We currently use HashiCorp Vault Enterprise under a three-year contract, and as we're nearing the end of this term, IBM wants us to run an auditing script to report our actual client count. I'm worried about what might happen if our actual usage is higher than what we contracted for. Does IBM typically charge retroactively for any overage, or do they adjust fees for future years? Have any of you faced similar requests? I'd appreciate any insights on their policies regarding license overage.
3 Answers
Honestly, your best bet is to ask your IBM representative directly. If running the audit script is part of your contract, then go ahead and do it. If it's not required, you might want to skip it and negotiate your renewal based on your current usage. It's perfectly fine to request the next client tier if you need it, and remember, this is all part of business dealings—good luck!
Just so you know, you'll likely have to align your usage with what you initially purchased. IBM isn't known for being lenient with licensing, so be prepared to adjust accordingly. They may negotiate, but their terms largely depend on your commitment to their products.
From my experience at IBM, I've never seen them backcharge for licensing, but they do expect you to adjust to your actual usage. It’s best to be proactive about these things, so I suggest starting a conversation with your rep about your monthly or quarterly review to discuss your use and future plans.
Totally agree! Setting up regular check-ins is a smart move. It'll make those expansion discussions smoother;}