Answer 7 questions to evaluate your IBM mainframe software spend and identify optimisation opportunities across MLC and IPLA products.
40-70%
of z/OS TCO
7
Questions
3 min
To Complete
Question 1 of 7IBM Mainframe Advisory
Question 1 of 7
💰
What is your approximate annual IBM mainframe software spend?
IBM mainframe software (MLC + IPLA) typically represents 40-70% of total z/OS cost of ownership.
Under $5M/year
$5M-$20M/year
$20M-$50M/year
$50M+/year
Significant optimisation potential
Question 2 of 7
📊
Which pricing model are you on for MLC (Monthly Licence Charge) products?
WLC, AWLC, CLC, and Tailored Fit Pricing all have different cost profiles. The right model depends on your workload patterns.
Tailored Fit Pricing (TFP) — consumption-based
WLC/AWLC with active sub-capacity management
WLC/AWLC but not actively managing rolling 4-hour average
Full-capacity or unsure of pricing model
Question 3 of 7
⚙️
Do you actively manage your rolling 4-hour average (R4HA) MSU consumption?
MLC costs are driven by peak R4HA MSU. Active workload management can significantly reduce the MSU that determines your bill.
Yes — WLM capping and workload scheduling actively managed
Some management — basic WLM configuration
Minimal — no active MSU management
No — workloads run uncapped and unmanaged
Question 4 of 7
📦
Have you evaluated IBM zIIP engine offload opportunities?
Eligible workloads on zIIP engines do not count towards MLC pricing. Maximising zIIP offload directly reduces software costs.
Yes — zIIP offload maximised across all eligible workloads
Some zIIP usage but not optimised
Limited zIIP awareness — using default settings
No zIIP engines or not evaluated
Question 5 of 7
🔄
Do you have ISV (third-party) software that could replace IBM MLC products?
ISV alternatives for products like CICS, Db2 tools, DFSORT, and utilities can dramatically reduce MLC costs.
Yes — actively using ISV alternatives where beneficial
Some ISV products — but not systematically evaluated
Aware of ISV alternatives but not pursued
Never evaluated ISV alternatives
Question 6 of 7
🏢
Are you planning mainframe capacity changes (upgrades, consolidation)?
Capacity changes directly affect MLC costs. Upgrading without software cost modelling can result in unexpected cost increases.
No changes planned
Minor upgrade — software cost impact assessed
Major upgrade — software cost impact unclear
Capacity change imminent — no software cost analysis
Question 7 of 7
📅
When did you last review your mainframe software portfolio for optimisation?
Mainframe software portfolios accumulate products over decades. Regular reviews identify unused or replaceable products.
Within the last 12 months
1-3 years ago
3-5 years ago
Never or more than 5 years ago
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