By Insight UK / 2 Sep 2019 / Topics: Software As a service
The IASP program was introduced as a “friendly” alternative to IBM’s Software License Reviews (SLRs). Clients will be enabled to pro-actively manage their IBM software assets with help of one of the four authorised IBM SAM partners (Deloitte, KPMG, Ernst & Young and Anglepoint).
IBM positions this new program as a positive and friendly way of helping clients remain compliant amongst the complexity of IBM licensing. At this point in time, the offering is on “invitation only”, and as far as we can see now, IBM is only targeting the larger IBM clients.
We believe the background of this program could prove positive for clients, as IBM says there will be no requirement for paying penalties on backward maintenance fees and clients will be entitled to purchase missing licenses through regular channels on normal regular commercial conditions.
However, the fact that two out of the four partners are IBM’s audit partners, who are active in the process of selecting clients for audits and actually conducting the audits, could be perceived as a potential risk.
Another consideration on this new program is the fact that all of the current SAM partners in this program are selected by IBM, and for that reason they must meet a number of requirements to qualify for, and stay in the program. To what extent can these partners be independent or will they put negotiation-pressure on IBM when it’s getting tough?
Based on the above, we believe it is important, as an IBM customer, to evaluate multiple options. Is it only the promise of not being invited for a formal Software License Review? At Insight, we have supported many clients through IBM audits to achieve the best outcome - in many cases resulting in our clients not paying a single Euro or Dollar to IBM. Next to that, our License Consultants (former IBM employees, former KPMG consultants and very experienced SAM consultants) are experts in helping you become and maintain compliant while optimising your contracts, both from a contractual and commercial standpoint.
Please reach out to Jurgen Grolleman, if you want to discuss your options with a 100% independency guarantee.
