IBM MQ Licensing
- Licensing Metric: Primarily based on Processor Value Units (PVU).
- Calculation: PVUs depend on processor type and core count.
- Idle Standby: Discounted licenses for disaster recovery.
- Sub-Capacity Licensing: Available for virtualized environments.
- Development Use: Free version for non-production.
- Compliance Tool: IBM License Metric Tool (ILMT) recommended.
Mastering IBM MQ Licensing
IBM MQ, formerly WebSphere MQ, is powerful messaging middleware that ensures reliable, secure, and scalable communication between applications, systems, and services.
Understanding IBM MQ’s licensing model is important for effectively using it. This guide will cover the basics, key metrics, and best practices to help you stay compliant and manage costs.
IBM MQ Licensing Basics
IBM MQ is primarily licensed based on the Processor Value Unit (PVU) metric. Here’s what you need to know:
- Processor Value Units (PVUs): A measure of the processing power of the IBM MQ servers. The number of PVUs needed depends on the processor’s brand, type, and model.
- How It’s Calculated: IBM defines a processor for PVU-based licensing as each processor core on a chip (socket). The total cost is determined by multiplying the required PVUs by the price per PVU.
Key Point: IBM MQ licensing isn’t based on the number of messages sent or connected systems. It’s based on the server’s processing capacity.
Licensing Metrics and Options
Processor Value Unit (PVU)
PVU is the primary licensing metric for IBM MQ. Here’s how it works:
- Calculation Example:
- If you’re running IBM MQ on a server with two Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 processors (14 cores each):
- PVU per core: 70
- Total cores: 2 processors × 14 cores = 28 cores
- Total PVUs: 28 cores × 70 PVU/core = 1,960 PVUs
- If you’re running IBM MQ on a server with two Intel Xeon E5-2690 v4 processors (14 cores each):
Idle Standby Licensing
For high availability and disaster recovery, IBM offers a discounted licensing option:
- Idle Standby Licenses: Cost 20% of the price of licenses for active environments.
- Use Case: Ideal for maintaining disaster recovery capabilities at a lower cost.
Other Licensing Options
- IBM MQ Telemetry: Licensed per install.
- IBM MQ Telemetry Advanced: Licensed per client device.
- IBM MQ Managed File Transfer Agent: Licensed per client device.
MQ Licensing Considerations and Best Practices
Virtualization and Sub-Capacity Licensing
If you’re running IBM MQ in a virtualized environment:
- Sub-Capacity Licensing: PVU requirements are based on the virtual cores assigned to IBM MQ instances, not the full physical server capacity.
- Tool Required: IBM’s License Metric Tool (ILMT) accurately tracks and reports PVU usage.
Development and Testing
For non-production use:
- Free Version Available: IBM offers MQ Advanced for Developers free for development and testing.
- Restrictions: This version cannot be used for production workloads or performance testing.
Monitoring and Optimization
To manage your IBM MQ licensing effectively:
- Keep Inventory: Regularly update an inventory of servers running IBM MQ and their processor configurations.
- Use ILMT: Track PVU usage to avoid over- or under-licensing.
- Review PVU Table: Stay updated on any changes to processor values.
- Consider Idle Standby Licenses: Use them for disaster recovery to save costs.
Engaging with Experts
IBM MQ licensing can be complex. Consider consulting IBM licensing experts for:
- Assessment: Evaluating your licensing needs.
- Optimization: Identifying cost-saving opportunities.
- Compliance: Ensuring you meet IBM’s licensing terms.
Read about how to license IBM Cognos.
FAQs
What is IBM MQ Licensing based on?
IBM MQ is primarily licensed based on Processor Value Units (PVUs), which measure the processing power of the server running the software.
How are PVUs calculated?
PVUs are calculated by multiplying the number of processor cores by the PVU value assigned to the specific processor type.
Is IBM MQ licensing affected by the number of messages sent?
No, licensing is not based on the number of messages or connected systems. It’s based solely on the servers’ processing capacity.
What is sub-capacity licensing?
Sub-capacity licensing allows you to license IBM MQ based on the virtual cores assigned to it in a virtualized environment rather than the full physical server capacity.
What is the purpose of IBM’s License Metric Tool (ILMT)?
ILMT tracks and reports PVU consumption accurately, ensuring compliance and optimizing licensing in virtualized environments.
Are there discounted licenses for disaster recovery?
Yes, IBM offers Idle Standby licenses at 20% of the full license cost, specifically for disaster recovery and high availability scenarios.
Can I use IBM MQ for free for development and testing?
Yes, IBM provides a free version called MQ Advanced for Developers, which is fully functional but restricted to non-production use.
What are the licensing options for IBM MQ Telemetry?
IBM MQ Telemetry is licensed per installation, while MQ Telemetry Advanced is licensed per client device.
Does IBM MQ licensing cover Managed File Transfer?
Yes, the IBM MQ Managed File Transfer Agent is licensed per client device.
How can I reduce IBM MQ licensing costs?
Consider using sub-capacity licensing in virtualized environments and idle Standby licenses for disaster recovery, and regularly review your server inventory and processor configurations.
What happens if I don’t track PVU usage properly?
Failure to track PVU usage accurately can lead to non-compliance with IBM’s licensing terms and potential financial penalties.
How often should I review my licensing needs?
Review your licensing needs regularly, especially when adding new servers or changing processor configurations, to avoid over- or under-licensing.
Can IBM MQ licensing be complex for large environments?
Yes, licensing can be complex in large or heterogeneous environments. Consulting with IBM licensing experts may be beneficial.
What should I do if my server configuration changes?
If your server configuration changes, update your PVU calculations using ILMT to ensure compliance with IBM’s licensing terms.
Are there different licensing models for different IBM MQ products?
While PVU is IBM MQ’s primary metric, related products like MQ Telemetry and Managed File Transfer have their licensing metrics.
