IBM Cloud Pak for Data

Basic Information

• Model: IBM Cloud Pak for Data
• Version: Versions 4.x, 5.x. Specific versions include 5.0.x and 5.1.x. Cloud Pak for Data System also has versions like 1.0.8.3, 1.0.8.4, and 1.0.9.0.
• Release Date: General Availability for version 5.X.X was June 19, 2024.
• Minimum Requirements: For a Red Hat OpenShift cluster, a minimum of 48 vCPU and 192 GB RAM is recommended for demo/proof-of-concept environments. For production-level deployments on POWER hardware, minimum recommendations include 160 vCPUs and 512 GB RAM per worker node.
• Supported Operating Systems: Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (versions 3.11, 4.3, 4.6, and later) running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 7.x, 8.x). Cloud Pak System Software for x86 also supports Windows Server 2016 (64-bit) and Windows Server 2019 (64-bit) as guest operating systems.
• Latest Stable Version: IBM Cloud Pak for Data 5.1.2 is the latest monthly refresh as of March 2025. Version 5.0.x is also current on IBM Cloud.
• End of Support Date: Major releases are supported for 3 years, minor releases for 2.5 years, and maintenance releases for a minimum of 1.5 years. IBM Support is provided for updates less than 2 years old. For Cloud Pak for Data System, specific versions have defined end of support dates, such as 1.0.8.3 and 1.0.8.4 ending support on March 5, 2026. Version 5.X.X follows a 3+1+3 support cycle (3 years of support with critical fix extension of 1 year and usage and existing fixes for 3).
• End of Life Date: Not explicitly defined as "End of Life" but "End of Support" dates serve a similar function. "End of Marketing" is the date a part number is no longer active.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: Internal certificates are automatically renewed every 60 days. The Embedded Postgres license key for Cloud Pak for Data v4.7.x and v4.8.x is set to expire on October 1, 2024, requiring renewal to prevent potential downtime.
• License Type: Subscription license, primarily measured by Virtual Processor Core (VPC). It also utilizes "cartridge licenses" and "modernization licenses". The licensing program is Passport Advantage Express.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-native solution built on Red Hat OpenShift. It supports deployment on-premises (private cluster) or across various public cloud environments, including IBM Cloud, AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud. It is available for self-hosting or as a managed service on IBM Cloud.

Technical Requirements

• RAM: Minimum 192 GB for a Red Hat OpenShift cluster for demo/test environments. Production deployments on POWER hardware require 512 GB RAM per worker node.
• Processor: Minimum 48 vCPU for a Red Hat OpenShift cluster for demo/test environments. Production deployments on POWER hardware require 160 vCPUs per worker node. Licensing is based on Virtual Processor Core (VPC).
• Storage: An additional 200 GB of free space in the root file system on all nodes. Cloud Pak for Data with all services installed can use up to 700 GB of storage, with 300 GB available for user data. Supported storage types include NFS based volumes, Portworx, and OpenShift Container Storage (OCS). Enterprise Edition deployments can utilize up to 12 TB of storage per Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform cluster.
• Display: Not specified, as it is a server-side platform.
• Ports: Requires standard network connectivity for Red Hat OpenShift and its services. Specific port details are not universally listed but are dependent on the deployed services and OpenShift configuration.
• Operating System: Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform (versions 3.11, 4.3, 4.6, and later) on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 7.x, 8.x).

Analysis of Technical Requirements

IBM Cloud Pak for Data is a highly resource-intensive platform, reflecting its role as a comprehensive, containerized data and AI solution. It demands substantial CPU, RAM, and storage resources, particularly for production environments and when multiple services are deployed. The platform's foundation on Red Hat OpenShift necessitates a robust and well-configured Kubernetes cluster. Requirements scale significantly with the complexity and volume of data workloads, emphasizing its design for enterprise-grade, high-availability, and distributed deployments. Organizations must carefully plan their infrastructure to meet these demands, considering both the base platform and the specific services they intend to utilize.

