IBM General Parallel File System for Linux on xSeries extends your cluster capabilities in tandem with GPFS for AIX
IBM United States Software Announcement 203-331December 9, 2003
 ENUS203-331.PDF (46KB)
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At a glance
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| At a glance |
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Ideal for parallel and serial applications that need to be highly available and require fast, scalable access to large amounts of file data, GPFS for Linux delivers a robust, scalable file system on an open, Intel™-based server platform.
It is designed to provide:
- Support for an interoperable environment with GPFS for AIX
- Support for an expanded set of hardware and Linux distributions
- Various scalability and performance enhancements
- Support for standard UNIX file system interfaces
- Concurrent read and writes from multiple nodes
- Failover support to minimize single points of failure
For ordering, contact:
Your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at
800-IBM-CALL
(Reference: YE001).
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| Overview |
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A new version of IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) for Linux offers several usability
enhancements when running on IBM 
xSeries® clusters of servers, including the Cluster 1350.
GPFS is designed to allow users shared access to files that may span multiple disk drives on multiple nodes. It furnishes many of the standard UNIX® file system interfaces that can allow most applications to execute without modification or recompiling. It is designed to offer access to files from any node in the system and provide high-performance file I/O to parallel jobs running on multiple nodes or to serial applications that are scheduled based upon processor availability.
GPFS for Linux on xSeries in concert with the GPFS for AIX® 5L licensed product may form an interoperable GPFS cluster. Additional enhancements to GPFS include:
- Extended access control list entries for a file or directory
- Creation of a single-node nodeset
- Support for the Data Management Application Programming Interface (DMAPI)
- Ability to create a logical copy, or "snapshot," of a GPFS file system
- Ability to designate a subset of nodes to be used for the calculation of the node quorum
- New buffer pool management code designed to enhance overall performance
- Supported scaling limit of 512 nodes
Note:
GPFS for Linux, V1 will be withdrawn from marketing effective April 16, 2004.
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| Key prerequisites |
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IBM xSeries servers
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One of these Linux distributions:
- SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8
- Red Hat Linux 8
- Red Hat Linux 9
- Red Hat Linux Enterprise Linux 3 (AS, ES, or WS)
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| Planned availability date |
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December 19, 2003
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| Description |
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GPFS for Linux is designed to provide file system services to parallel and serial applications running in the Red Hat or SuSE Linux operating environment. Serial applications can be dynamically assigned to processors based on utilization and may achieve high-performance access to their data from wherever they run.
Using GPFS to store and retrieve files can allow multiple processes or applications on all nodes in the nodeset simultaneous access to the same file using standard file system calls, while managing a high level of control over all file system operations. It can increase aggregate bandwidth of the file system by spreading reads and writes across multiple disks. Allowing concurrent reads and writes from multiple nodes is key in parallel processing.
The traditional file access modes of read (r), write (w), and execute (e) have been extended to include a fourth access mode — control (c). This can be used to specify who can manage the access control list for a file, other than the file owner and root user.
GPFS provides the ability to create a logical copy, or "snapshot," of an entire GPFS file system at a single point in time. This snapshot is designed to allow a backup or mirror application to run concurrently with user updates and still obtain a consistent copy of the file system as of the time it was created.
GPFS for Linux now supports the Data Management API. A DMAPI client application, such as Tivoli® Storage Manager, would be able to exploit DMAPI support in GPFS to provide file system backup and management features such as hierarchical storage management.
GPFS supports very large file systems. The maximum tested file system size is 75 TB. The maximum theoretical file system size possible for GPFS based on architectural parameters is 1 petabyte. File systems up to the maximum tested size are supported, but support for larger file systems may be provided through a special bid process. Multilevel indirect block support allows file sizes up to the largest tested GPFS file system size (minus space required for metadata). System control of these values allows effective caching of i-nodes and may improve the performance of some applications.
GPFS supports an interoperable environment with GPFS for AIX. It is now possible to mix AIX and Linux nodes within the same cluster and provide access to shared file systems. This can enable existing GPFS for AIX customers to leverage their investment by attaching Linux nodes to the existing AIX clusters, such as SP™ systems.
Service
For defect-related questions, call the IBM Support Line at 800-IBM-SERV and provide your customer number for entitlement.
Additional service support is available for a fee through IBM Global Services (IGS). This service, IBM Operational Support Services — Support Line for Linux Clusters, can assist you with complex hardware and software interoperability issues in support of your Linux cluster. Support Line for Linux Clusters provides support for the underlying Linux operating systems, UnitedLinux distributors (SuSE, Conectiva, and Turbolinux) and Red Hat.
