What is Proof of Entitlement (PoE) Anyway?
The answer to this question can be worth thousands of dollars. Really.
What is Proof of Entitlement – or PoE?
Starting around 1998 the PoE was an IBM generated certificate that shipped with your server confirming you as the rightful user of transferable IBM licensed software. The certificate and related documents came in an easily-identifiable 9 x 13 envelope with pink borders.
On June 11, 2004, IBM introduced Electronic Proof of Entitlement (ePoE). Now, the IBM install records document the transferable IBM software you have paid to use. This means that IBM stopped shipping the PoE certificate.
What is a transferable IBM software license? Generally, this is your server’s operating system software and related software. For example, if you have an AS400, iSeries or Power i, this software commonly includes OS/400, Query, DB2 SQL, WebSphere Development Studio (ILE RPG, etc.), iSeries Access, and the like. For the RS6000, pSeries or Power p, this is AIX and related software.
What documents comprised a complete PoE? The complete list of documents included:
- Proof of Entitlement (PoE);
- License Information Documentation in hardcopy form;
- Key Sheet (if a keyed product, the key sheet shipped with the software order). Remember, physical possession of the PoE and original key sheet represents license entitlement;
- One copy of the IPLA in hardcopy form; and
- Bill of Sale. It is strongly recommended that a detailed bill of sale should be provided by your seller, generally IBM or your IBM Business Partner. This detail should include the product identification number, e.g. 5722-QU1, the product or feature name, and the quantity or entitlement, e.g. P20 or 50 users. Any prices should be rendered unreadable. WARNING: If you got your software from another seller, such as an unauthorized IBM reseller, you may have major difficulty proving you are the rightful users of authorized IBM licensed software.
How does my IBM licensed software get transferred to a new server in my enterprise?
In the event that you purchase 1) a new IBM server and you want to transfer your current IBM software, 2) a system that included some transferable Licensed Program Products (LPPs), or 3) you newly license IBM software, you or your IBM Business Partner must be notify IBM to reassign this software to a new specific machine serial number in your enterprise.
When you order NEW IBM servers or IBM software from your IBM Business Partner, this step goes so smoothly it is generally transparent.
When you buy a USED or an Off-Lease IBM server, on the other hand, this process is much trickier and subject to long delays. Expect this software transfer process to take 30-60+ days.
If you take the used server route, you are best off working with an IBM Business Partner skilled in the PoE process instead of an unauthorized IBM computer reseller. Even with an expert, this can be very frustrating when waiting to get permanent software keys. Without skilled help we have heard of cases that take 6+ months to straighten out IBM install records and gain access to permanent IBM software keys.
Please remember that this record maintenance for a used server will only be done after the machine lands at an end user’s location in order to prevent multiple transactions for the same LPPs.
Why might you get asked to provide your PoE?
When you order a version upgrade or transfer your software to a new server with a different serial number, IBM or your IBM Business Partner may request copies of your PoE to facilitate this transfer if your software is NOT recorded with ePoE.
In most cases, IBM ePoE records will confirm your enterprise is entitled to use the licensed IBM software in operation.
However, be aware that not all licensed IBM software has been properly updated in the IBM install records. Most commonly, between 1998 to 2004, we have seen cases where IBM customer install records do NOT include such programs as IBM DB2 SQL, Query, iSeries Access, IBM Fax software, and the like. In some rare cases, we have seen a complete suite of IBM licensed programs that were NOT documented for an enterprise.
What does it mean if your IBM software is NOT in ePoE?
Unless you have your PoE expect IBM to bill you for the IBM software. From IBM’s point of view, no PoE means you have an “unauthorized” version of their software.
Remember, the PoE is your proof that you are the rightful user of transferable IBM licensed software. If your PoE is unavailable when requested, you may be required to again pay the current IBM licensing fee for the software you need. This can commonly range from $3,000 to $20,000 for most iSeries and Power i server users.
What do you do if you misplace or lose your PoE?
When asked for PoE and you cannot find it, IBM will accept several alternatives.
First, the IBM Business Partner that sold you the software may be able to provide you the proof that you licensed your IBM software. The IBM Business Partner may have records that confirm your licensed software.
Practically speaking, if you bought your system between 1998 and 2004, your PoE is lost or misplaced, and your IBM Business Partner is non-responsive (out of business, acquired, does not return your phone calls, no longer has these records, or whatever), you can provide an invoice that you paid or a bill of sale that included the IBM software you use.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
In the event that you purchased a system that included some transferable Licensed Program Products (LPPs), you or your IBM Business Partner must be notify IBM to move this software to a new specific machine serial number in your enterprise.
– The AIX License Information defines the bill of sale or invoice as the Program’s PoE, there is no separate PoE document.
– If you were not originally provided with a hardcopy of the International Program License Agreement (IPLA), License Information Documentation or other required document, please go to the following URL, print out the appropriate documents for your LPP, and provide them to the transferee together with other required documentation described in this section.
http://www-03.ibm.com/software/sla/sladb.nsf/
– A key sheet only applies to the iSeries.
– Prior to V5R3, AIX was freely movable within the enterprise and was freely transferable to a third party.
– For iSeries, all Version/Releases of the Base OS for iSeries must remain and be transferred with the machine serial number. Prior to V5R3, iSeries optional system software products covered under the iSeries Software Maintenance or Subscription Offering were freely transferable to a third party outside the customers Enterprise. Starting with V5R3, optional iSeries system software products cannot be transferred to a third party outside the customer’s Enterprise.
– Starting with V5R3, AIX is freely movable within the enterprise, but cannot be transferred to a third party.
According to the Asset Loss and Protection team in Rochester, the original PoE is required. This assumes that IBM shipped one to the customer originally. In fact, some customers never received a V4 PoE. In those cases, IBM accepts invoicing and IBM sales records. However, all V5 orders (new and upgrades) were shipped original paper PoEs, until ePoE was implemented 6/11/04.