Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) has evolved dramatically over the last few decades, with Maximo long-standing as the leading asset management platforms for organizations managing complex operational assets.

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As technology expectations grow and industries demand smarter, more agile systems, Maximo Application Suite (MAS) has become the new standard. This unified, cloud-native suite reimagines asset management for today's challenges. Navigating the shift from legacy Maximo systems to MAS can be challenging, but it will be more beneficial for your organization long-term.

The Challenges of Legacy Maximo Systems

Despite the strength of legacy systems over time, Maximo 7.6 environments (and older) present several challenges that may push organizations to explore an upgrade:  

• On-Premises Infrastructure: High costs and complexity of managing servers and software updates.
• Siloed Applications: Limited integration between asset management, IoT, and AI/analytics solutions.
• Rigid Licensing Models: Perpetual licenses and heavy customization led to complicated upgrade paths.
• Aging User Experience: Interfaces and mobile access lag behind contemporary enterprise software standards.

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The Move to Maximo Application Suite (MAS)

Maximo Application Suite represents a major transformation. Delivered on Red Hat OpenShift, MAS is designed for cloud-native, hybrid, or on-premises deployments with more flexibility and scalability. It consolidates core Maximo functionality with powerful add-ons for:

• Asset Performance Management (APM)
• Predictive Maintenance
• Visual Inspection
• IoT integration
• AI-driven insights

Industry Drivers for Transitioning to MAS

The Pressure for Digital Transformation

Asset-intensive industries face increasing pressure to modernize operations, optimize costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. Digitalization — including predictive analytics, IoT integration, and mobile-first operations — has moved from optional to essential.

Cloud Adoption Trends

According to industry studies, more than 90% of enterprises have adopted cloud-first strategies. Cloud-based EAM solutions like MAS provide the agility, security, and scalability necessary for today's operational demands.

Sustainability and ESG Initiatives

Organizations are aligning asset management strategies with broader environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals. MAS enhances visibility into asset health and lifecycle impacts, supporting sustainable operations.

Why You Should Upgrade to Maximo Application Suite (MAS)

Transitioning to MAS isn’t just a matter of keeping up with software versions — it’s a strategic decision that can future-proof your asset management strategy, enhance your operational resilience, and unlock new business value.

Modernized Architecture and Cloud Flexibility

Legacy Maximo systems were primarily designed for on-premises deployments, often involving high overhead for maintenance, upgrades, and scaling. MAS, built on Red Hat OpenShift, offers flexible deployment options — on-premises, private cloud, public cloud, or hybrid environments.

This flexibility means:

• Easier scalability to support growth
• Faster disaster recovery and high availability
• Simplified IT operations with containerization
• More predictable operational costs through subscription models

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Unified User Experience Across Applications

Traditional Maximo users often needed to jump between different interfaces or bolt-on applications to access complementary tools. MAS unifies applications like asset management, health, monitoring, inspection, and predictive analytics into a single, integrated suite.
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Benefits include:

• Streamlined workflows
• Consistent user experiences across desktop and mobile
• Reduced training time for new users
• Easier cross-functional collaboration

Enhanced AI and IoT Capabilities

The world of asset management is becoming smarter — and MAS brings AI and IoT integration directly into its core:

• Predictive Maintenance: Use AI to forecast failures and optimize maintenance schedules.
• Visual Inspection: Leverage computer vision to detect asset issues using photos or videos.
• IoT Sensors: Integrate real-time asset data to monitor conditions and performance remotely.
• Asset Performance Management (APM): Maximize uptime and extend asset life with proactive insights.

Simplified Licensing with App Points

One of the major pain points of traditional Maximo was managing individual licenses for different applications and modules. MAS introduces App Points, a flexible licensing model that allows:

• Dynamic allocation of usage across applications
• Easier scaling as needs change
• Clearer visibility into software consumption and costs
• Lower entry barriers for organizations expanding their capabilities

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This model aligns with modern IT procurement strategies and avoids the rigid, module-by-module licensing of the past.

Futureproofing Against End of Support

While IBM continues to support legacy Maximo for now, there is a clear industry trend toward MAS as the strategic future of IBM’s asset management portfolio. Staying on unsupported versions:

• Increases cybersecurity risks
• Limits access to new features and compliance tools
• Results in rising technical debt and operational risk

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Early adoption of MAS ensures organizations stay competitive and secure over the long term.

Supporting Your Transition from Legacy Maximo to MAS

Naviam is uniquely positioned to assist organizations on their asset management journey. With decades of hands-on Maximo experience — from early versions through the latest MAS deployments — Naviam offers:

• Technical Mastery: Optimizing Maximo systems for performance, security, and scalability.
• Industry-Specific Solutions: Accelerators and templates tailored to industries like energy, manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
• Cloud and Mobile Integration: Deploying and enhancing MAS with the Naviam Cloud and tools like EZMaxMobile by Naviam, Naviam DataStudio, Naviam GIS, and more.  

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Aside from the functionality and tools provided by Naviam, we also offer Extended Support options for those organizations that aren’t quite ready to upgrade to MAS.  

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Naviam provides a robust Extended Support service for Naviam Cloud customers who continue to use Maximo 7.6, delivering seamless service and support beyond IBM’s announced End of Support dates. This offering ensures Maximo users benefit from ongoing stability and security, giving them the time and flexibility to plan their transition to the Maximo Application Suite (MAS) without sacrificing the performance or reliability of their existing environment.

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From strategic planning and upgrades to customizations, training, and ongoing support, Naviam’s services ensure a smooth, successful migration that delivers real business value — not just software functionality. Contact us today to get started.