Glossary
Perpetual License
A software license purchased once (as an OTC) that does not expire, paired with optional annual SWMA for support and upgrades.
IBM has phased out new perpetual licensing at the P05 and P10 tiers as of May 2024, moving those tiers to subscription-only. Existing perpetual licenses at any tier remain valid and can still be supported under SWMA.
Related Terms
OTC
One-Time Charge, the upfront purchase price of a perpetual software license before any annual SWMA is added.
SWMA
Software Maintenance, IBM's annual support and upgrade-entitlement fee for perpetually licensed IBM i software.
Subscription License
A recurring annual IBM i software license fee, now the only option for new P05/P10 purchases and the structure behind the P20/P30 bundle tiers.