IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for x86, V4.1 enables systems platform management and monitoring across multiple IBM server platforms
IBM United States Software Announcement 208-332November 11, 2008
 ENUS208-332.PDF (113KB)
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At a glance
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| At a glance |
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IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager™ (AEM) V4.1 software, an extension of IBM® Systems Director, is available on Linux® on Power, Linux on System x™, Linux on System z®, AIX®, and Microsoft® Windows® operating systems to help you monitor and manage the power and thermal usage of your IT environment. AEM is an energy management software tool that can help provide a single view of the actual power usage across systems in your infrastructure as opposed to the benchmarked power consumption.
The new features in this release are:
- Web-based user interface requiring only a browser
- Soft power capping
- Energy thresholding
- Group capping
- Integration with Emerson-Liebert's SiteScan management application (the SiteScan application is supported by Emerson Network Power)
- Additional power savings modes
- Command-line interface support
- Select non-IBM PDU support
For ordering, contact your IBM representative, an IBM Business Partner, or IBM Americas Call Centers at 800-IBM-CALL (Reference: SE001).
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| Overview |
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IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager 4.1 can effectively help allocate, match, and cap power and thermal limits in the data center at the system, chassis, or rack level. By enabling these energy management technologies, you can effectively manage your systems while improving your cost of computing.
AEM is positioned as a key component of IBM's energy-efficient technologies and services, which are part of IBM's Project Big Green that began May 2007. It is also part of the new enterprise data center strategy and is delivered as part of IBM Systems Director. Active Energy Manager measures, monitors, and manages the energy management components built into IBM servers and provides a cross-platform management solution. It also provides a source of energy management data that can be exploited by Tivoli® enterprise solutions (for example, IBM Tivoli Monitoring). Active Energy Manager also retrieves temperature and power information via wireless sensors (SynapSense) and collects alerts, events, and data from certain facility providers related to power and cooling equipment.
AEM V4.1 builds upon AEM V3.1.1 and offers additional facility provider support for monitoring environmental data from facility providers such as SynapSense and Emerson Network Power. In addition, AEM V4.1 supports select non-IBM PDUs and UPSs as documented in the product library.
Additional features and enhancements to AEM V4.1 include:
- Web-based user interface requiring only a browser, eliminating the need to install a client.
- Soft power capping (an option within power capping). Users can set a lower energy cap value to help enable clients to save energy.
- Energy thresholding. Users can set a power or temperature threshold and be notified when it is reached (or allow an action to automatically be taken).
- Group capping. Users can set a power cap for a group of servers (such as all the servers in a rack).
- Alerts and monitoring. Additional power events will be monitored and alerts surfaced to help enable corrective action that may be taken by the operator.
- Additional support for the newest IBM server models.
- Altitude input. You can enter an altitude, which AEM will pass to the IBM servers so that it can be used to help adjust fan speed.
- Additional power savings modes. You can set the power savings mode to maximum performance or maximum power savings to help provide greater control on performance/energy trade-offs.
- CLI support. Data from servers and all energy controls is available via command-line interfaces (CLI) so it can be scripted and actions may be taken by the operator.
- Translation into nine languages in addition to English.
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| Key prerequisites |
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IBM Systems Director for x86, v6.1
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| Planned availability date |
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December 12, 2008
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| Description |
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The Active Energy Manager is enhanced with the following functions:
- Active Energy Manager has been restructured as a Web-based application that runs on IBM Systems Director V6.1. Instead of requiring a console client to be installed prior to using its functions, only a Web browser is required.
- The energy management functions of this product are now more integrated with other functions of IBM Systems Director to give users a more seamless view of managing their environment.
- All resources that are discovered and managed by AEM are now available as IBM Systems Director managed resources, allowing other functions to be available to them. For example, they can all be viewed in the IBM Systems Director Resource Navigator, can be viewed in a topology diagram, and can have their properties shown in the properties views.
- Energy management functions have also been added to IBM Systems Director functions, such as thresholding, the Automation Manager, the Live Data view, the thumbnail views of system statistics, and health summaries.
