No More “End of Service”. IBM Introduces Change of Support Level

For years, many clients have believed that an IBM “End of Service (EOS)” announcement meant their systems were no longer supported. That has never been the case and IBM has now made a clear change to remove that confusion.

From July 2025 onwards, IBM will no longer announce an “End of Service” for infrastructure hardware. Instead, IBM will use the term “Change of Support Level” to describe the natural transition from standard Hardware Maintenance into Hardware Service Extension.

What’s Changing?

• Goodbye EOS, Hello Change of Support Level - IBM will now formally recognise that support doesn’t end, it changes.
• Applies to IBM Power & IBM Storage Systems - once standard development ends, support continues under Hardware Service Extension.
• Simpler communications - all future lifecycle announcements and customer updates will use this new terminology.

What This Means for You

🔹 Peace of mind - your IBM systems remain supported beyond the standard lifecycle.

🔹Flexibility - you gain extended service options while you plan migrations or technology refreshes.

🔹Consistency - easier conversations around long-term IBM support and reduced uncertainty around lifecycle milestones.

Why This Matters

IBM’s “Clients for Life” philosophy ensures that existing customers are supported for as long as they need – removing the old perception that IBM stops supporting systems at EOS. At Baby Blue, we work closely with IBM to make sure our clients have the right cover in place, whether under standard IBM maintenance or IBM Hardware Service Extension.

💡Need advice on your IBM Power or Storage lifecycle?
Our team can help you understand when your systems reach a Change of Support Level and ensure you remain covered under genuine IBM maintenance.

👉 Contact Baby Blue today to discuss your IBM lifecycle plan.

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