For additional information, refer to:
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
Operation by keyboard alone is a feature supported for people with disabilities.
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| Product positioning |
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GPFS for Linux runs on specific models of rack-optimized IBM xSeries hardware and the IBM Cluster 1350, and is positioned as a complementary offering to
GPFS for AIX. It is advantageous for customers who require a robust, scalable file system on an
open, Intel-based server platform and for applications that need to be highly available and require
fast, scalable access to large amounts of file data.
For scientific and technical computing, GPFS is ideal for high-performance parallel file transfer and parallel I/O to single or multiple files. GPFS's key strengths are that it is designed to provide superior scalability and performance, an ability to support extremely large files, and failure recovery, making larger configurations practical.
GPFS is particularly appropriate in an environment where the aggregate peak need for data exceeds
the capability of a single file system server.
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| Reference information |
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Refer to Software Announcement 203-332 , dated December 9, 2003, and Software Announcement 203-330 , dated December 9, 2003.
Trademarks
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| Offering Information |
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Product information is available through the Offering Information Web site at:
Also, visit the Passport Advantage® Web site at:
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| Publications |
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No publications are shipped with this program; however, the following publications are available from the Web:
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IBM General Parallel File System (GPFS) for Clusters:
- Concepts, Planning and Installation Guide (GA22-7968)
- Administration and Programming Reference (SA22-7967)
- Problem Determination Guide (GA22-7969)
- IBM GPFS: Data Management API Guide (GA22-7966)
These displayable manuals are viewable in PDF format from:
The manuals are also available from the IBM Cluster
Information Center at:
The IBM Publications Center:
The Publications Center is a worldwide central repository for IBM product publications and marketing material with a catalog of 70,000 items. Extensive search facilities are provided. Payment options for orders are via credit card or customer number. A large number of publications are available online in various file formats, and they can all be downloaded free of charge.
The IBM Publications Notification System:
The Publications Notification System (PNS) enables subscribers to set up
profiles of interest by order number/product number. PNS subscribers
automatically receive notifications by e-mail of all new publications
defined in their profiles. These may then be ordered/downloaded via the
Publications Center.
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| Technical information |
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Hardware requirements
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One of these:
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IBM xSeries® servers (IA-32
models 330, 335, 340, 342, 345, and 360)
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IBM Cluster 1300 or 1350 (only
when configured with xSeries servers)
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IBM xSeries BladeCenter™
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IBM
- 100 Mb Ethernet or 1 Gb Ethernet or Myrinet
- TotalStorage® FAStT disk (200/500/700/600/900)
Note: Refer to the GPFS Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) available from the following Web site for the full list of formally qualified disk subsystems and servers:
Software requirements
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One of the following Linux distributions:
- Red Hat Linux 8
- Red Hat Linux 9
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3 (AS, ES, or WS)
- SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8
- GPFS Portability Layer, which is source code licensed under the Berkeley Software Distribution (BSD) terms and included in the distribution package with GPFS for Linux, and which is compiled by the user to produce a set of kernel module binaries for GPFS.
For supported kernel levels, consult the FAQs available from:
Compatibility: For the latest information on GPFS kernel levels, scaling, disk support, and so on, consult the FAQs available from this Web site:
Limitations: The supported scaling limit is 512 nodes. However, scaling is limited to 128 nodes when clustered with GPFS for AIX® in an interoperable cluster.
Planning information
This is the last release that will support the cluster type lc which is not created over an RSCT peer domain. If you have an lc cluster from a previous release of GPFS, it is suggested that you migrate to the new lc cluster in GPFS V2.2. Continued support of the previous lc cluster type will be phased out as GPFS cluster types are streamlined.
Packaging: GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 is distributed on a single CD-ROM (LCD4-7430) or provided via electronic software distribution (ESD) through Passport Advantage. The License Information (LI) is provided with the product in softcopy. Publications are not shipped on the product media but are available online.
Security, auditability, and control
The announced program uses the security and auditability features of the Linux 2.4 operating system.
The customer is responsible for evaluation, selection, and implementation of security features,
administrative procedures, and appropriate controls in application systems and communication
facilities.
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| Ordering information |
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This product is only available via Passport Advantage. It is not available as shrinkwrap.
Product group: Clustered Software
Product identifier description: GPFS for Linux, V2.2 (5765G23)
Product category: GPFS for Linux
GPFS V2.2 has one charge unit based on the number of processors in the server or cluster running GPFS for the supported operating environment. A new order includes one-year IBM Software Maintenance. Upgrades may be acquired via the IBM Software Maintenance agreement up to the current level of use authorized for the qualifying program.
