With End of Support (EOS) looming for Cloud Pak for Data System (CP4DS) 1.0.7.8 (Hammerhead), many Netezza customers are once again facing the familiar pressure to upgrade. This time, the option on the table is the IBM N4001 series, available from September 25, 2025.
But is it the right move for your business? Let’s cut through the noise.
N4001: A Hardware Refresh, Not a Revolution
The N4001 is not a brand-new generation of Netezza. It’s a hardware refresh of Hammerhead, with updated processors, faster storage, and improved networking.
A few key facts:
- It does not run OpenShift.
- It does not support CP4D workloads.
- It runs the same Netezza software (NPS) you already have on Hammerhead.
Yes, the new hardware brings performance gains. But if your Hammerhead system still meets your current workload and capacity needs, there’s no urgent business case to upgrade.
The Risk of Rushing
New platforms always come with hype. But early adoption also brings risk.
We’ve seen it before: customers who jumped into CP4D too quickly found themselves stuck in a cycle of constant upgrades, complexity, and disruption.
The N4001 will no doubt mature into a solid option, but there’s no need to be first in line. Don’t introduce bleeding-edge technology into a mission-critical environment unless your business case demands it.
What CP4D Customers Should Do
If you’re still running CP4DS 2.x and not using OpenShift workloads, pay attention:
- Once EOS for Hammerhead arrives, IBM support ends.
- The window to migrate to Hammerhead closes at that point.
- If you don’t migrate in time, you’ll be forced into an N4001 refresh or left running CP4D beyond EOS with only third-party support (not recommended).
In short: migrate from CP4D to Hammerhead before EOS to keep your options open.
The Cost of Moving to N4001
Upgrading to N4001 isn’t just about new hardware. It comes with:
- Hardware purchase costs.
- Migration overhead — planning, testing, downtime, and disruption.
- Ongoing IBM support fees (around 20% of purchase price annually).
This makes sense if your system is genuinely maxed out. But for many, it feels like paying premium prices for incremental gains.
Comparison at a Glance
Rotate your device to view comparison chart
| Feature / Consideration | Hammerhead | Cloud Pak for Data (CP4D) | N4001 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software Version | Latest NPS (no OpenShift) | NPS on OpenShift | Same NPS version as Hammerhead |
| OpenShift Dependency | None | Yes (OpenShift required) | None |
| Performance Gain | Status Quo | Status Quo | No immediate software gains, but newer hardware |
| Hardware Reliability | Modern SSD hardware | Modern SSD hardware | Performance gains from newer hardware |
| Scalability | Limited | Expandable within CP4D cluster | Expandable with newer hardware; suited to growth |
| IBM Support | Limited, RHEL7 already beyond EOS | EOS to be announced | Full IBM support (premium cost) |
| Third-Party Support | Available via Smart Associates | Yes * | Not available (IBM only) |
| Migration Required | No (already current) | Maybe ** | Yes (to new hardware) |
| Cost to Maintain | Low with Smart Associates | Low with Smart Associates after Hammerhead migration | High (purchase + 20% annual fee) |
| Recommended Action | Stay on Hammerhead with Smart Associates support | Migrate to Hammerhead before EOS | Consider if you need IBM support or additional scalability for future growth |
| Best For | Customers happy with current NPS | Customers planning Hammerhead migration | Customers needing IBM-only support and/or scaling capacity for future growth |
*CP4D beyond EOS not recommended due to complexity of OpenShift.
**Downgrading to Hammerhead is possible without full data offload in some cases.
The Smart Alternative
At Smart Associates, we provide full support for Hammerhead and CP4D environments, working with trusted hardware partners to source reliable parts — all at a fraction of IBM’s cost.
This gives customers the flexibility to:
- Migrate from CP4D to Hammerhead with minimal disruption.
- Continue running CP4D safely beyond EOS (where appropriate).
- Delay costly hardware refreshes until there’s a real business need.
The Bottom Line
The IBM N4001 is a welcome hardware refresh with clear performance improvements. But it’s not a revolution — and it doesn’t deliver new software features.
If your current system meets your needs, don’t be pressured into rushing a migration. Migrate CP4D to Hammerhead before EOS, evaluate your real capacity requirements, and consider N4001 only when the business case is compelling.
With Smart Associates, you’ll have the flexibility to support and scale your environment at far lower cost — without the disruption of premature upgrades.
Like to know more? Why not contact us.
