IBM Passport Advantage Agreements: An Overview

If you`re an organization that uses IBM software, you`re likely familiar with Passport Advantage, IBM`s licensing program. Passport Advantage offers flexible licensing options and support for IBM software products that can help businesses optimize their IT investments. However, navigating the agreements and options can be confusing. In this post, we`ll provide an overview of IBM Passport Advantage Agreements to help you better understand how they work.

What is IBM Passport Advantage?

IBM Passport Advantage is a software licensing program designed to assist organizations in managing their software assets. Passport Advantage provides a single point of access to IBM software downloads and product updates, as well as flexible licensing options that can be tailored to meet an organization`s specific needs.

Passport Advantage offers two types of licenses: perpetual and term licenses. Perpetual licenses allow an organization to use the software indefinitely, while term licenses are valid for a specific period of time. Additionally, Passport Advantage allows organizations to purchase software subscriptions, which provide access to specific products for a set period of time.

What are Passport Advantage Agreements?

Passport Advantage Agreements provide the legal framework for organizations to purchase and use IBM software. There are three main types of Passport Advantage Agreements:

1. Passport Advantage Agreement (PPA): This agreement governs the use of IBM software products purchased through Passport Advantage. The PPA includes information about product usage, support, and licensing terms.

2. Passport Advantage Express Agreement (PAEA): This agreement is designed for small and mid-sized businesses that require a streamlined contract process. The PAEA includes simplified terms and conditions for the use of IBM software products.

3. Passport Advantage Subscription Agreement (PASA): This agreement governs the use of Passport Advantage subscriptions. The PASA includes information about product usage, support, and licensing terms for subscription-based software products.

Passport Advantage Agreements also include information about IBM`s support services, which can be customized to meet an organization`s specific needs. Support services may include access to technical support, software updates, and education resources.

How to Purchase Passport Advantage Licenses

To purchase licenses through Passport Advantage, organizations must first establish an IBM ID and register with Passport Advantage. Once registered, organizations can browse the Passport Advantage catalog to identify the products they need.

Passport Advantage offers several purchasing options, including online purchasing, phone orders, and partner resellers. Organizations can also purchase software licenses directly from IBM or through a third-party reseller.

Conclusion

IBM Passport Advantage is a flexible licensing program that can help organizations optimize their IT investments. Passport Advantage Agreements provide the legal framework for organizations to purchase and use IBM software products, and offer flexible licensing options that can be tailored to meet an organization`s specific needs. While navigating the agreements and options can be confusing, understanding the basics of IBM Passport Advantage can help organizations make informed decisions about their software investments.