What Does AIX Cost Compared With IBM i?
IBM does not publish one universal AIX list price. A useful comparison starts with the AIX processor or subscription quote, then adds support, platform management, middleware and application licenses before comparing that total with IBM i.
There is no single public AIX price that works across Power servers. IBM offers CPU-based and subscription licensing, then directs buyers to an IBM seller for pricing. The useful answer is the quote formula: AIX operating system rights plus Software Maintenance, platform management, middleware, application software and the services needed to run it.
IBM i uses a different model. It prices the operating system by software tier and processor entitlement, with user entitlements added at P05 and P10. Its integrated stack changes what has to be added after the operating system price.
AIX and IBM i price different things
AIX versus IBM i licensing comparison
| Cost question | AIX | IBM i |
|---|---|---|
| Primary license model | CPU-based entitlement or subscription | Software tier subscription by core, plus users at P05 and P10 |
| Public universal list price | No. IBM directs pricing questions to a seller | No single total, but IBM publishes selected tier and conversion figures |
| Support | SWMA for CPU-based licenses; included during a subscription term | SWMA included with subscription; separately maintained for non-expiring licenses |
| Database and runtime | Price the database and middleware required by the workload | Db2, middleware, security, runtime and hypervisor are integrated into IBM i |
| Logical partitions | Multiple AIX LPARs can run on one server with PowerVM and management support requirements | Each IBM i partition needs the IBM i entitlements assigned to it |
| User licensing | IBM states no limit on CPUs or concurrent users once properly entitled | P05 and P10 use core and user entitlements; P20 and P30 are core-based |
| Cloud option | AIX is available through Power Virtual Server with the OS included in workspace cost | IBM i is also available through Power Virtual Server with tier rules and movable-license options |
Licensing rules are not quote totals. Server model, edition, processors, term and workload software still have to be priced for the exact environment.
Build the AIX total before comparing it with IBM i
The seven-line software worksheet
| Line | AIX quote | IBM i quote |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Operating system | Edition and CPU entitlement or subscription | Software tier, entitled cores and subscription term |
| 2. Users | No separate AIX concurrent-user limit stated by IBM | User bundles or unlimited users at P05 and P10 |
| 3. Support | AIX SWMA and any enhanced support | Included subscription support or active SWMA |
| 4. Virtualization management | PowerVM, HMC or PowerVC support where required | IBM i hypervisor capability is integrated, but management services still have a cost |
| 5. Database and middleware | Db2, WebSphere and other required products priced separately | Confirm which IBM i and Licensed Program Product entitlements are included |
| 6. Availability and backup | Second-system rights, replication and backup software | CBU or backup rights, PowerHA or third-party replication and backup |
| 7. Application software | ERP, database tools and workload-specific licenses | ERP, IBM i tools and workload-specific licenses |
The comparison is complete only when both columns cover the same workload, recovery target, support level and term.
A low AIX operating system quote can still produce the higher full-stack total when the workload needs separate database and middleware licenses. An IBM i quote can look higher at the operating system line because more of that stack is already included. Compare the finished columns, not the first line.
When AIX or IBM i can be the better software-cost choice
AIX can fit a Unix-standard workload
AIX can be the cleaner choice when the application already uses Unix tools and its database, middleware and support costs are known.
IBM i can simplify an integrated workload
IBM i can carry the better total when Db2, runtime, security and management features replace several separately licensed products.
Mixed Power servers need partition math
AIX and IBM i can share one Power server. The quote still needs to show the processors and entitlements assigned to each LPAR.
Cloud pricing changes the acquisition model
Power Virtual Server includes the operating system in workspace cost. That replaces a capital purchase with usage pricing but does not remove application and support costs.
Continue the IBM Power software comparison
IBM i tier economics
See the IBM i core, user and software-tier figures used on the other side of the comparison.
Review IBM i tier costsFull-stack software TCO
Carry the operating system comparison into database, middleware, support and operations.
Build the full-stack totalIBM i HA/DR costs
Add the second environment and the recovery software to both sides of the decision.
Compare recovery costsCompetitive software TCO
Compare IBM i with packaged ERP and cloud alternatives after the Power decision is clear.
Compare software stacksSources: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/aix-licensing-information, https://redbooks.ibm.com/docs/MD260032/MD260032-06.html, https://www.ibm.com/products/ibm-i, https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/power10/0000-REF?topic=POWER10_REF%2Fp10hat%2Fp10hat_os400license.html, https://cloud.ibm.com/docs/power-iaas?topic=power-iaas-powervs-faqs