Passport Advantage
Part
Program name/Description number
GPFS for Linux on xSeries BH00SIE
Media Package English
GPFS for Linux + Processor D53GZLL
LIC+SW MAINT 12 MO
GPFS for Linux + Processor E016TLL
ANNUAL SW MAINT RNWL
GPFS for Linux + Processor D53H0LL
SW MAINT REINSTATE 12 MO
Passport Advantage customer: Media pack entitlement details
Customers with active maintenance or subscription for the following products are entitled to receive the corresponding media pack.
Entitled maintenance offerings Description GPFS for Linux on xSeries Proc IBM GENL PAR FILE SYS LINUX TB STOR Media packs Part Description number General Parallel File System for Linux on BH00SIE xSeries per Processor Media Package
Program name: GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2
New users of GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 should specify type 5765, model G23, and the one-time charge (OTC) feature number with a quantity equal to the total number of processors in the server or cluster running the supported operating system in which GPFS will be installed.
OTC
Program feature
Description number number
Per processor 5765-G23 0001
Block of 250 processors(1) 5765-G23 0002
- 1
- The feature for a block of 250 processors is provided for convenience with large orders. A quantity of one for this feature will order a license for 250 processors.
Media
supply
feature
Program name Medium number
GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 CD-ROM 5809
This software license includes Software Maintenance (SWM), previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support, for one year from date of acquisition.
Customers who have current maintenance coverage are entitled to receive GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 at no additional charge.
Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected. Order the program number, feature number, and quantity to extend coverage for your software licenses. If maintenance has expired, specify the after-license feature number.
Program name
GPFS for Linux SWM 1-Yr main: 5771-GFL
Feature
Description number
Use authorizations: Quantity per processor
SW Maintenance No Charge Registration 0461
SW Maintenance 1-Year Renewal 0463
SW Maintenance 1-Year After License 0465
Use authorizations: Quantity per 250 processors
SW Maintenance No Charge Registration 0462
SW Maintenance 1-Year Renewal 0464
SW Maintenance 1-Year After License 0466
Current licensee supply feature number 5819
Program name
GPFS for Linux SWM 3-Yr main: 5773-GFL
Feature
Description number
Use authorizations: Quantity per processor
SW Maintenance 3-Year Registration 0413
SW Maintenance 3-Year Renewal 0415
SW Maintenance 3-Year After License 0417
Use authorizations: Quantity per 250 processors
SW Maintenance 3-Year Registration 0414
SW Maintenance 3-Year Renewal 0416
SW Maintenance 3-Year After License 0418
Current licensee supply feature number 5819
Renewal of your GPFS for Linux Software Maintenance License
GPFS for Linux on xSeries software licenses include SWM. A new, simplified price structure was announced for GPFS V2.2. The following information represents the migration of features and part numbers from GPFS V1 SWM licenses to the new GPFS V2 SWM licenses.
Current SWM — Part numbers
- If you have current SWM entitlement via part number D51ZSLL, D51ZTLL, E00LZLL, or D51ZULL, your license will be doubled for each quantity ordered. For part number D51ZVLL, D51ZWLL, E00M0LL, or D51ZXLL, your license will be null.
Current SWM — Feature numbers
- If you have current SWM entitlement via 5771-GFL and feature number 0250, 0251, 0256, 0257, 0258, or 0259, your license will be doubled for each quantity ordered. For feature number 0248, 0252, or 0254, your license will be null.
- If you have current SWM entitlement via 5773-GFL and feature number 0253, 0254, 0255, 0256, 0257, or 0258, your license will be doubled for each quantity ordered. For feature number 0247, 0249, or 0251, your license will be null.
Withdrawal of previous Passport Advantage part numbers: The following IBM International Program License Agreement (IPLA) software part numbers are being replaced or obsoleted by this announcement. The effective withdrawal date is April 16, 2004.
Orders for these part numbers will not be accepted after the stated effective date of withdrawal, nor will normal marketing activities or educational support be available unless previous agreement exists between the customer and IBM.
