IBM Maximo Licensing
- License Types: Authorized User, Limited Use, Express Use, and Self-Service.
- Concurrent Licensing: Available for Authorized and Express Use licenses.
- Compliance: Regularly monitor usage with the License Usage Monitor.
- Best Practices: Assign licenses based on roles, maintain accurate inventory, and review usage regularly.
- Growth Planning: Factor in future needs when purchasing licenses.
Introduction to IBM Maximo Licensing
IBM Maximo Asset Management is a robust enterprise asset management (EAM) solution that helps organizations optimize their assets, improve operations, and reduce costs. However, managing Maximo’s licensing can be complex.
This guide breaks down the key aspects of IBM Maximo licensing and offers practical advice to help you make informed decisions and maintain compliance.
Maximo License Types
IBM Maximo offers several license types tailored to user roles and access needs. Here’s a breakdown:
Authorized User
- Full Access: Provides complete access to all Maximo modules, applications, and features.
- Ideal For: Planners, schedulers, and system administrators who need extensive access.
- Cost: This is the most comprehensive and costly license type.
Limited Use Authorized User
- Restricted Access: This option grants read and write access to a maximum of three Maximo modules (excluding administrative modules).
- Ideal For: Supervisors, team leaders, and inventory staff with limited needs.
- Note: For every three Limited Use licenses, you must purchase at least one Authorized User license.
Express Use Authorized User
- Targeted Access: Allows users to perform specific tasks, such as running reports or updating assigned work orders.
- Ideal For: Managers and field technicians who only need occasional access.
- Note: For every 25 Express Use licenses, at least one Authorized User license is required.
Self-Service Requestor User
- Free License: This comes with purchasing at least one authorized user license.
- Capabilities: It allows users to create service requests and desktop requisitions and monitor the progress of their requests.
- Ideal For: Employees who only need to submit requests without accessing other Maximo features.
Concurrent Licensing
- Shared Access: In version 7.6.0.6, concurrent licensing allows multiple users to share a pool of licenses. However, only a certain number of users can access Maximo simultaneously.
- Flexibility: Available for Authorized User and Express Use Authorized User license types.
- Conversion: Three named user licenses can be converted to one concurrent license, or new ones can be directly.
- Ideal For: Organizations with shift-based workforces or many occasional users.
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Monitoring License Usage
IBM introduced the License Usage Monitor in version 7.6.0.6 to help organizations track and optimize their Maximo license usage.
- Insights: Provides detailed insights into license consumption.
- Proactive Management: Helps track usage, identify potential overuse, and make informed decisions about license allocation.
- Configuration: Requires setup to define license entitlements and generate regular usage reports.
- Compliance: Does not prevent overuse but serves as a tool to maintain compliance.
Industry Solutions and Add-Ons
IBM offers Maximo several industry-specific solutions and add-ons, each with its own licensing considerations.
Industry Solutions
- Comprehensive Licenses: Industry solutions like Maximo for Oil and Gas or Nuclear Power have unique licensing models.
- No Additional Base License: When purchasing an industry solution, you must not buy the base Maximo Asset Management license separately.
Add-Ons
- Specific Licensing: Add-ons such as mobile applications, system adapters, and spatial asset management have their licensing terms.
- License Types: Some add-ons use named user licenses, while others use concurrent or server-based licensing.
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Best Practices for Maximo Licensing
To manage Maximo’s licensing effectively and ensure compliance, follow these best practices:
- Analyze User Roles: Determine user roles and access needs to assign the appropriate license types. Follow the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access necessary for their tasks.
- Regularly Review Usage: Use the License Usage Monitor to track and analyze license consumption. Regular reviews help optimize license allocation and detect potential overuse.
- Maintain an Accurate Inventory: Keep a detailed inventory of your Maximo licenses, including the number, types, user assignments, and expiration dates. Update this inventory regularly to reflect changes.
- Plan for Growth: When purchasing licenses, consider your organization’s growth. Anticipate increases in user count, shifts in roles, and the adoption of new industry solutions or add-ons.
- Engage with IBM Licensing Experts: Collaborate with Independent IBM Licensing Experts on guidance on license types, usage monitoring, and best practices tailored to your organization’s needs.
FAQs
What are the main types of IBM Maximo licenses?
IBM Maximo offers several license types, including Authorized User, Limited Use Authorized User, Express Use Authorized User, and Self-Service Requestor User. Each type provides different access levels to Maximo features, depending on the user’s role.
What is an Authorized User license in Maximo?
An Authorized User license provides full access to all Maximo modules and functionality. It is designed for users who need extensive access to Maximo, such as planners, schedulers, and system administrators.
How does a Limited Use Authorized User license differ from an Authorized User license?
A Limited-Use Authorized User license allows access to up to three Maximo modules but excludes administrative modules. It’s more cost-effective than an Authorized User license and suitable for users like supervisors and team leaders.
What is an Express Use Authorized User license?
An Express Use Authorized User license provides limited access, allowing users to perform specific tasks such as running reports or updating work orders. It’s ideal for users who only need occasional access to Maximo.
What is the Self-Service Requestor User license?
The Self-Service Requestor User license allows users to access the Maximo Self-Service module to create and monitor service requests. This license is free with the purchase of at least one Authorized User license.
What is concurrent licensing in Maximo?
Concurrent licensing allows multiple users to share a pool of licenses, with a limit on the number of simultaneous users. It’s available for Authorized User and Express Use Authorized User licenses, providing flexibility for organizations with shift-based workforces.
How can I monitor my Maximo license usage?
IBM introduced the License Usage Monitor application in version 7.6.0.6 to help organizations track and optimize their Maximo license usage. It provides insights into license consumption and helps ensure compliance.
What should I consider when purchasing Maximo licenses?
Consider your organization’s growth plans, user roles, and future requirements. Purchase licenses that can accommodate these factors to avoid under- or over-licensing.
Can I combine different types of Maximo licenses?
Yes, organizations can combine different types of Maximo licenses based on user roles and access needs. For instance, a mix of Authorized User, Limited Use, and Express Use licenses can be employed to meet diverse requirements.
What is the ratio requirement for Limited Use and Express Use licenses?
Organizations must purchase at least one Authorized User license for every three Limited Use licenses and at least one Authorized User license for every 25 Express Use licenses.
How does IBM handle Maximo’s industry solutions?
IBM offers industry-specific solutions like Maximo for Oil and Gas with unique licensing terms. Users do not need a separate base Maximo license, but multiple industry solution licenses may be required if they need access to more than one.
What are the licensing terms for Maximo add-ons?
Maximo add-ons like mobile applications and system adapters have specific licensing requirements. Some are licensed based on named users, while others use concurrent or server-based licensing.
How should I manage and track my Maximo licenses?
Maintain a detailed inventory of your Maximo licenses, including user assignments and expiration dates. Update this inventory regularly and use tools like the License Usage Monitor to track usage.
What are the risks of non-compliance with Maximo licensing?
Non-compliance with Maximo licensing can lead to audits, financial penalties, and legal issues. Regularly review your license usage and ensure you comply with IBM’s licensing terms.
How can I get help with Maximo licensing?
Engage with IBM or authorized partners to clarify licensing questions, optimize your license usage, and ensure compliance. They can provide guidance tailored to your organization’s specific needs.
