IBM's Updated License Verification Requirements
Monday 12th August 2024
As of August 1, 2024, IBM is rolling out an important update that could significantly impact your organization’s software management practices. The License Verification clause in all International Passport Advantage Agreements (including Express) has been revised, and this update affects most IBM customers globally. Here’s what Bytes think you need to know to stay compliant and avoid potential disruptions.
What's Changing?
IBM has clarified that all customers must now annually provide comprehensive reports on deployed IBM programs across all sites and environments. This isn't just a casual check-in—it's a detailed, structured requirement that demands your attention. Here’s a breakdown of the new obligations:
- Annual Reporting: You’ll need to generate a report of all deployed IBM programs, formatted to match the reporting template specified by IBM. This template can be found here.
- Supporting Documentation: Alongside the report, you must provide all relevant supporting documentation, collectively referred to as "Deployment Data." This includes records, system tools output, and other system information that substantiates your report.
- Data Retention: You’re required to retain all of this information for a minimum of two years. This means your organization needs to be diligent in tracking and archiving deployment data.
- Prompt Submission: If IBM requests this information, you’re obligated to provide it within 30 days. This tight turnaround means having your data organized and ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Why This Matters?
For your business, this means tightening your software asset management practices to ensure full compliance. Failure to adhere to these new requirements could result in costly penalties or disruptions to your access to IBM programs.
Are You Ready?
IBM’s updated License Verification clause is more than just a policy change—it's a call to action for all IBM customers and Bytes IT Value Management Services can be a fundamental part of your response.
By engaging with Bytes IT Value Management Services, you can stay informed and proactive; you can leverage our experience and skill to augment your response; or else Bytes can deliver your response for you securing peace of mind whilst mitigating unnecessary risks and maintaining a strong partnership with IBM.
How to Engage with Bytes IT Value Management Services?
Reach out to your Bytes Account Manager or Account Director. They will organise a convenient time for our IBM Services specialists to speak with you to understand your desired outcomes, scope and align managed service elements to achieve those outcomes and provide a competitive quotation for the delivery of such.
If you do not have an existing trading relationship with Bytes, send an email to [email protected] and the same process will be applied to your enquiry.
Online Information Sources:
IBM: Agreements - IPAA & IPAEA - Revision 12
IBM: Client Licensing Responsibilities
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