Modernizing Enterprise Asset Management: The Power of IBM Maximo on Azure Red Hat OpenShift

In today's rapidly evolving enterprise landscape, organizations face increasing pressure to modernize their asset management systems while maintaining operational efficiency. The collaboration between technology giants IBM, Microsoft, and Red Hat offers a compelling solution: IBM Maximo on Azure Red Hat OpenShift (ARO). For organizations running IBM Maximo 7.6.1.x, this transformation has become increasingly urgent. 

The Critical Timeline 

For organizations running Maximo 7.6.1.x, End of Life (EOL) is approaching in September 2025. Organizations should begin their modernization journey now to ensure a smooth transition to the IBM Maximo Application Suite with the scalability and reliability of Azure Red Hat OpenShift. 

Understanding the Transformation: Maximo v7.6.1x vs Maximo Application Suite 

The transition from Maximo v7.6.1x to the Maximo Application Suite (MAS) represents a significant evolution in enterprise asset management capabilities. Let's examine the key differences that make this upgrade crucial for organizations: 

Legacy Maximo v7.6.1x was built on traditional architecture with limitations that increasingly challenge modern enterprise needs. It operates on a perpetual licensing model, relies on WebSphere-based architecture, and is restricted to on-premises deployment. The platform requires manual scaling, separate add-on installations, and maintains a fixed UI experience with standard security features. 

In contrast, MAS represents a modern, flexible approach to enterprise asset management. It introduces the AppPoint licensing model and delivers an integrated application suite built on container-based architecture. Organizations gain unprecedented deployment flexibility, with options including SaaS on IBM Cloud, self-managed on-premises deployment, or managed services on major cloud platforms like AWS and Azure. The suite features a modern, responsive UI, integrated applications, and a cloud-optimized data layer with automatic scaling capabilities. Enhanced security and SSO functionality provide robust protection for enterprise assets. 

Why Choose IBM Maximo Application Suite (MAS) on Azure Red Hat OpenShift? 

The convergence of IBM Maximo's enterprise asset management capabilities, Microsoft Azure's cloud infrastructure, and Red Hat OpenShift's application platform creates a powerful solution that brings cloud-native innovation to enterprise asset management. Here's why this combination is transformative:

Focus on MAS, Not Infrastructure

The fully managed solution delivers a 50% improvement in operational efficiency through automated cluster lifecycle management and streamlined Day 2 operations [1]. Your team can focus on core business operations while we handle infrastructure and daily operations.

Accelerate Time to Value

The shift to a fully managed, cloud-native architecture with ARO accelerates innovation and productivity by 65% [2]. The platform streamlines complex integrations and automates upgrades and patches, reducing the burden on your team while enhancing system reliability.

Deployment Options and Business Continuity

The flexibility in deployment options brings several critical advantages:

• Enhanced disaster recovery and availability
• Strategic cost management between CapEx (on-premises) and OpEx (cloud) models
• Dynamic resource allocation across cloud and hybrid options
• On-premises options for strict data sovereignty requirements

Scalability and Cost Optimization

MAS, coupled with Azure and OpenShift, provides dynamic scalability that transforms resource management. Organizations can easily scale up or down to meet demand while optimizing costs, ensuring necessary resources without overprovisioning.

Security and Compliance

The Azure Red Hat OpenShift platform addresses security through built-in protection features and extensive compliance capabilities. Regular automated updates ensure systems remain current with the latest security measures, while global support from Site Reliability Engineers provides peace of mind for organizations operating in complex regulatory environments.

The Bottom Line 

The combination of IBM Maximo on Azure Red Hat OpenShift represents more than just a technology solution – it's a strategic partnership that delivers enterprise-grade asset management with cloud-native innovation. For organizations looking to modernize their asset management while reducing operational complexity, this integrated solution offers a compelling path forward. 

With the end-of-life date for Maximo 7.6.1.x approaching in September 2025, organizations need to act now. Connect with your Azure Specialist or Microsoft account team today to chart your path forward and ensure a seamless transition to this robust, future-ready solution. 

Registration link coming soon for the upcoming IBM Maximo on ARO Webinar--- be on the lookout!

Resources 

• Take an ARO Interactive Tour 

• IBM Maximo on Azure Red Hat OpenShift: IBM blog, and Microsoft blog 

• IBM MAS system requirements 

• IBM Maximo 7.x End of Support announcement 

• Azure Red Hat OpenShift provides fully managed OpenShift clusters monitored jointly by Microsoft and Red Hat, delivering a turnkey container platform 

• According to Forrester Consulting, organizations using Azure Red Hat OpenShift shortened the application development cycle by up to 70% 

• Red Hat was named a Leader in the first ever 2024 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Cloud Application Platforms delivers integrated asset lifecycle management that reduces maintenance labor costs by 15–20% through seamless analytics and operations 

• Azure Red Hat OpenShift speeds deployment by eliminating infrastructure management overhead 

• Maximo Application Suite (MAS) on ARO (Azure Red Hat OpenShift)

References:
[1, 2] “The Total Economic Impact™ of Azure Red Hat OpenShift Cloud Services by Forrester, “Mar. 2024.