- Since the AEM server can now run on AIX, AEM can run on all of the same platforms as the IBM Systems Director V6.1 server.
- Translation into all the same languages as IBM Systems Director V6.1 is another part of this integration.
In addition, a number of new and improved energy management functions are now available. These include:
- Support for new power savings modes
Previous releases of AEM only allowed the setting of a single static power savings mode. AEM V4.1 provides the new Dynamic power savings mode: Hardware/firmware adjust power usage based on workload. Within this mode, users can choose whether they want to help optimize for low power usage or for performance.
- Support for additional PDUs
In previous releases, AEM supported the monitoring of power and temperature from IBM PDU+ units. In AEM V4.1, several non-IBM pieces of power equipment can also be monitored. Manufacturers include:
- Raritan
- Eaton
For the complete list and model numbers supported, refer to the AEM home page.
- Integration with facility equipment
In AEM 3.1.1, support was added to interface with Emerson Network Power's SiteScan application, which allowed AEM to receive events and alerts related to power and cooling equipment. In AEM V4.1, the interface to SiteScan can also be used to collect power, temperature, and other equipment-specific data from non-IT hardware, such as air conditioning units, chillers, UPSs, and PDUs. This will allow AEM users to get a more complete view of an entire data center. This equipment will also be visible within the IBM Systems Director resource navigator, where properties can be displayed. This is the next step in integration between IT administration and facilities administration.
For the complete list and model numbers supported, refer to the AEM home page.
- Integration with sensors
In AEM 3.1, support was added to be able to monitor power and temperature from SynapSense wireless sensors. In AEM V4.1, additional sensor data will be collected, including humidity. These are metrics that can be used to aid in the efficiency of data centers, and could be used to help run fans in equipment at the optimum speed. In addition, users will be able to associate sensor data with other equipment. For example, a user could assign a temperature sensor to the input of a server to help monitor.
- Command line interface
In this release, virtually all functions that can be done in the user interface can also be done via a command line interface. This allows these functions to be used in scripts, which is essential to how systems management is done by many customers.
- Group capping
This function allows a user to set a power cap for a group of systems (such as all the systems in a rack). AEM will then adjust the power caps of the individual systems in the group in order to meet that group power cap setting. For example, if a user has 10 systems in a rack, and wants to set a group cap of 4,000 watts, then AEM may set a power cap of 400 watts for each server. If there are different types of servers in the group, then the appropriate caps will be set to keep the group cap value.
- Altitude input
The fans on servers are one of the components that use a significant amount of power. Anything than can be done to slow them down, when possible, can save energy. AEM V4.1 allows users to input an altitude value for their data center. AEM then passes this information to servers that are properly enabled so they can use this information to help optimize fan speeds. If AEM is able to get altitude information from other sensors in the data center, then that information will be used.
Accessibility by people with disabilities
A U.S. Section 508 Voluntary Product Accessibility Template (VPAT) containing details on accessibility compliance can be requested at
Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act
IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager on x86, v4.1 is capable as of December 12, 2008, when used in accordance with IBM's associated documentation, of satisfying the applicable requirements of Section 508 of the U.S. Rehabilitation Act, provided that any assistive technology used with the product properly interoperates with it.
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| Product positioning |
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IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager V4.1 is an IBM Systems Director V6.1 plug-in. It is an energy management solution building block that can help the customer control energy costs. Active Energy Manager is a cornerstone of the IBM energy management framework.
Active Energy Manager advances the IBM initiative to help deliver greater price/performance per square foot. This offering enables monitoring and management of power usage across certain systems equipment within the IT and facility infrastructures, which can help decrease the cost of computing through improved power utilization. Active Energy Manager provides a broader scope of energy information across systems within the data center while including a view of certain facilities equipment.
Called "Project Big Green," IBM's initiative targets corporate data centers where energy constraints and costs can limit their ability to grow. IBM plans to double computing capacity in its own data centers and use new technologies to avoid five billion kilowatt hours of new energy use. IBM is redirecting one billion dollars per year across its businesses, mobilizing the company's resources to dramatically increase the level of energy efficiency in IT. The plan includes new products, such as Active Energy Manager, and services for IBM and its clients to sharply reduce data center energy consumption and transition the world's business and public technology infrastructures into energy-efficient data centers.
