IBM Virtual Loaner Program: A No-Cost Remote Access Solution to IBM Servers, Operating Systems, and Middleware

Today, the independent software vendor (ISV) application-enablement process provided by IBM Systems and Technology Group typically requires one of the following scenarios to provide an ISV with access to IBM hardware: IBM provides loaner hardware systems to the ISV, The ISV leases or purchases IBM hardware, ISV personnel travels to IBM facilities, ISVs use loaners remotely for limited-time engagements. This places a high fixed cost on either IBM (for outbound loaners) or the ISV (for leased or purchased hardware, or for travel), limiting the number of ISVs and applications that support IBM platforms. The reach and coverage of the current business models can be expanded with the introduction of the Virtual Loaner Program (VLP).