Computer Associates introduces Millennium Licensing for enterprise OS/390 software

Responding to changing client needs, Computer Associates International, Inc. (CA) has introduced the Millennium License, a revolutionary approach to licensing that can offer additional flexibility and ease of administration in managing software licenses` higher-end enterprise environments.

The Millennium License for CA products running on IBM`s OS/390 operating system is a perpetual software license that enables CA clients to establish special Millennium rights and annual maintenance, including upgrades and 24x7 technical support.

"Software licensing plays an important role in an organization`s ability to meet its primary business challenges," said Wade Gomes, CA Africa`s national sales manager. "CA`s Millennium License gives our clients unprecedented power to leverage their software investments and increase the efficiencies of these software license arrangements."

Major benefits of the Millennium License include:

• Maintenance Cap - fixed at 600 MIPS, the ceiling for determining maintenance fees.

• Configuration Flexibility - provides freedom to transfer coverage between defined sites should IT resources be reorganised.

• Reduced Maintenance Fees - provides maintenance services including upgrades, 24x7 technical support and bug fixes at about one-third of the standard CA annual MIPS maintenance rate.

The Millennium License also offers an optional grace period. This insulates clients from having to acquire new licenses in the wake of radical change, such as a company acquisition or divestiture.

In addition to the Millennium License, which is initially available in North America, CA`s newly announced offerings for the IBM S/390 Multiprise 3000 Server, as well as its full array of payment options and traditional licensing plans, will remain available to all clients.

"This licensing policy shows that CA has been listening to its customers," said Paul Mason, vice president of infrastructure software research at International Data Corp (IDC). "IDC expects widespread enthusiasm for the provisions of the Millennium License because it provides a much-needed level of flexibility and convenience while creating a real return on investment for enterprise users."

The Millennium License also includes EZ Support, CA`s Web-based self-help support system, which leverages knowledge-based reasoning technologies to enable clients to quickly diagnose and resolve problems.

"The Millennium License establishes a method of licensing that responds to the special needs of specific large enterprise clients," said Gomes. "What we`re offering is a broader range of options so that IT decision-makers can enter into agreements that make the most sense for their particular budget, growth and administrative objectives."