"Project Big Green" also reaffirms IBM's long-standing commitment to environmental responsibility.
- IBM energy conservation actions from 1990 to 2005 reduced or avoided CO2 emissions by an amount equal to 40% of its 1990 emissions while saving $250 million. And there will be a further 12% reduction between 2005-2012.
- IBM plans to double the compute capacity of our Green Data Centers by 2010 without increasing power consumption, thus avoiding five billion kilowatt hours per year and CO2 emissions equivalent to taking one million cars off the road.
Forty percent of data center operators report power demand outstripping supply. The new enterprise data center improves data center energy efficiency through exploitation of virtualization-enabled consolidation, resource optimization, and active energy management (Data Center Power and Cooling challenge, Gartner, November 2007).
AEM is one of the system components designed as part of IBM's Project Big Green portfolio of products.
AEM V4.1 is focused on multi-system resource management of energy across IBM servers and provides heterogeneous monitoring support for systems and IT facilities, helping enable clients to manage actual energy consumption.
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| Reference information |
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Refer to Software Announcement 208-284, dated November 11, 2008 for IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for Power Systems, V4.1.
Refer to Software Announcement 208-344, dated November 11, 2008 for IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for Linux on System z, V4.1.
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| Product identification number |
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Program Subscription
PID number 1 year PID number
5765-AEX 5771-AEX
5772-AEX
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| Program number |
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Program number VRM Program name 5765-AEX 4.1 IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for x86 5771-AEX 1 Year Subscription Renewal 5772-AEX 1 Year Subscription After License
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| Offering Information |
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Product information is available via the Offering Information Web site
Business Partner information
If you are a Direct Reseller - System Reseller acquiring products from IBM, you may link directly to Business Partner information for this announcement. A PartnerWorld® ID and password are required (use IBM ID).
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IBM Systems Information Center
The IBM Systems Information Center provides you with a single information center where you can access product documentation for IBM systems hardware, operating systems, and server software, including IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager. Through a consistent framework, you can efficiently find information and personalize your access. The IBM Systems Information Center is at
Printable document
The IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager Installation and User's Guide can be downloaded and viewed from the IBM Systems Director Resources and Documentation Web site and from the information center
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| Technical information |
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Specified operating environment
Hardware requirements
IBM DPI® PDUs may require firmware updates. The firmware version can be found on the Active Energy Manager Web site
Platform- or OS-specific capabilities:
- IBM System z is supported for monitoring functions only.
- IBM Power Systems are supported for monitoring, power saving, and capping.
- IBM System x is supported for monitoring and capping but not power saving.
- Storage devices are enabled when utilizing PDUs for monitoring only.
For the latest list of systems supported, visit
System configuration requirements are available online in the IBM Systems Director V6.1 Information Center at
Software requirements
AEM V4.1 requires one of the following operating systems:
- Windows Server 2003 Enterprise and Standard Editions, Release 2
- Windows Server 2003 Enterprise and Standard x64 Editions, Release 2
- Windows Server 2003 Enterprise and Standard Editions, Service Pack 2
- Windows Server 2003 Enterprise and Standard x64 Editions, Service Pack 2
- Windows Server 2008 Enterprise and Standard Editions, Service Pack 1
- Windows Server 2008 Enterprise and Standard x64 Editions, Service Pack 1
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4.0 for Intel® x86, Updates 5, 6, and 7
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 4.0 for AMD64 and EM64T, Updates 5, 6, and 7
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 5.0 for Intel x86, Updates 1 and 2
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux AS 5.0 for AMD64 and EM64T, Updates 1 and 2
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 for x86, Service Packs 3 and 4
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9 for AMD64 and EM64T, Service Packs 3 and 4
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 for x86, Service Packs 1 and 2
- SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 for AMD64 and EM64T, Service Packs 1 and 2
The program's specifications and specified operating environment information may be found in documentation accompanying the program, if available, such as a README file, or other information published by IBM, such as an announcement letter. Documentation and other program content may be supplied only in the English language.
