PacSol moves IBM Power 9 Support from 3rd Party to IBM
15 July 2025 - 2 Minute Read
Pacsol Challenges
- PacSol faced compliance concerns on their IBM Power 9 systems, restrictions on firmware, microcode and OS access due to using a third-party maintenance provider presented risk to the platform and to compliance.
- Needed up-to-date systems to meet ISO certifications, maintain security, and respond to client compliance audits.
As PacSol evolved, compliance pressures grew, including the need to meet ISO
certifications, address client security audits, and prepare for emerging regulations like DORA. With their own DMS product code base to maintain, PacSol also needed to support a full and robust program of development to ensure continuing security and compatibility. However, their existing Power Systems running IBMi faced restrictions legally accessing essential firmware microcode and operating system updates due to using a third-party maintenance provider. PacSol needed to avoid costly hardware replacements while ensuring system stability, security and compatibility for the research and development projects commissioned by clients.
Moving back to genuine IBM hardware & software maintenance PacSol gained:
1. Improved Compliance: Baby Blue's solution enabled PacSol to maintain ISO 9001 certification, pursue Cyber Essentials accreditation, and prepare for B-Corp status, demonstrating commitment to customer data security and compliance.
2. Cost-Efficient System Longevity: By accessing the latest firmware without
hardware replacement, PacSol avoided unnecessary costs while maximizing the
value of their existing IBM investment.
3.Enhanced Customer Support: PacSol could continue providing reliable and secure solutions to their clients, confident in the stability and compliance of their systems.
4. Future proof product development: PacSol are able to utilise the latest technology in the advancement of their own products development. Bring greater benefit to their clients.
"Baby Blue helped us keep our systems secure and compliant. Their support allows us to focus on delivering the best for our clients - whether proactively providing new releases for compatibility or allowing us to research utilising the latest technology in our products. Being able to cost effectively maintain our IBM platform is beneficial in so many ways."
Toby Gilbertson, PacSol
Download the full case study (link at top of this page) where you can learn more about Pacsol's business and how they benefited moving support back to IBM TLS on their IBM Power 9.
About the Author
Chris Smith
Chris Smith is a Non-Executive Director and commercial advisor with over 30 years’ experience in IT services across managed services (MSP) and third-party maintenance (TPM). With a background in IBM hardware maintenance, he progressed from field engineer to Sales & Marketing Director, helping to create the foundations of Blue Chip Cloud, which became the largest IBM Power Cloud globally at the time. He played a key role in the sale of Blue Chip in 2021 and subsequently led commercial growth and integration initiatives within Service Express, including delivering significant managed services growth and strengthening revenue predictability. Chris now works with private equity-backed, investor-led and founder-owned IT services businesses, supporting growth, commercial strategy, integration and exit readiness. He is particularly focused on helping organisations improve revenue quality, margin discipline and scalable go-to-market execution across MSP and TPM models.
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