As I grow my knowledge and become more intimately involved in the hardware and software that make up the IBM i portfolio, I have become aware of the complexity in some of IBM’s offerings. Many of my customers come to me because they know I will track down the right product to meet the needs for their business.
I recently worked with a customer who was interested in looking at licensing options for IBM’s “Rational developer for i” software. With this particular proposal request I worked with decision makers who had limited exposer to IBM’s somewhat complex licensing structure. As a result, my team and I spent a good amount of time educating the customer on their options (many through email) and the associated pricing.
In an effort to help other companies interested in “Rational Developer for i” better understand their options, I have included details on the three licensing options we find to be most applicable to our mid-size customer base.
IBM Rational Developer for i RPG & COBOL Tools Floating User Single Install Initial Fixed Term License + SW Subscription & Support 12 Months (D0LJWLL)
$835.00 per user
This is similar to the D0C5ILL floating license, however the license entitlement expires in 12 months (along with support). This option has limited use for most customers. They keep the “per user” price down, due to the fixed term licensing. This option is useful for the customer who knows they have temporary need for the product, and won’t be using it beyond 2yrs. Once you get beyond year 2, you would be spending more money than the initial license that isn’t “fixed term”. License and support would be renewed annually.
>Estimated annual SW Subscription & Support Costs after year 1: ***This is a fixed term license, after 12 months you would need to purchase a new license for $835.
IBM Rational Developer for i RPG & COBOL Tools Authorized User License + SW Subscription & Support 12 Months (D0C5FLL)
$1,030.00 per user
This is the “standard” single user license of the product. The license would be something you would own (no expiration), and the software support would be renewed annually.
>Estimated annual SW Subscription & Support Costs after year 1: $206 per user.
IBM Rational Developer for i RPG & COBOL Tools Floating User Single Install License + SW Subscription & Support 12 Months (D0C5ILL)
$1,810.00 per license.
This is a license that functions the same as the “standard license”, however this license has the “floating user” capability. The “floating user” capability is defined as “The Program may be installed on any number of computers or servers, but if the Floating User simultaneously accesses more than one Install of the Program, the Floating User requires a separate entitlement for each such Install.” Basically, a license can be passed around, but no concurrent use. Software support would be renewed annually.
>Estimated annual SW Subscription & Support Costs after year 1: $362 per user.
You can see from the chart below that if you plan to use the software for more than 1 year, the first option should be removed from consideration. The only situation where the fixed term license should be considered is if the user, or group of users who will be sharing the license (with no overlap in usage) are working on a short term project lasting less than 12 months.
Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to schedule some time to quickly run through the options. If you’re looking for a great IBM business partner who can provide you with a fair discount off IBM list pricing, please feel free to get in touch with us.
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Given your four year costs prorated monthly – I think I drink more coffee than that. License cost should not be an issue. but retraining might be.
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