Minimum one whole processor core
Catalog row in Vendor License Rules · Cited
- Kind
- Floor / minimum
- Statement
- IBM Sub-Capacity FAQs Overview (retrieved 2026-08-31): “IBM licenses on the basis of whole processor cores, based on the lower of the physical or the virtual cores. The minimum requirement for software licensing is the appropriate number of license entitlements for one processor core.” Also: “The minimum requirement for software licensing is the appropriate number of license entitlements for one whole processor core.” Fractional PowerVM partitions: “we aggregate fractional processor cores, apply shared pool capping rules, and round up at the server level to the next whole processor core.” Not an invented floor.
- Applies when
- Licensing IBM core-based software (including fractional PowerVM partitions). Round-up is at server level after aggregation and shared-pool capping.
- Applies to
- Passport Advantage Eligible Sub-Capacity Products licensed by PVU (FAQ whole-core minimum). Container pod fractions / cluster round-up is a separate container row.
- Aliases
- one processor core minimum; whole core floor; PowerVM round up
- Related metrics
- Related programs