IBM offers help to server customers amid Lenovo transition

Transitioning x86 to Lenovo site contains key information for IBM's server customers

IBM has launched a new website to provide clients and business partners with key information relating to the transition of IBM's x86 server business to Lenovo.

The sale of IBM's x86 server business to Lenovo was announced in January, and will see the Chinese firm acquire IBM's System x racks and towers, x86 BladeCenter and x86 Flex System blade servers and integrated systems, plus associated software, switching and maintenance operations.

However, IBM will retain its System z mainframes, Power Systems, Storage, Power-based Flex servers and PureApplication and PureData Systems, even though some of these depend on technology that is being handed over to Lenovo.

In order to keep customers informed during the process, IBM has set up a Transitioning x86 to Lenovo site as part of the main IBM.com web presence. The website features key information about the IBM x86 sale to Lenovo, such as explanations detailing why IBM is transitioning x86 to Lenovo, which products are being transferred, and how the transition will work.

In a blog post announcing the new website, Adalio Sanchez, general manager of IBM's System x server unit, assured customers that Lenovo is committed to IBM's x86 product roadmap and the promise of continuity to customers.

"In addition, Lenovo will become IBM's preferred x86 server vendor after the transaction closes, including x86 systems that are incorporated in other IBM products. IBM will continue to provide maintenance and support under an IBM contract for these solutions that embed x86 products," he said.

The move will free IBM to focus resources on its System z line of mainframes, and its Power systems, which the firm is now pushing as the best platform for mission-critical enterprise applications in the data centre.

Meanwhile, Lenovo is continuing to develop its own x86 server lines, which it is targeting at the SMB market.