White papers, written from the buyer side.

Renewal outcomes are commonly decided long before the quote arrives. This paper maps the runway we build on engagements: when to baseline the estate, when to open alternative evaluation, when the credible walk away has to exist, and why teams that start under 12 months out typically concede the most. It draws on the patterns behind our 500+ engagements and the 20 to 35% reductions that disciplined timing typically produces.

Companion reading: the 18 month renewal runway explained and benchmarking your mainframe software spend.

Sub-capacity pricing only protects buyers whose SCRT reporting survives scrutiny. This paper covers how IBM sub-capacity findings typically arise, the reporting gaps auditors test first, and the independent reconciliation steps that turn a contested finding into a defensible position. It pairs with our SCRT explainer and the sub-capacity dispute guide.

Since the CA acquisition, Broadcom (CA) renewals commonly arrive with substantial uplifts and portfolio consolidation pressure. This paper documents the recurring quote structures, the MIPS to MSU transition questions, and the consumption baseline mechanics under Mainframe Consumption Licensing, along with the counterpositions buyers typically use. Start with the Broadcom (CA) publisher guide and the MCL explainer.

Most consumption priced mainframe software bills against peaks, not averages. This paper works through the levers that move the number: soft capping and defined capacity, batch window placement against the rolling four hour average, zIIP offload, and the contractual baselines that decide what a peak costs. See also MSU consumption optimization and soft capping explained.