The IBM Power11 generation of POWER processor-based servers delivers a major advancement in enterprise computing. Introduced on 8 July 2025 and generally available on 25 July 2025, Power11 brings enhancements in performance, resiliency, automation, and energy efficiency to support the requirements of modern, data-driven enterprises. The platform introduces several innovations, including on-chip AI acceleration, expanded hybrid cloud capabilities, and quantum-safe security features that are designed to protect long-term digital assets.

A key innovation of the Power11 platform is its zero planned downtime (ZPD) capability. ZPD is designed to eliminate scheduled outages during system maintenance activities, enabling continuous business operations and supporting organizations that require always-on service levels. Power11 achieves ZPD through a combination of automated updates, Live Partition Mobility (LPM), Live Kernel Update (LKU), Live Library Update (LLU), and AI-assisted orchestration.

This IBM Redbooks® publication provides practical guidance for designing, implementing, and using ZPD within Power11 environments. It offers architectural considerations, validated design patterns, implementation guardrails, and a reference runbook to help organizations adopt these capabilities effectively. By using ZPD, enterprises accelerate patching cycles, reduce operational risk, and maintain uninterrupted service delivery in IT environments where downtime is not acceptable.

Chapter 1. Introducing IBM Power11

Chapter 2. Enabling zero planned downtime with IBM Power11

Chapter 3. Automation on IBM Power11

Chapter 4. Energy optimization

Chapter 5. Other features and considerations