IBM BladeCenter Maintenance — vendor-independent service for BladeCenter H/E/S/HT after EOSL
We service IBM BladeCenter chassis platforms after IBM Service Maintenance expiration — BladeCenter H (high-perf, 14 bays), BladeCenter E (entry), BladeCenter S (SMB), BladeCenter HT (telco/hardened). IBM officially EOL'd BladeCenter in 2019.
Which BladeCenter components we service
BladeCenter was introduced by IBM in 2002 and was the brand's blade platform for 17 years. After the 2014 Lenovo acquisition x86 line moved to Flex System (later ThinkSystem); BladeCenter officially EOL'd 2019.
Why TPM maintenance for BladeCenter instead of IBM/Lenovo Maintenance
After the 2014 Lenovo acquisition of IBM's x86 server line, BladeCenter sits in a complex maintenance situation: IBM handles Power blades (PS series), Lenovo the x86 blades (HS22-HS23, HX5) and the chassis. EOL declared 2019. TPM consolidates into one contract.
We stock BC-H/E/S/HT chassis components (AMM, PSUs, fans, backplane), x86 blades (HS21-HS23, HX5), Power blades (PS700-PS703), switch modules (BNT 10GbE, Cisco Catalyst Blades, Brocade FC), and pass-thru modules.
Generations timeline & TPM coverage
Per hardware generation: vendor phase (slate) and TechCare coverage window (teal) up to ~5 years post-OEM EOSL.
- BladeCenter S (BC-S)2008–2018TPM until2023+Recommended
- BladeCenter E (BC-E)2002–2018TPM until2023+Recommended
- BladeCenter HT (BC-HT)2007–2019TPM until2024+Recommended
- HS21 / HS22 x86-Blades2007–2021TPM until2026+Recommended
- HS22V / HS23 x86-Blades2011–2024TPM until2029+Recommended
- HX5 (4-Socket)2010–2021TPM until2026+Recommended
- PS700/PS701/PS702 Power-Blades2009–2022TPM until2027+Recommended
- PS703 Power-Blade2012–2023TPM until2028+Recommended
- BladeCenter H (BC-H)2006–2024TPM until2029+Recommended
EOSL status of BladeCenter generations
IBM officially EOL'd BladeCenter in 2019. x86 blades after Lenovo transition only in legacy-customer support; Power blades (PS series) part of IBM Power line similarly.
| Model family | Released | OEM support ends | TPM status |
|---|---|---|---|
| BladeCenter S (BC-S) | 2008 | 2018 | Recommended |
| BladeCenter E (BC-E) | 2002-2007 | 2018 | Recommended |
| BladeCenter HT (BC-HT) | 2007 | 2019 | Recommended |
| HS21 / HS22 x86-Blades | 2007-2010 | 2019-2021 | Recommended |
| HS22V / HS23 x86-Blades | 2011-2013 | 2022-2024 | Recommended |
| HX5 (4-Socket) | 2010 | 2021 | Recommended |
| PS700/PS701/PS702 Power-Blades | 2009-2011 | 2020-2022 | Recommended |
| PS703 Power-Blade | 2012 | 2023 | Recommended |
| BladeCenter H (BC-H) | 2006-2014 | 2024 | Recommended |
As of 2026. EOSL data based on official vendor roadmaps and subject to change. Binding case-by-case information available on request.
What we deliver
OEM original parts
Stock of BC-H/E/S/HT chassis components (AMM, PSUs, fans), x86 blades (HS21-HS23, HX5, LS22), Power blades (PS700-PS703), switch modules and pass-thru modules.
Onsite engineer
German-speaking technicians in DACH with BladeCenter H experience. AMM management, Open Fabric and Power blade know-how. 4-hour response.
Flexible SLA per chassis
Parts Only, 5×9 NBD or 24×7×4 — per chassis. Production with 8+ active blades: 24×7×4 with spare blade + AMM hold.
Multi-vendor contract
One contract for BladeCenter and all other IBM/Lenovo platforms.
AMM stays functional
Advanced Management Module (AMM v1, v2) stays fully functional. AMM firmware updates limited without contract; last versions stable.
Migration consulting
Multi-year contracts include migration consulting to Lenovo Flex System or ThinkSystem rack servers. Power blade migration to IBM Power LC/E series similar.