Software Maintenance Agreement (SWMA)
What is a Software Maintenance Agreement (SWMA)?
A SWMA is an agreement between you and IBM to provide ongoing support to your IBM licensed software, including your operating system (OS/400), WebSphere Development Studio (RPG, COBOL, JAVA, etc.), iSeries Access (formerly known as Client Access), and Query/400.
A SWMA combines 1) Software Subscriptions, which provides you version upgrades and PTF enhancements, with 2) SupportLine, which gives you direct access IBM Rochester phone support.
Why would I need a SWMA?
First, to keep your IBM-licensed software current. Second, to have prompt access to IBM experts who can quickly help you with IBM software issues.
Why should I want to keep my IBM software current?
First, most application software providers only support their software on current versions of IBM licensed software. As they make enhancements to their software, you may not be able to use these updates if your IBM software is not current. In many cases, your application software provider may not be able to fix software bugs if you do not keep your IBM software current.
Second, even if you have been running the same legacy software for years on an older version of your IBM software, it is advisable to keep your operating system current. Most likely, you have added newer devices to your system every year (generally PCs with newer version of Microsoft Windows or laser printers). The IBM updates keep up with these new enhancements and provide up-to-date drivers to make it easier to integrate newer technology to your IBM iSeries (AS/400).
Third, if you are on a version of IBM-licensed software that is no longer supported and you have a problem related to your IBM system—either hardware or licensed software—IBM cannot help you until you get to a supported version of IBM-licensed software. From a practical standpoint, this can take days to several weeks—more downtime than most companies can tolerate. Even with a third-party expert, they can only help on a best-effort basis. in many cases, this level of support is not for the faint of heart.
Lastly, and here’s a “GOTCHA” to pay attention to, if your SWMA expires and you need to renew it, IBM will also charge you a Maintenance After License (MAL) fee. This can be pricey. it is equivalent to an extra 18 months of SWMA. This may be another strong incentive to keep your SWMA current.
Does an SWMA offer any other advantages besides keeping my software current?
Yes. Direct access to IBM Rochester is a wonderful support option. For example, if you want to change from an older version to a newer version, you can call IBM Rochester to coach you, via phone support, throughout the entire process. With this phone support you can do the upgrade yourself and save thousands of dollars in professional services rather than hiring a computer professional to do it for you. Also, IBM Rochester can help you determine if the problem you are having is related to IBM software and, if it is hardware related, recommend the correct PTF; otherwise they might tell you that you need to get help from your application software supplier.