Support & Compatibility

• Latest Version: IBM Cloud Pak for Data 5.1.2, released as of March 2025, represents the latest monthly refresh.
• OS Support: Compatible with Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform versions 3.11, 4.3, 4.6, and later, running on Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL 7.x, 8.x). Cloud Pak System Software for x86 also supports Windows Server 2016/2019 as guest operating systems.
• End of Support Date: Support policies vary by release type: major releases receive 3 years of support, minor releases 2.5 years, and maintenance releases a minimum of 1.5 years. IBM provides support for updates less than 2 years old. Cloud Pak for Data System versions 1.0.8.3 and 1.0.8.4 have an end of support date of March 5, 2026. Version 5.X.X adheres to a 3+1+3 support cycle.
• Localization: The underlying Red Hat Enterprise Linux environment requires the `LANG=en_US.UTF-8` locale setting. While the platform itself likely offers multilingual user interfaces, system-level operations are standardized to English.
• Available Drivers: Client kits and data connectors are maintained as long as the operating system vendor provides standard support. The platform boasts connectivity to over 60 data sources, facilitating integration with diverse data ecosystems.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

IBM Cloud Pak for Data operates under a continuous delivery support model, providing frequent updates that include security fixes and defect resolutions. Adhering to the latest monthly updates is crucial for maintaining full support. Its core compatibility lies with Red Hat OpenShift and Red Hat Enterprise Linux, underscoring its cloud-native, containerized architecture. The platform offers extensive compatibility with various data sources through its numerous connectors, enabling a broad range of data integration scenarios. Users must actively manage their versions and underlying OpenShift platform to ensure continuous, uninterrupted support.

Security Status

• Security Features: Includes built-in data governance, robust policy enforcement for data usage, and automated safeguarding of sensitive information. Watson Knowledge Catalog provides advanced quality and governance capabilities, while StoredIQ InstaScan helps identify risk hotspots in unstructured data.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Not specifically detailed in public search results, but IBM provides monthly updates that include security fixes.
• Blacklist Status: Not applicable for this enterprise software platform.
• Certifications: Specific certifications are not explicitly listed in the provided information, but as an IBM enterprise product, it is expected to comply with relevant industry security standards.
• Encryption Support: Not explicitly detailed in the search results, but encryption for data at rest and in transit is a standard expectation for enterprise data platforms.
• Authentication Methods: Requires a cluster-admin account for initial setup and grants the `cpd-admin-role` for project administration. Key-based authentication is utilized for internal user keys within Cloud Pak System Software for x86.
• General Recommendations: Users should consistently apply the latest monthly updates to receive security and defect fixes. Ensuring the underlying OpenShift Container Platform version remains supported is vital to avoid support gaps. Manual renewal of internal certificates during maintenance windows is recommended to prevent unplanned outages. Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux) should be configured in permissive mode or disabled to avoid potential conflicts.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

IBM Cloud Pak for Data demonstrates a strong commitment to security through its integrated data governance framework and automated policy enforcement. Its foundation on Red Hat OpenShift leverages the security capabilities of a leading container orchestration platform. The emphasis on regular security updates and specific operational security guidelines (like certificate management and SELinux configuration) highlights a proactive approach to mitigating vulnerabilities. While specific certifications are not detailed, the platform's enterprise focus and IBM's reputation suggest adherence to high security standards. Continuous vigilance in applying updates and following best practices is essential for maintaining a robust security posture.

Performance & Benchmarks

• Benchmark Scores: Specific numerical benchmark scores are not publicly detailed in the provided information.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Claims up to 8x faster access to distributed data at lower costs. It also reports a 25-65% reduction in ETL requests, leading to significant cost savings, such as the $27 million in manual cataloging eliminated by IBM Global Chief Data Office.
• Power Consumption: Not directly applicable to the software itself, but is a factor of the underlying hardware infrastructure (servers, storage, networking) on which it is deployed.
• Carbon Footprint: Not directly applicable to the software, but is influenced by the energy efficiency of the data centers and cloud infrastructure hosting the platform.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Positioned as a unified data and AI platform that enables a data fabric across hybrid cloud environments. It bundles numerous analytics and data capabilities under a single license model, offering potential cost efficiencies and simplified management compared to deploying and licensing individual, disparate tools.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

