➤ Understanding IBM Power11 Pricing - Why It’s So "Tricky"
➤ IBM Power11 Price Check List
IBM S1122 9824-22A Sample Prices
| Number of OS | Users | Memory in GB | Storage in GB | Hardware Price | Software OTC | Total Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 IBM i | 10 | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $36,664.00 | $69,967.98 | |
| 1 IBM i | 30 | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $41,720.00 | $75,023.98 | |
| 1 IBM i | 50 | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $46,776.00 | $80,079.98 | |
| 1 IBM i | 100 | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $59,416.00 | $92,719.98 | |
| 1 IBM i | Unlimited | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $84,698.00 | $118,001.98 | |
| 1 IBM i | Unlimited | 256 | 1600 | $43,601.98 | $84,698.00 | $128,299.98 | |
| 4 IBM i | 10 | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $128,107.00 | $161,410.98 | |
| 4 IBM i | 50 | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $138,219.00 | $171,522.98 | |
| 4 IBM i | 100 | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $150,859.00 | $184,162.98 | |
| 4 IBM i | Unlimited | 128 | 1600 | $33303.98 | $176,141.00 | $209,444.98 | |
| 4 IBM i | Unlimited | 256 | 1600 | $43,601.98 | $176,141.00 | $219,742.98 | |
| 1 AIX | NaN | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $7,522.00 | $40,825.98 | |
| 1 Red Hat Linux | NaN | 128 | 1600 | $33,303.98 | $7,960.00 | $41,263.98 |
Note: The above configurations use 2 IBM Enterprise 800GB SSD PCIe4 NVMe U.2 modules for storage pricing estimate.
Common IBM Power System Options
Advanced Expert Care (AEC1)
Power Expert Care Advanced: Hardware maintenance or Warranty Service Upgrade to 24x7, includes: Initial contact target response time objective of 2 hours for Severity 1 and 2 issues, and 4 hour objective for severity 3 and 4 issues. If onsite hardware support is still required, onsite target objective is same day for Severity 1, next day for Severity 2 issues, and a scheduled site visit upon a mutual agreement for severity 3 and 4 issues. IBM Power customers in eligible locations may an option to add committed fix times at an additional cost for Severity 1 and 2 issues. Software Maintenance SWMA Response, includes: 24x7, 2 hour response goal for Severity 1, 2 business hours for Severity 2 through Severity 4. The price for Advanced Expert Care (AEC1) is $865.90.
3555-L3A
Is a rack mounted IBM TS4300 LTO Tape Library that supports up to 2 tape LTO drives. The price for a 3555-L3A single LTO9 Tape Drive configuration with a IBM EN1B PCIe3 x8 2-port 32 Gb Fibre Channel Adapter is an additional $29,538.20.
3580-H9S
Is a IBM TS2290 Stand Alone LTO9 Tape Drive that can be installed in a rack using a shelf kit. The price for a 3580-H9S with a IBM EJ2C PCIe3 x8 SAS quad-port 12 Gb Tape Adapter is an additional $10,891.53.
Understanding IBM Power11 Pricing:
Why It’s So "Tricky"
When it comes to pricing an IBM Power11 system, don’t expect a simple sticker price. Compared to traditional x86 servers or cloud configurations, Power11 pricing introduces several layers of complexity — often leaving buyers scratching their heads. Here's a breakdown of the top caveats, quirks, and key considerations that make Power11 pricing so… "IBM."
1. Modular, Not Monolithic
- Base chassis pricing may not include memory, cores, or even firmware licenses.
- Processor core activations are priced separately — you don’t just get all cores by default.
- Memory and I/O expansion pricing varies per model and can scale quickly.
Bottom Line: You’re not buying a “server” — you’re buying a base system, plus all the performance features à la carte.
2. Core-Based Licensing. You Don’t Just Get All the Cores
- IBM sells cores in tiers — you can buy what you need today and add more later.
- Core licensing may affect software costs, especially if you're running AIX, IBM i, or third-party apps priced per core.
- "Elastic Core" or Capacity on Demand (CoD) options are available but can be more expensive over time.
Pricing Pitfall: Assuming all hardware resources are usable at purchase is a common mistake.
3. Firmware, OS, and Support Subscriptions Are Separate
- AIX or IBM i licenses are priced per core or per user, depending on edition.
- Enterprise support contracts add recurring costs (some essential, others optional).
- Firmware update access might be gated behind support agreements.
Tip: Always ask your reseller to outline recurring support costs, not just hardware.
4. Trade-in & Migration Credits. Not Always Transparent
- These credits vary wildly depending on model, reseller, region, and deal size.
- They’re not always clearly advertised or applied automatically.
- Resellers may need to advocate on your behalf with IBM for maximum value.
Strategic Note: Use this to your advantage when consolidating workloads or retiring older Power8/Power9 systems.
5. Price Varies by Reseller, Deal Size, and Region
- Two businesses buying the same model may pay wildly different prices.
- Volume discounts, IBM bids, and partner negotiations are all part of the game.
- “List price” is often irrelevant — always expect discounting negotiations.
Pro Insight: Work with a VAR (like Midland) who knows the IBM ecosystem and can navigate deal registration.
Power 11 Price Checklist
- Go through a discovery call to identify workloads and requirements
- Get a custom configuration and quote from a certified IBM partner
- Be prepared for multi-part SKUs and line-item pricing