IBM System z Integrated Information Processor (zIIP)

IBM System z Integrated Information Processors (zIIPs) can offer a number of advantages in the pricing arena:

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

Hardware pricing implications

The zIIPs are attractively priced and deliver on lower total cost of acquisition. A zIIP is $40,000 USD each on the IBM zEnterprise 114, $100,000 USD each on the IBM zEnterprise 196, $125,000 USD each on the IBM System z10 EC and IBM System z9 EC, $95,000 USD each on the System z9 BC, and is $47,500 USD for IBM System z10 Business Class (z10 BC).

Note: Prices are US dollars only and will vary by country. Additional new pricing terms and condition apply to the zEnterprise 196 and the zEnterprise 114.

The maintenance price for the zIIP is significantly lower than that of general purpose CPs and will be similar to the maintenance price for zAAPs (IBM System z Application Assist Processors) or IFLs (Integrated Facilities for Linux).

Software pricing implications

Furthermore, from a software perspective, zIIPs are very similar in concept to zAAPs. Unlike standard CPs, ICFs, and IFLs, zIIPs can do nothing on their own; they cannot be IPL'd and can not run any operating systems. This optional feature allows customers to purchase additional processing power exclusively for select data serving environments without affecting the total MSU rating or machine model designation. IBM does not impose IBM software charges on zIIP capacity. Additional IBM software charges apply when additional general purpose CP capacity is used.

Also, zIIPs 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 zIIPs.

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.