Statement of General Direction
The IBM zEnterprise 196 (z196) will be the last high-end server to support ESCON® channels.
IBM plans not to offer ESCON channels as an orderable feature on high-end System z servers that follow the z196 (machine type 2817). In addition, ESCON channels cannot be carried forward on an upgrade to such a follow-on server. This plan applies to channel path identifier (CHPID) types CNC, CTC, CVC, and CBY and to feature numbers 2323 and 2324. System z customers should continue migrating from ESCON to FICON®. Alternate solutions are available for connectivity to ESCON devices. IBM Global Technology Services offers an ESCON to FICON Migration solution, Offering ID #6948-97D, to help facilitate migration from ESCON to FICON. This offering should help customers to simplify and manage a single physical and operational environment.
All statements regarding IBM’s plans, directions, and intent are subject to change or withdrawal without notice. Any reliance on these statements of general direction is at the relying party’s sole risk and will not create liability or obligation for IBM.
The complete announcement can be found here.
