IBM is one of the most complex vendors to manage from a commercial, procurement and SAM point of view. The breadth of products across hardware, midrange, mainframe and distributed environment software means that there are many stakeholders across IT and the enterprise. This combined with an ever increasing level of licensing complexity means that a broad range of skills with in depth experience is requires. Whether your current IBM challenge is renegotiating your contract with the added complexity of Cloud Paks, implementing and managing ILMT, getting audited by KPMG or Deloitte on IBM’s behalf or just understanding IBM Licensing, Livingstone can help
As we get involved with new IBM customers, we are still seeing that meeting the requirements for sub capacity licensing still represents a challenge, one we help our managed service customers with every day.
As IBM continues its push for Cloud Paks, we see customers struggling with the extra layers of complexity this brings. While there can be benefits from going down this path, you need to carefully assess these as you could end paying more than you need.
IBM are still auditing their customers, in many cases asking customers to sign up to the IASP program. Both traditional audits and the IASP Program need careful management and a deep understanding of both your IBM estate and licensing. In many cases, an IBM managed service may be a better fit than IASP.
USEFUL CONTENT:
IBM Trends and Predictions: How you should respond This blog highlights trends seen from IBM last year and how that will impact audits, product focus areas, licensing and more.
VIDEO - Building your IBM Vendor Investment Management Plan - This 20 minute video highlights aspects that should be included for consideration in your plan
Global Life Sciences Organization Mitigates IBM Audit Risk with Livingstone Group This case study outlines how our client quickly upgraded their ILMT and significantly reduced their risk exposure, achieving a multi-million-dollar cost avoidance.