoming historical barriers. This generation of Power System, with its potential for enhanced virtualisation and Linux integration, will need to support this cloud trajectory effectively, enabling IBM i and AIX workloads to participate seamlessly in hybrid cloud environments.
Security in Focus: A “Secure by Standard” Philosophy:
Cybersecurity remains paramount for all IT managers. The trend is towards proactive security measures and adopting a “secure by standard” mindset. While this approach may introduce additional operational complexity or a reduction in speed for some processes, the potential cost and reputational damage of a cybersecurity attack are far greater. The latest IBM Power System is anticipated to build upon IBM’s strong emphasis on layered security, from the processor silicon up to the operating systems and hypervisor.
The Road Ahead: Launch Timelines and Strategic Considerations
With the anticipated announcement in early July, the IBM Power launch sequence has already begun. While initial expectations pointed to volume shipping in Q3 2025, some industry observations suggest a ramp-up in Q4. This timing often aligns with IBM’s broader product cycles; for instance, the recent launch of System z17 mainframes might provide a revenue uplift for IBM’s Systems group, potentially allowing a more phased rollout.
Geopolitical and manufacturing realities also play a role. The new chips are understood to be manufactured at Samsung’s foundry in South Korea, with Power Systems servers assembled in Guadalajara, Mexico. Global supply chain dynamics and international trade policies can influence availability and cost, factors that businesses will need to monitor.
Conclusion: IBM Power – A Catalyst for Transformation?
The forthcoming IBM Power generation represents more than just a hardware refresh; it’s an opportunity for IBM to reinforce its commitment to enterprise computing, potentially realign its strategy towards greater openness, and deliver a platform that meets the evolving demands of a data-driven, AI-powered world.
For IT Managers, the new generation of IBM Power promises:
- Enhanced Performance and Efficiency:
To handle increasingly demanding workloads.
- Advanced AI Capabilities:
Potentially, through innovations like the Spyre accelerator, transforming how businesses leverage artificial intelligence.
- Greater Flexibility:
Through improved Linux and KVM support, facilitating hybrid environments and open-source adoption.
- Continued Stability for Critical Systems:
Ensuring that AIX and IBM i applications benefit from cutting-edge hardware without compromising uptime or compatibility.
The success of Power in 2025 will ultimately depend on IBM’s ability to strike the right balance between proprietary innovation and collaborative openness, delivering a versatile and powerful platform that appeals to its loyal customer base while potentially attracting new users. The mantra is clear: no single operating system, architecture, or programming language fits all workloads. The strength of the Power platform lies in its ability to integrate diverse environments – from critical databases on AIX or IBM i, to private clouds with KVM, modern front ends with Kubernetes on Linux, and, increasingly, AI, Machine Learning, and HPC workloads.
Partner with Covenco for Your IBM Power Journey
As we approach a new IBM Power era, staying informed and flexible is key. Covenco has a long and successful history of helping UK businesses leverage the full potential of their IBM Power Systems infrastructure. Whether you are considering an upgrade to the latest IBM Power Systems, looking to optimise your existing Power8, Power9, or Power10 environment, exploring cloud integration, or seeking to enhance your security posture, our team of IBM Power Systems specialists is here to guide you.
We understand the pitfalls of migrating and managing mission-critical systems on IBM Power.
Get in touch with Covenco today to discuss how Power might fit into your IT strategy and how we can help you navigate the exciting transformations ahead, ensuring your infrastructure is ready for the future.