zCOST AutoSoftCapping - VWLC Cost Optimization
zCOST AutoSoftCapping is a software product that maximizes software cost efficiencies for IBM zSeries platforms, and specifically the z/OS Operating System.  Workload License Charges (WLC) is a monthly license pricing metric designed to support today's on demand business requirements.  WLC software pricing is separated into two types of charges; Variable and Flat WLC; where Variable (VWLC) pricing relates to the more strategic products including OS and other major subsystems, while Flat (FWLC) pricing relates to legacy software and utilities.  The overall objective being the reduction of software charges, on a "pay for what you use" type basis.  Additionally, the Capacity on Demand methodology, also allows the IBM zSeries customer some flexibility, allowing for temporary growth, as and when required by their workload, which is never static.  However, the typical IBM zSeries environment comprises many LPAR's and many workloads, and so often capacity allocated to one such LPAR or workload, is not used, while another LPAR or workload could benefit from these resources.

Sometimes VWLC inadvertently generates operational challenges, where in an effort to "cap" software costs, the fear of the VWLC four-hour rolling average is causing batch windows to be MSU constrained and thus extended, sometimes impacting the subsequent on-line working day.  This is somewhat of a paradox that turns the rationale for batch window optimisation on its head, as for many years, users have tried to shorten batch windows by fine tuning resource optimization of all available resources.  Conversely, by optimizing IBM zSeries resources (E.g. LPAR Weight), zCOST AutoSoftCapping works in harmony with VWLC, maximizing workload efficiencies, as per customizable customer based parameters, safeguarding the risk versus reward and cost versus value conundrum of managing complex IBM zSeries workloads, via software cost optimization... 

Benefits
The primary benefits of zCOST AutoSoftCapping are TCO and ROI related with perpetual VWLC software cost reductions, typically measured @ 10-20%, for the following usages:

Endorsements
zCOST AutoSoftCapping is fully compliant with the IBM Mainframe Charter, while being referenced by IBM on their System z Software Pricing web site!

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Control costs & drive maximum value from your IBM zSeries hardware investments!

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