Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

No, you will no longer have access to download newly released Fix Packs and software versions from IBM once your Subscription and Support (S&S) lapses. However, you may still use and deploy Fix Packs and software versions you were entitled to before S&S ended, provided you downloaded the files and stored them.

For example:

A customer had S&S for Product A, which ran until 30 Sep 2020. Version 5.1 was released on 01 Jan 2020 and Version 5.2 was released on 10 Oct 2020. The customer is entitled to install Version 5.1 of Product A as it was released while S&S was active, but the customer is not entitled to use Version 5.2 because it was released after S&S lapsed.

So long as a company has an active S&S once the Fix Pack or software version is released, it can use those files in perpetuity*. It’s for this reason that Origina customers are encouraged to download all versions of the products and related Fix Packs (where S&S is not being renewed) prior to moving to Origina or letting S&S lapse. Once these are captured and stored, they may be used as and when required.

*This applies only to customers who have purchased perpetual licenses – please see our “What is a Software License?” topic below for additional information about perpetual licenses.

Origina’s expert software entitlement team can support your technical team when downloading the entitled software versions and Fix Packs. Customers have access to an in-depth guide to manually capturing software entitlements, which will walk readers through how to find and safely store these files.

Origina’s first port of call for protecting against IBM software vulnerabilities that a customer is affected by is to review whether an existing entitled Fix Pack exists. Similarly, Origina looks to Fix Packs and software versions when a new feature or quality of life change is requested. Of course, Origina has alternative ways to provide both security and feature enhancements that do not rely on IBM® Fix Packs or software versions.

To learn more about the process of manually capturing entitlements, reach out to your account manager or get in contact with us.

To learn more about Origina’s approach to IBM software security and the role Fix Packs play, click here.

To learn more about Origina’s software maintenance, click here.

Switching IBM software support from IBM to Origina is safe and legal. Origina has years of experience and the backing of a panel of expert legal advisors to help companies make the switch.

Most software under the IBM® Passport Advantage is perpetually licensed. Perpetually licensed software is not time-limited. This means that the end-user can continue to use the software, even if there isn’t an active Subscription and Support (S&S) contract in place.

Our panel of legal experts, which includes top intellectual property barristers from across Europe, can assist companies in understanding their contract and the legal complexities behind switching.

For an exact answer on whether your company can switch its software support to Origina, contact us for a Feasibility Assessment. Our Feasibility Assessment will evaluate which software is eligible for third-party software support as well as provide an estimate of the annual savings that could be realized by switching to Origina.

Discover the value in switching to third-party software support, work with us

• Indefinite use of the specific version or release of the software initially licensed.
• Access to Software Subscription and Support for 12 months.
• The right to upgrade to the most recent version, release or update if one is made available, as well as receive support for it while active S&S is in place.