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WLC Update with News From Share and z/OS Expo

There has been no significant news since IBM's 30Apr2002 announcements that changed the base of WLC pricing from "defined capacity" to "hardware utilization". The August Share conference was the first since the announcment and more examples were provided. Before the 30Apr2002 announcements (Al's comments on 30Apr Announcements) Variable WLC software charges were based on an MSU size specified in each product’s certificate and as LPAR Defined Capacities. Now, LPAR utilizations are the basis for WLC software charges.

What Should You Do?

First, Don't Wait for the IBM License Manager!

I suggest installations larger than 750 MIPS begin doing a quick analysis to estimate if WLC may provide software savings. WLC can save money for many large installations. Smaller your installations will have a tougher job of leveraging WLC. You can achieve WLC savings today without the IBM License Manager so why wait? Remember a quick analysis will save time, but a thorough analysis may save more money.

Second, Learn About WLC and How You Can Leverage WLC

For help with analysis or training for your site please contact us. Read the updated versions of my papers. I'm teaching a half-day workshop on WLC, ILM and IRD at the CMG Conference. Also three other sessions during the week. See my speaking schedule for details.

Third, Learn About Defined Capacity and Controlling Your Software Costs

Defined Capacity and Softcapping do function today and will continue to work going forward. Softcapping is controlled by WLM, and implemented by PR/SM of your zBoxes. You can use defined capacity on some or all of your LPARs to control their size, which controls their four-hour rolling average, and therefore the charges. The maximum size of your LPARs continues to be set through your LPAR parameters. There is no longer a relationship between defined capacity and Variable WLC Software Certificates, but you can leverage defined capacity to control software charges.

What About the IBM License Manager?

First, let's review ILM's purpose. The IBM License Manager provides a mechanism for software products to verify they are licensed for use on a particular computer. Each product requires an electronic certificate that identifies the software, the licensed hardware, and the terms and conditions between the software manufacturer and the user. The changes of IBM's 30Apr2002 announcement mean that software product certificates do not need to specify a "size". ILM does not need to implement feature and function to manipulate certificate sizes. Rather than basing charges on certificate size the ILM will be changed to monitor the utilization of each LPAR running each Variable WLC product.

At Share IBM indicated they are still committed to ILM, but may change their plan. If they do change the plan they will tell customers during the 4th Quarter.

Last Updated: Thursday, 5 December, 2002