Written by Mike Bernaiche, October 27th, 2023

These are the blogs I’m not a fan of writing but feel it necessary to provide you with the latest information from IBM and Lodestar regarding IBM Software Licenses and project rates.

As you are aware, the US has experienced significant rate increases in almost everything from insurance, labor, and operating expenses. As such, we want to inform you about some crucial updates related to IBM software licenses and our project rates for the upcoming year, 2024, so you can budget appropriately.

IBM Software License Prices:

Effective January 1, 2024, IBM will be implementing a 6% price increase for their software licenses. To assist you in managing your budget effectively, we recommend considering any upcoming licensing needs before December 23, 2023. By making your purchase before the year-end, not only will you ensure seamless continuity of your software licenses, but you will also enjoy significant cost savings.  See IBM Announcement. 

Additionally, for those anticipating an expansion of their licensing requirements in 2024, this proactive step will safeguard you against the price increase, helping you make the most of your IT budget.

We understand the importance of budget planning for your organization. We encourage you to take advantage of our end-of-year discounts. If you anticipate needing additional licenses in 2024, purchasing them before December 23, will not only grant you access to the lower 2023 pricing but also offer special discounts as part of our year-end promotion.

Project Rates Adjustment:

Starting January 1, 2024, we will be making a modest adjustment to some of our project rates, resulting in an approximate 5% increase. Please be assured that this adjustment will not impact the terms of your current statements of work. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing you with the exceptional quality of services that you have come to expect from us.  This increase will not be across the board on services, only certain services will see this increase.  Our rates remain very competitive in the industry, and we believe the value we provide far outweighs the cost.

We provide the following services:

• Technical Support – This includes upgrades, installation of new IBM Analytics software, database work, security, and much more.  Ask us about our upgrade bundles to save you money.
• Planning Analytics and Cognos Analytics Consulting Including - architecture, modeling, model redesign, end-user reporting, and dashboard creation.
• Power BI Consulting – data, creating reports, and visualizations.
• Tableau Consulting - data, creating reports, and visualizations.
• Training – Cognos Analytics and Planning Analytics training for both the novice and experienced. Including both modeler and end-user training.

Speaking of training – coming soon is a public virtual Cognos Analytics training class.  You can find all the important info here.

Summary

If you have specific licensing requirements or need assistance understanding how these changes might affect your organization, please contact us at your earliest convenience. We are here to assist you in finding the most cost-effective solutions tailored to your unique needs.

Please feel free to contact me directly at mbernaiche@lodestarsolutions.com with any questions or concerns you may have. We value your partnership and are dedicated to supporting you through this transition.

Thank you for choosing Lodestar Solutions as your technology partner. We are excited about the opportunities that 2024 holds and look forward to continuing to support your organization's growth and success.