From on-premises to the Gemba Cloud: this is how your transition to IBM MAS goes

The transition from IBM Maximo on-premises to IBM Maximo Application Suite (IBM MAS) in the cloud may seem like a big step. In practice, it is mainly a matter of good planning and taking the right steps. With the Gemba Cloud, you get a fully managed IBM MAS environment, secure and always up-to-date in the IBM Cloud. Gemba’s project leader and consultants will technically manage the migration for you.

26 August 2025 • 15 min read

First know where you stand: the readiness check

A successful migration to IBM MAS starts with insight. That is why we start with a readiness check. Together we map out where you are now, what your wishes and requirements are, and what points of attention there are for the transition. This way you know in advance what needs to be done and we avoid surprises during the process.

Such a check often shows that good preparation is half the battle. You get a clear picture of which steps are necessary, which dependencies there are and where extra attention is needed. With that basis and the Gemba Cloud as a managed environment, the transition to IBM MAS proceeds in a structured manner and without unnecessary risks.

Why the Gemba Cloud saves a lot of hassle

With the Gemba Cloud, you don’t have to purchase new hardware and you don’t have to build your own OpenShift expertise. You get a scalable, secure IBM MAS environment in a shared OpenShift cluster in the IBM Cloud. The advantage of such a joint cluster is that you share computing power, memory and platform costs with other Gemba customers. Your own IBM MAS environment is of course fully protected within the cluster.
Security and compliance are guaranteed via international standards, backups are tested regularly, and we carry out updates and patches for you. You can fully focus on your asset management, while we take care of the platform.

How we approach your transition

When you switch to IBM MAS in the Gemba Cloud, we follow a clear step-by-step plan, so you know exactly where you stand. Your current IBM Maximo environment remains available throughout the entire process, so your business processes continue as normal.

1. Build development and test environment

We start by setting up a development and test environment for IBM MAS in the Gemba Cloud. There we place a copy of your database (DB2 or SQL). Is the database outdated? Then we perform an upgrade and adjust the structure to the data model of IBM MAS. This ensures that your asset data seamlessly connects to the new environment.

2. Functional check

Together with your functional and application managers, we test processes, screens and workflows. Does everything work as you are used to? We resolve any deviations, for example in reports or links, in this phase, so that you can continue with a clean slate.

3. Acceptance environment with links

We build an acceptance environment for IBM MAS that is as much as possible a copy of the production environment. Here we test all integrations, such as APIs to purchasing or CRM systems, reports and single sign-on. Your IT department plays an important role in setting up network connections and identity management, so that everything functions safely and stably.

4. Production environment and go-live

The production environment that we set up for your IBM MAS solution is physically separated from the development, test and acceptance environment. At the agreed time, we perform a final database copy, open all links and switch to IBM MAS in the Gemba Cloud. We schedule any short downtime in consultation, at a time when the impact is minimal.

What do we ask of you?

You can confidently leave the entire migration process to our consultants. The deployment of a few key roles is important from your side. To start with, of course, the client from your organization. Also consider IT specialists who take care of network connections and identity & access management, functional and application managers who test and approve your new IBM MAS environment. We work closely with your people, so that all steps connect well and any questions or adjustments can be addressed immediately. On average, the process from assignment to go-live takes two to three months, depending on the size and complexity of your environment.

Customization if necessary

Does your organization have specific security or performance requirements? Then we can set up a dedicated OpenShift cluster in the IBM Cloud, fully tailored to your internal guidelines and processes.

Together we’ll take care of it

Switching to the cloud doesn’t have to be a complicated project. With the Gemba Cloud you get a safe, stable and future-proof IBM MAS environment. We guide you step by step — from preparation and setup to updates and monitoring — while you remain in control.

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Want to know more?

Want to know more about switching to IBM MAS in the Gemba Cloud or planning a readiness check? Contact Fred Vermue via +31 (0)6 51 27 06 07 or f.vermue@gemba.nl.

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