System z Hardware End Of Support

[Aki88]

Hello,

This question might come as tad bit dumb, but during a recent discussion at a site using z196, someone came up with the idea to go z13.
As the old saying goes, the PHB got intrigued and even after ample persuasion that z196 is good as the system is stable and is handling the current load fairly well with a clean projection for 2 more years in sight, they just won't settle.
The last tech-word being, an upgrade is viable if end-of-support is in sight.

Now, my take on this is, z196 ain't going out until at least 2021-2022, which is counting 7 years extended support since Q-3 2014 which was end of hardware sale/upgrade-to-z196. So if a client got into contract Q1 2014, count 5 years - 2019, until when they can rest assured for support. After which they can buy 2-3 more years of support until 2021-22.

It'd be great if someone can correct me in my understanding of the hardware life-cycle.

Thank you.

[Robert Sample]

This web site has a pptx / pdf that gives some perspective: https://www-03.ibm.com/support/techdocs/atsmastr.nsf/WebIndex/TD105503 For the z-series machines, the time between withdrawal from marketing and end of service has ranged from 6.5 to 9 years, so the z196 most likely won't go end of service until sometime between the end of 2020 and the middle (end?) of 2023. As always, IBM may change policies on the z196 but so far the chart indicates a fairly consistent time period.

[Aki88]

Thank you Mr. Sample; incidentally this diagram was my primary ready-reckoner for the hardware time-line prior posting on the forum.
Your post gives me an insight that I was thinking on the correct lines.

Thank you for the guidance.