IBM Cloud Pak for Data is engineered for high performance in data-intensive and AI workloads. While explicit benchmark scores are not provided, the platform highlights substantial real-world performance gains, including significantly faster data access and reduced ETL overhead. These improvements translate into tangible benefits such as cost savings and enhanced productivity. Its architecture is optimized for hybrid multicloud AI, indicating strong scalability and efficiency in managing large, geographically dispersed datasets. By consolidating various data and AI tools, it aims to streamline operations and deliver superior performance compared to fragmented solutions, making it suitable for demanding enterprise analytics and AI initiatives.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews and feedback highlight IBM Cloud Pak for Data as a powerful and comprehensive platform for data and AI initiatives. Its strengths often revolve around its ability to unify disparate data sources and workflows.

• Strengths: Users appreciate the platform's unified approach to data and AI, connecting data across various silos, whether on-premises or in the cloud. The built-in governance capabilities and support for the entire AI lifecycle are frequently cited as strong points. Its hybrid multicloud AI capabilities and integrated user experiences contribute to increased productivity by reducing ETL requests and simplifying data access. The modern, containerized architecture and flexible Virtual Processor Core (VPC) licensing model for various services are also seen as advantages.
• Weaknesses: A common point of feedback is the platform's significant resource requirements, demanding substantial CPU, RAM, and storage, which can be a barrier for smaller deployments. The complexity of deploying and managing the platform, particularly its reliance on Red Hat OpenShift, often requires specialized expertise. The intricate licensing and support lifecycle can also be challenging to navigate. Specific issues like the Embedded Postgres license expiry in older versions highlight the need for diligent management to avoid downtime.
• Recommended Use Cases: IBM Cloud Pak for Data is highly recommended for comprehensive data analysis, organization, and management. It excels in building a data fabric that connects and governs siloed data across hybrid cloud landscapes. It is particularly suited for enterprises looking to operationalize AI with trust and transparency, and for consolidating existing data infrastructures like Db2 Warehouse, deploying Db2 for z/OS Data Gate services, and developing machine learning/AI models, especially within IBM Z environments.

Summary

IBM Cloud Pak for Data is a robust, cloud-native platform designed to unify and accelerate data and AI initiatives across hybrid multicloud environments. It provides a comprehensive suite of integrated software components for data analysis, organization, and management, built upon the Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform. The platform's modular design allows for flexible deployment on-premises or across major public clouds, catering to diverse enterprise needs.

Strengths: The primary strength of Cloud Pak for Data lies in its ability to create a cohesive "data fabric," seamlessly connecting and governing data from disparate sources. Its integrated governance, end-to-end AI lifecycle management, and extensive data source connectivity significantly boost productivity and enable faster access to trusted data. The flexible VPC-based licensing model allows organizations to allocate resources efficiently across various bundled services. Real-world performance metrics indicate substantial improvements in data access speeds and reductions in ETL overhead, leading to considerable cost savings and operational efficiencies.

Weaknesses: The platform's significant hardware requirements for CPU, RAM, and storage can be a considerable investment, especially for large-scale production deployments. Its reliance on Red Hat OpenShift necessitates specialized expertise for deployment, management, and ongoing maintenance. The complex support lifecycle, with varying end-of-support dates for different release types, requires diligent planning and regular updates to ensure continuous support and security. Specific component license expirations, such as the Embedded Postgres license, also demand proactive management to prevent service disruptions.

Recommendations: IBM Cloud Pak for Data is an ideal solution for large enterprises seeking to modernize their data strategy, build a unified data fabric, and operationalize AI at scale. Organizations should be prepared to invest in robust infrastructure and acquire or develop expertise in Red Hat OpenShift. Adhering to IBM's continuous delivery support policy by regularly applying the latest updates is crucial for maintaining security, stability, and full support. Proactive management of component licenses and certificates is also essential to avoid unplanned outages. For businesses with complex, distributed data landscapes and a strong commitment to AI, Cloud Pak for Data offers a powerful, integrated platform to drive data-driven innovation.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.