System z Application Assist Processor (zAAP)

About zAAP

Getting started

	Prerequisites   |   Ordering   |   Pricing

zAAPs can offer a number of advantages in the pricing arena:

• Low cost of acquisition
• Significantly lower maintenance costs
• No IBM software charges on zAAP capacity

Hardware pricing implications

From a hardware perspective, delivering on low total cost of acquisition, the System z Application Assist Processors are attractively priced at $125,000 USD each for z10 EC, z9 EC (formerly z9-109), z990, and z890, $95,000 USD for z9 BC, and $47,500 USD for z10 BC.

The maintenance price for the zAAP is significantly lower than that of general purpose CPs and will be similar to the maintenance price for IFLs (Integrated Facilities for Linux).

Software pricing implications

Furthermore, from a software perspective, zAAPs are very similar in concept to a System Assist Processor (SAP) and even an Integrated Facility for Linux (IFL) with the exception being that the zAAP can only execute Java instructions. Unlike standard CPs, ICFs, and IFLs, zAAPs can do nothing on their own; they cannot be IPL'd and can run no operating systems. This optional assist feature allows customers to purchase additional processing power exclusively for Java application execution without affecting the total MSU rating or machine model designation.

Consequently, IBM does not impose software charges on zAAP capacity. Additional IBM software charges apply only when additional general purpose CP capacity is used.

Also, zAAPs may have the effect of reducing charges for Sub-capacity eligible IBM software products by lowering the rolling 4-hour average MSUs for LPARs with assigned zAAPs.

Customers are encouraged to contact their specific ISVs/USVs directly to determine if their charges will be affected.

For more information and to better understand IBM's mainframe software licensing/pricing terms and conditions, visit: IBM System z Software Pricing.