How to leverage ILMT for an optimized IBM software estate

The IBM License Metric Tool (ILMT) is an invaluable resource for any organization with a growing IBM portfolio.

ILMT is IBM’s free software asset management solution that helps businesses track, measure, monitor, and manage their IBM software usage. When used correctly, ILMT provides coverage of your server estate, helping you to determine if you’re optimizing your IBM software spend, and most importantly, maintaining compliance with your software licensing agreements.

That’s the good news. The bad news? Far too many companies aren’t using ILMT properly. And that can get them into trouble.

ILMT and the sub-capacity usage quandary

According to IBM, ILMT “helps you maintain an inventory of the PVU [processor value unit] based software deployed for your Full Capacity or Virtualization (Sub-) Capacity environment, and measures the PVU licenses required by software Product.”

While IBM advises you to use ILMT for full-capacity PVU environments, it requires that you use it for sub-capacity environments. Most companies agree to this stipulation because only having to license and pay software license fees for an IBM product on a portion of your server(s) – your virtual machines (VMs) – can provide considerable savings.

However, to be eligible for sub-capacity licensing, you must meet IBM Passport Advantage contractual obligations. Fail to meet these, and you must then purchase licenses for the product for your physical servers or across your entire cluster of servers, not just the VMs.

Again, you might think that simply installing ILMT would have you covered. But you’d be mistaken.

Can you set up ILMT properly?

Yes, ILMT is free, but you’re responsible for getting it up and running and for ensuring it’s deployed properly. That’s easier said than done.

It’s not enough to merely install ILMT anywhere in your environment; you must install it on every machine where IBM software has been deployed. If you don’t, IBM will count this at full capacity.

Furthermore, you must also consistently manage the tool to make sure the data being reported is accurate and up-to-date. Of course, if ILMT has been deployed incorrectly, that doesn’t bode well for the information you’re tracking – especially if you’re audited by IBM.

Luckily, qualified help is available.

Optimize your IBM portfolio with IBM Insights

SHI’s IBM Insights will provide guidance with ILMT to help you achieve full server coverage and verify reporting and associated data. But it’s more than that.

IBM Insights provides expert-level consulting in everything from IBM licensing, contracts, entitlements, restrictions, and more. Leveraging ILMT capabilities, IBM Insights consolidates license assignment and license deployment data into a single place, giving you a complete picture of the IBM software in your virtual environment.

All of this will put you in a better position to manage compliance, control costs, promote efficiencies, and discover optimization opportunities.

Meet your IBM obligations without missing a beat

Too many organizations don’t fully understand the terms and conditions for their IBM software. And, unfortunately, most lack the internal expertise to manage their IBM portfolio effectively.

ILMT can be a useful tool to help improve the way you manage your IBM licensing, but only if it is used correctly.

With SHI’s IBM Insights, you can make the most of ILMT, so you not only meet your licensing requirements, but also get the most value out of your IBM investment.

To schedule a complimentary one-hour consultation with an IBM expert, contact us today.