Written by Christina Vandeveer, July 26th, 2023
IBM Support has recently introduced exciting changes to their extended support offerings for IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics, going above and beyond the usual IBM Subscription and Support (S&S) renewal. In this blog, we will explore the three main IBM Subscription and Support Updates (X, Y, and Z Parts) and how they can benefit your business. Before delving into the updates, let's first understand the importance of your standard IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics S&S and what it includes.
The Value of IBM Standard Subscription and Support (S&S):
Before exploring the updates, let's take a closer look at what your IBM S&S entails. This comprehensive chart will outline the details of what you're paying for, ensuring you understand its significance.
See our previous blog on Why Renewing IBM Cognos and Planning Analytics Support is Crucial for Your Business.
IBM Extended Support (X Parts):
IBM's Extended Support has been revamped to offer clients support after the standard support period ends for their program version or release. The updated X Parts include:
- Standardized support life cycle with four years of support after the EOS date.
- Access to usage and existing published fixes.
- First-year coverage for new critical fixes.
- Additional time for clients to migrate to a newer supported version of the product.
IBM Sustained Support (Y Parts):
The all-new Sustained Support Offering provides clients with continued support when no new versions or releases are available for a program. Key features of Y Parts include:
- Standardized support life cycle with up to 5 years of post-EOS support for End of Market products.
- Access to usage and existing published fixes.
- Possibility of new critical fixes with the acquisition of Extended Support.
IBM Advanced Support (Z Parts):
Introducing the premium support model, Advanced Support, which enhances your active IBM support subscription with the following perks:
- Higher case prioritization for critical issues.
- Faster response time objectives.
- Lead Technical Support Focal for personalized assistance.
For busy professionals with deadlines and CFOs to answer to, waiting for support is not an option. IBM's Advanced Support is designed to help you manage your critical workload efficiently, available for both SaaS and On-premise licensing.
Conclusion
The new IBM Subscription and Support Upgrades (X, Y, and Z Parts) offer a host of benefits for Cognos and Planning Analytics clients, to help you make the most of your IBM products. At Lodestar, we're here to guide you through these options and find the best fit for your business. When the time comes to renew or upgrade your Cognos and Planning Analytics licenses, don't fret; we've got you covered. Contact us at renewals@lodestarsolutions.com, and we'll explore the perfect solution for your needs.