Processor Value Unit [PVU] licensing for Distributed Software

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Processor Value Unit [PVU] licensing for Distributed Software

Updated June 22, 2009

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A Processor Value Unit (PVU) is a unit of measure used to differentiate licensing of middleware on distributed processor technologies (defined by Processor Vendor, Brand, Type and Model Number). IBM continues to define a processor, for purposes of PVU-based licensing, to be each processor core on a chip. Each software Program has a unique price per PVU. For more information about PVUs, see the links under 'Essentials' on the right hand navigation bar.

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Table of Processor Value Units [PVUs] per core

The table below lists existing generally available processors only, as of the published date. PVU requirements for future processor technologies may differ. For PVU requirements for any processor technologies not listed below, please consult the Guide to Identifying Your Processor Technology. For help identifying your Processor Model Number, use the Processor Model Number Discovery Guide. If you still don't find what you are looking for, please contact IBM.

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With Processor Value Units, IBM continues the practice of licensing to the processor core. This practice provides the licensing granularity customers require, while offering them the flexibility to configure their systems to best support their business objectives.

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Key benefits

Processor Value Units enable sub-capacity licensing at the processor core and provide:

• a licensing structure that avoids fractional licensing or processor factors for multi-core chips
• flexibility and granularity enabling customers to run a product on as few or as many processor cores as they require
• the capability to deliver software price performance improvements as new processor families are introduced
• a sustainable licensing foundation for the future

And, licenses are transferable across distributed systems