Suggested versions of IBM i support for new Power Systems

Power 8 (generally) supports IBM i 7.1-7.4

Power 9 (generally) supports IBM i 7.2-7.5

Power 10 supports IBM i 7.3-7.6 (and, if the pattern holds) likely not iNext

Power 11 supports IBM i 7.4-7.6 and likely iNext

I propose that new systems should stop supporting one older version. For example, Power 11 should not have supported 7.4 but should support IBM i 7.5 through iNext+1 (for example 7.8 vs 7.7). Power 12 should support IBM i 7.6 through iNext+2 (for example 7.9 vs 7.8)

Here's the reason why: Many software houses do not currently support IBM i 7.6. My hypothesis is that they are running Power 9's or earlier and cannot run 7.6. They would like a new Power system in the P05 tier for development. There is currently no Power 11 in that tier. IBM just discounted P05 Power 10s to try to address this. The vendors do not want to buy a Power 10 as that will be obsolete in 3 years when iNext comes out (if the pattern holds true) See https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/system-ibm-i-mapping for this pattern. This is EXACTLY why we've not upgraded our Power 9.

I have 7 different software vendors I'm waiting on to start supporting IBM i 7.6 who I think are in the same boat. We're all waiting on the Power 11 P05 tier model. See related idea https://ibm-power-systems.ideas.ibm.com/ideas/PSD-I-61

Perhaps IBM mentality is to make it easier for those running a Power 8 to upgrade to a Power 11? As 7.4 is supported on both. I say that is not as critical an issue. Stop spending too much effort to encourage those who lag behind at the expense of those who are ready and willing to spend the cash to upgrade.

Key sentence in all of above: The vendors do not want to buy a Power 10 as that will be obsolete in 3 years when iNext comes out (if the pattern holds true)