Withdraw from marketing information
Part
Program name/Description number
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Install D51ZSLL
License / 1-Yr Anniversary
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Storage D51ZVLL
License / 1-Yr Anniversary
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Install D51ZTLL
License / 2-yr Anniversary
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Storage D51ZWLL
License / 2-yr Anniversary
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Install E00LZLL
License / 1-Yr SWM Renewal
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Storage E00M0LL
License / 1-Yr SWM Renewal
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Install D51ZULL
License / 1-Yr SWM After Lic
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Storage D51ZXLL
License / 1-Yr SWM After Lic
GPFS for Linux V1.3 Media Pack BH00EIE
New release information
Part
Program name/Description number
GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 D53GZLL
License + 1-Yr Anniversary
GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 E016TLL
1-Yr SWM Renewal
GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 D53H0LL
1-Yr SWM Reinstatement
GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 Media Pack BH00SIE
Withdrawal of previous program feature numbers
The following program product is withdrawn as of April 16, 2004.
Program Feature
Program name/Description number numbers
GPFS for Linux, V1 5765-E78 All
The following software maintenance feature numbers are being withdrawn as of April 16, 2004.
Program Feature
Program name/Description number numbers
GPFS for Linux SWM 1-Yr 5771-GFL 5809 0248 0250
0251 0252 0254
0256 0257 0258
0259
GPFS for Linux SWM 3-Yr 5773-GFL 5809 0247 0249
0251 0253 0254
0255 0256 0257
0258 0100 0101
0102 0103 0104
0105 0106 0107
0108 0109 0110
Customization options (5765-G23): Select the following feature number to customize your order with this delivery option if desired. This feature can be specified on the initial or MES orders.
Feature
Description number
Expedite Shipments
Local IBM office expedite 3445
(for IBM use only)
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| Terms and conditions |
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This product is only available via Passport Advantage. It is not available as shrinkwrap.
Agreement: IBM IPLA. Proofs of Entitlement are required for all authorized use. Part number products only, offered outside of Passport Advantage, where applicable, are license only and do not include Software Maintenance (SWM).
This software license includes SWM, previously referred to as Software Subscription and Technical Support.
The following agreements apply for maintenance and do not require customer signatures:
- IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Support (Z125-6011)
- Addendum for Support (SWM) for Select iSeries™ and pSeries® Programs (Z125-6495)
License information form number: L-RHAN-5RBMAF
Limited warranty: Yes
Program services
Warranty: This program has warranty for a minimum of one year from acquisition from IBM or an authorized IBM Business Partner. The warranty provided to the customer, for at least one year from acquisition, is access to databases (read Web sites) for program information, FAQs, including any known fixes to defects, which the customer can download or obtain otherwise and install at leisure.
Money-back guarantee: If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program, return it within 30 days from the invoice date to the party (either IBM or its reseller) from whom you acquired it for a refund. This applies only to your first acquisition of the program.
Program technical support: Technical support of a program product will be available for a minimum of three years from the general availability date, as long as your Software Maintenance (SWM) is in effect. This technical support allows you to obtain assistance (via telephone or electronic means) from IBM for product-specific, task-oriented questions regarding the installation and operation of the program product. SWM also provides you with access to updates, releases, and versions of the program.
Copy and use on home/portable computer: No
Volume orders (IVO): No
Passport Advantage applies: Yes, and through the Passport Advantage Web site at:
Software Maintenance applies: Yes
Software Maintenance (SWM), previously referred to as Subscription and Technical Support, is now included in the Passport Advantage Agreement. Installation and technical support for the products announced in this letter are provided by the SWM offering of the IBM International Passport Advantage Agreement. This fee service enhances customer productivity by providing voice and/or electronic access into the IBM support organizations.
IBM includes SWM with each program acquired during the coverage period. The coverage period means the period commencing on the date you acquire the program up to the first or second anniversary date, depending on whether you acquired coverage for one or two anniversaries. The coverage period for SWM acquired in the two months preceding an anniversary date will be extended to the next applicable anniversary date.
While your SWM is in effect, IBM provides you assistance for your routine, short duration installation and usage (how-to) questions, and code-related questions. IBM provides assistance via telephone and, if available, electronic access, only to your information systems (IS) technical support personnel during the normal business hours (published prime shift hours) of your IBM support center. (This assistance is not available to your end users.) IBM provides Severity 1 assistance 24 hours a day, every day of the year. For additional details, consult your IBM Software Support Guide at:
SWM does not include assistance for the design and development of applications, your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment, or failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under this agreement.
For more information about the Passport Advantage Agreement, refer to Software Announcement 201-202 , dated July 10, 2001, or visit the Passport Advantage Web site at:
All distributed software licenses include SWM (software subscription and technical support) for a period of 12 months from the date of acquisition, providing a streamlined way to acquire IBM software and assure technical support coverage for all licenses. Extending coverage for a total of three years from date of acquisition may be elected. For additional information, refer to Software Announcement 201-201 , dated July 10, 2001, (Changes to Distributed Software Products Model for Products Outside Passport Advantage).
