The IT Paradox: Why “If It Ain’t Broke” Will Break You in 2025 (and Life After HP-UX) 

In the world of IT, we live a double life. On one hand, we are obsessed with innovation. We chase the cutting edge—GenAI, Kubernetes, edge computing—always looking for the next leap forward.

On the other hand, we are honoring the sacred maxim: “If it ain’t broke, don’t touch it,” just to keep the lights on.

We all have those systems. The Integrity Superdomes and monoliths that have hummed along quietly for decades. They are so reliable that we sometimes forget they exist. We fear that breathing on them wrong might topple the house of cards. But in clinging to the “don’t touch” philosophy, we often miss the moment when a legacy asset transforms from a pillar of stability into a critical liability.

If you are one of the estimated 4,000 customers still running HP-UX, that moment is right now.

The Clock Stops: December 31, 2025

The deadline is absolute. On December 31, 2025, standard support for HP-UX 11i v3 (B.11.31) on Integrity hardware ends.

This isn’t just a paperwork change. It marks the end of security patches, bug fixes, and new enhancements from HPE. While older versions (11i v1/v2) are already ghosts in the machine, this final deadline forces a hard reality check. Yes, a limited “Mature Support” exists until 2028, but it offers no new fixes. It is a hospice for servers, not a production strategy.

Keeping these lights on past 2025 isn’t “stability”—it’s an unacceptable security risk.

Why SUSE Linux is the Natural Heir

The migration path from UNIX to Linux isn’t uncharted territory; it’s a well-worn highway. Over the years, SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server (SLES) has proven itself as the perfect replacement for HP-UX environments. This is demonstrated by the fact that SUSE Linux is chosen as a preferred OS for the new HPE Superdome Flex systems.

But we aren’t just talking about swapping one OS for another to avoid an EOL date. We are talking about breaking the inertia that has kept your infrastructure frozen in time.

SLES 16 & SLES 15 SP7: Stability for the Long Haul

For those migrating from HP-UX, the primary fear is the loss of that “set it and forget it” reliability. SUSE addresses this head-on with two distinct paths that offer unprecedented longevity:

• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 16: This is the new standard, offering a leadership lifecycle supported for the next 16 years. It provides the same level of trust you enjoyed with HP-UX, but with a modern engine under the hood.
• SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 15 SP7: If your strategy is to lock in a stable environment and avoid even minor upgrades for more than a decade with certifications, SLES 15 SP7 is your safe harbor. It is supported until 2037, giving you a massive runway of stability without the need to touch the OS configuration.

From “Keeping the Lights On” to “AI-Assisted Innovation”

The move to SLES is not just about survival; it is about operational efficiency.

Staying on legacy UNIX isolates your core data from your innovation efforts. By migrating to SUSE, you stop firewalling your legacy systems and start integrating them. You gain:

• Resiliency & Reliability: The enterprise-grade uptime you expect, now on modern x86 or mainframe architecture—including support for the modern HPE Superdome Flex.
• The Gold Standard for SAP®: SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server for SAP® applications is the #1 platform for SAP HANA. Migrating effectively future-proofs your ERP, providing a seamless foundation for your eventual transition to SAP S/4HANA.
• Flexibility: Break free from proprietary hardware lock-ins.
• Future-Proofing: Integrate your core business logic with 21st-century technologies, including AI-assisted infrastructure and automation.

SUSE Linux 16. Resilient – Open – Adaptable

Don’t Wait: The Guide is Coming

We know that moving off HP-UX feels like performing open-heart surgery on your datacenter. The “don’t touch it” instinct is strong. But plans cannot be delayed any longer.

We are currently finalizing a comprehensive guide on migrating from HP-UX to SLES 16. This won’t just be a manual; it will be your roadmap to turning a legacy liability into a modern competitive advantage.

The era of HP-UX is ending. The era of intelligent, adaptable infrastructure is here. Let’s get to work.
Discover more about SUSE Linux here.