Limitations
Active Energy Manager can monitor but not manage power data on legacy systems that do not support power metering.
Performance considerations
Performance considerations are available from the IBM Systems Information Center
Planning information
For planning information, visit
Packaging
The IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager package contains one CD-ROM that includes product installation documentation and files.
Your Proof of Entitlement for this program is a copy of a paid sales receipt, purchase order, invoice, or other sales record from IBM or its authorized reseller from whom you acquired the program, provided that it states the license charge unit (the characteristics of intended use of the program; for example, number of processors, number of users) and quantity acquired.
Information about how you may obtain program services will be provided by the party (either IBM or its authorized reseller) from whom you acquired the program.
AEM will be available on December 12, 2008, for electronic download from
This program, when downloaded from a Web site, contains the applicable IBM license agreement and License Information, if appropriate, and will be presented for acceptance at the time of installation of the program. For future reference, the license and License Information will be stored in a directory such as LICENSE.TXT.
Security, auditability, and control
IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager for x86, v4.1 uses the security and auditability features of the system in which it is installed. 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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| Software Services |
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IBM Software Services has the breadth, depth, and reach to manage your services needs. You can leverage the deep technical skills of our lab-based Software Services team and the business consulting, project management, and infrastructure expertise of our IBM Global Services team. Also, we extend our IBM Software Services reach through IBM Business Partners to provide an extensive portfolio of capabilities. Together, we provide the global reach, intellectual capital, industry insight, and technology leadership to support a wide range of critical business needs.
To learn more about IBM Software Services or to contact a Software Services sales specialist, visit
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| Ordering information |
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Charge metric
Program name PID number Charge metric IBM Systems Director Active 5765-AEX Per server Energy Manager for x86, v4.1 1 Year Subscription Renewal 5771-AEX Per server 1 Year Subscription After 5772-AEX Per server License
Active Energy Manager for x86 licenses for managing medium and large IBM servers are not available from System x Sales Specialists or Business Partners. Active Energy Manager licenses for managing medium or large IBM servers are available from IBM Power Systems and/or System z Sales Specialists and Business Partners.
Server
Server is the unit of measure by which this program is licensed. A Server is a computer system that executes requested procedures, commands, or applications to one or more user or Client Devices. A Proof of Entitlement (PoE) must be obtained for each server regardless of the number of processor cores or partitions in the server on which the program runs or each server managed by the program. Where blade technology is employed, each blade is considered a separate server.
To order the programs described in this announcement, specify the type model number, order type description, and quantity of desired licenses for the appropriate one-time charge (OTC) features listed in the tables below. A "media package" is a separately priced option offered at initial acquisition of program licenses. The maximum quantity allowed for a feature associated with a media package is one per type model order no matter how many licenses are requested on that same type model order.
Active Energy Manager requires a keyfile to make the management component of the product operational after the 60-day evaluation period. This keyfile is sent on a CD-ROM after placing an order for the 5765-AEX product. Active Energy Manager monitor functions do not require the keyfile.
OTC
bill Supp
Type model number feat feat SEO
feature description num num num
5765-AEX IBM Systems Director Active
Energy Manager for x86, v4.1
Per server with 1 year subscription 0001 N/A 46C0378
Media OTC 0002 5809 46D0968
Customization options
Select the appropriate feature numbers to customize your order with delivery options desired. These features can be specified on the initial or MES orders.
Expedite shipments
Feature Description
3445 Expedite
Expedite shipments will be processed to receive 72-hour delivery from the time IBM Software Delivery and Fulfillment (SDF) receives the order.
Software Subscription
One year of Software Subscription for IBM Systems Director on x86 V6.1 and associated programs is included with the licenses of those products. A separate order for subscription registration must be placed at time of initial order of the applicable license program.
Select the appropriate program number and applicable feature number(s) based on first time acquisition (registration) of an eligible offering or subscription contract renewal.