Other support:
IBM pSeries Software Maintenance Agreement
AIX/UNIX® upgrade protection applies: No
Entitled upgrade for current AIX/UNIX upgrade protection licensees: No
Variable charges apply: No
Educational allowance available:
Yes, 15% education allowance applies to qualified education
institution customers.
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| IBM Electronic Services |
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IBM Global Services has transformed its delivery of hardware and software support services to put you on the road to higher systems availability. IBM Electronic Services is a Web-enabled solution that provides you with an exclusive, no-additional-charge enhancement to the service and support on the IBM eServer. You should benefit from greater system availability due to faster problem resolution and preemptive monitoring. IBM Electronic Services is comprised of two separate, but complementary, elements: IBM Electronic Services news page and IBM Electronic Service Agent™.
IBM Electronic Services news page provides you with a single Internet entry point that replaces the multiple entry points traditionally used by customers to access IBM Internet services and support. By using the news page, it enables you to gain easier access to IBM resources for assistance in resolving technical problems.
The IBM Electronic Service Agent is no-additional-charge software that resides on your IBM system. It is designed to
proactively monitor events and transmit system inventory information to IBM on a periodic
customer-defined timetable. The IBM Electronic Service Agent tracks system inventory, hardware
error logs, and performance information. If the server is under a current IBM maintenance service
agreement or within the IBM Warranty period, the Service Agent automatically reports hardware
problems to IBM. Early knowledge about potential problems enables IBM to provide proactive service
that maintains higher system availability and performance. In addition, information collected
through the Service Agent will be made available to IBM service support representatives when they
are helping answer your questions or diagnosing problems.
To learn how IBM Electronic Services can work for you, visit:
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| Prices |
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The prices provided in this announcement are suggested retail prices for the U.S. only and are provided for your information only. Dealer prices may vary, and prices may also vary by country. Prices are subject to change without notice. For additional information and current prices, contact your local IBM representative.
Advanced Administration System (AAS/WTAAS/CHW)
GPFS for Linux on xSeries V2.2 (5765-G23)
OTC
feature
Description number OTC
Per processor 0001 $ 859
Block of 250 processors 0002 214,750
processors
GPFS for Linux SWM 1-Yr main (5771-GFL)
Use authorizations:
Quantity per processor
SW Maintenance No Charge 0461 NC
Registration
SW Maintenance 1-Year 0463 215
Renewal
SW Maintenance 1-Year 0465 644
After License
Use authorizations:
Quantity per 250 processors
SW Maintenance No Charge 0462 NC
Registration
SW Maintenance 1-Year 0464 53,750
Renewal
SW Maintenance 1-Year 0466 161,000
After License
GPFS for Linux SWM 3-Yr main (5773-GFL)
Use authorizations:
Quantity per processor
SW Maintenance 3-Year 0413 366
Registration
SW Maintenance 3-Year 0415 581
Renewal
SW Maintenance 3-Year 0417 1,010
After License
Use authorizations:
Quantity per 250 processors
SW Maintenance 3-Year 0414 91,500
Registration
SW Maintenance 3-Year 0416 145,250
Renewal
SW Maintenance 3-Year 0418 252,500
After License
Passport Advantage: For Passport Advantage and charges, contact your IBM representative, your IBM Business Partner, or your authorized Lotus® Business Partner. For additional information about the Passport Advantage offering, visit:
IBM Global Financing
IBM Global Financing offers competitive financing to credit-qualified customers to assist them in acquiring IT solutions. Offerings include financing for IT acquisition, including hardware, software, and services, both from IBM and other manufacturers or vendors. Offerings (for all customer segments: small, medium, and large enterprise), rates, terms, and availability can vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit the Web at:
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| Order now |
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To order, contact the Americas Call Centers, your local IBM representative, or your IBM Business Partner.
To identify your local IBM representative or IBM Business Partner, call 800-IBM-4YOU (426-4968).
Phone: 800-IBM-CALL (426-2255)
Fax: 800-2IBM-FAX (242-6329)
Internet: ibm_direct@vnet.ibm.com
Mail: The Americas Call Centers
Dept. YE001
P.O. Box 2690
Atlanta, GA 30301-2690
Reference: YE001
The Americas Call Centers, our national direct marketing organization, can add your name to the mailing list for catalogs of IBM products.
Note: Shipments will begin after the planned availability date.
Trademarks
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