IBM System p Life Cycle Analysis, January 2008

This IDC study provides residual value forecasts for IBM's System p (pSeries) servers. The study explains the current market conditions that are affecting the value of used hardware on the secondary market and what future technological changes will further impact these values. We explore the factors impacting the server market and the price/performance increases expected over the next several years. This information helps those who invest in hardware assess their risk and provides guidance on the amount of residual value that is expected to be realized at the end of lease term.

"IBM's Power6 processor and PowerVM tools provide both price/performance increases and the opportunity to increase utilization of existing hardware resources. Portfolios with large amounts of high-end System p servers are protected through board-swap upgrades. The price/performance increases achieved in the 2-8-way segment of the System p lineup are compelling and will motivate upgrades from Power5" Jennifer Koppy, research manager, IDC's Technology Valuation Service