OTC
bill Supp
Type model number feat feat SEO
feature description num num num
5771-AEX IBM Systems Director Active
Energy Manager for x86, V4.1
Per Server 1 Year Subscription Registration 1364 6242 N/A
Per Server 1 Year Subscription Renewal 1365 6242 46D0969
Media OTC 1366 5809 N/A
5772-AEX IBM Systems Director Active
Energy Manager for x86, V4.1
Per Server 1 year Subscription After License 0079 6019 46D0970
Media OTC 0080 5809 N/A
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| Terms and conditions |
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The information provided in this announcement letter is for reference and convenience purposes only. The terms and conditions that govern any transaction with IBM are contained in the applicable contract documents such as the IBM International Program License Agreement, IBM International Passport Advantage® Agreement, and IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance.
Licensing
IBM International Program License Agreement including the License Information document and Proof of Entitlement (PoE) govern your use of the program. PoEs are required for all authorized use.
Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance
Not applicable to System x
License Information form number
License Information (LI) Form Number: GC52-1262-02
The program's License Information will be available for review on the IBM Software License Agreement Web site
Limited warranty applies
Yes
Money-back guarantee
If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program and you are the original licensee, you may obtain a refund of the amount you paid for it, if within 30 days of your invoice date you return the program and its PoE to the party from whom you obtained it. If you downloaded the program, you may contact the party from whom you acquired it for instructions on how to obtain the refund.
For clarification, note that for programs acquired under any of IBM's On/Off Capacity on Demand (On/Off CoD) software offerings, this term does not apply since these offerings apply to programs already acquired and in use by you.
Authorization for use on home/portable computer
You may not copy and use this program on another computer without paying additional license fees.
Volume orders (IVO)
No
Passport Advantage applies
No
Software Subscription and Support (Software Maintenance) applies
No. For operating system software, the revised IBM Operational Support Services - SoftwareXcel offering will provide support for those operating systems and associated products that are not available with the Software Subscription and Support (Software Maintenance) offering.
This will ensure total support coverage for your enterprise needs, including IBM and selected non-IBM products. For complete lists of products supported under both the current and revised offering, visit
System i Software Maintenance applies
No
Variable charges apply
No
Educational allowance available
Yes. A 15% education allowance applies to qualified education institution customers.
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| Prices |
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For current prices, contact IBM at 888-Shop-IBM (746-7426) or visit
To order the programs described in this announcement, specify the type model number, order type description, and quantity of desired licenses for the appropriate one-time charge (OTC) features listed in the tables below. A "media package" is a separately priced option offered at initial acquisition of program licenses. The maximum quantity allowed for a feature associated with a media package is one per type model order no matter how many licenses are requested on that same type model order.
OTC
billing
Type model number feature
feature description number
5765-AEX IBM Systems Director Active
Energy Manager for x86, v4.1
Per server with 1 year Subscription 0001
Media OTC 0002
OTC
billing
Type model number feature
Feature description number
5771-AEX IBM Systems Director Active
Energy Manager for x86, v4.1
Per Server 1 year Subscription Registration 1364
Per Server 1 year Subscription Renewal 1365
Media OTC 1366
5772-AEX IBM Systems Director Active
Energy Manager for x86, v4.1
Per Server 1 year Subscription After License 0079
Media OTC 0080
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, from both 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
IBM Global Financing offerings are provided through IBM Credit LLC in the United States, and other IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to qualified commercial and government customers. Rates are based on a customer's credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment type, and options, and may vary by country. Other restrictions may apply. Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension, or withdrawal without notice.
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To order, contact the Americas Call Centers, your local IBM representative, or your IBM Business Partner.
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: callserv@ca.ibm.com
Mail: IBM Teleweb Customer Support
ibm.com® Sales Execution Center, Americas North
3500 Steeles Ave. East, Tower 3/4
Markham, Ontario
Canada
L3R 2Z1
Reference: SE001
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
IBM Systems Director Active Energy Manager and System x are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
IBM, System z, AIX, Tivoli, PartnerWorld, DPI, Passport Advantage and ibm.com are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds in the United States, other countries, or both.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries in the United States and other countries.
Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.
Terms of use
IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Additional terms of use are located at:
For the most current information regarding IBM products, consult your IBM representative or reseller, or visit the IBM worldwide contacts page
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