IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS 3.1 adds IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition and IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition to help infuse AI throughout transactions, operations, and applications for improved efficiency and better business outcomes

IBM Asia Pacific Software Announcement AP23-0114
May 9, 2023

Table of contents

	Overview		Technical information
	Key requirements		Ordering information
	Planned availability date		Terms and conditions
	Program number		Prices
	Publications		Regional availability

Overview

IBM Watson® Machine Learning for z/OS® 3.1 is a full-featured machine learning platform that helps organizations operationalize machine learning models. It gives you the flexibility to train your models on any framework and any platform, then readily deploy those models on IBM® zSystems™ to gain the unique advantage of inferencing in-transaction, in near real-time, without impacting SLAs. By scoring every transaction as it is taking place, more opportunities can be uncovered and quickly acted on to help increase revenue, decrease cost, and mitigate risk in real time.

As an enterprise-grade machine learning solution on IBM zSystems, Watson Machine Learning for z/OS provides the following capabilities:

Secure IBM zSystems platform for running machine learning with data in place
Enterprise grade performance and high availability
Flexible choice of machine learning languages
Full lifecycle management of models
User-centric UIs for model development and management, user management, and system administration
Developer-friendly APIs for applications on IBM zSystems

For greater flexibility, Watson Machine Learning for z/OS now includes two editions.

IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition 3.1 delivers the following usability enhancements:

Leverage embedded Apache Spark Platform for IBM z/OS 3.2 and required Python packages delivered through the Python AI Toolkit for IBM z/OS provided from a secure channel that hardens the open-source environment against attack for organizations with z/OS
Improved scoring performance leveraging the IBM Telum™ Processor and accelerated inferencing enhancements to increase revenue and real-time insights
New version of Spark and Python machine learning runtimes
Support for the new version of Spark, PMML, Python, and ONNX models in scoring service
Can natively leverage new machine learning library for time series models
Enhanced integration with native ONNX scoring engine on z/OS to seamlessly exploit Telum on-chip AI Accelerator
In-transaction scoring support for CICS®, IMS, and Batch COBOL applications
Supports more model types for model monitoring with IBM Watson OpenScale
Trusted AI capabilities delivered through integration with IBM Watson Openscale (explainability, fairness and bias, robustness, and drift)
Contains built-in Jupyter Notebook server for model training
Includes GUI-guided configuration tool
Provides security enhancements through Application Transparent Transport Layer Security (AT-TLS) support

IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition 3.1 is a lightweight set of REST-API based core AI services that includes online scoring, making it easy for applications running on z/OS to leverage Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition as their AI engine as part of their solution. Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition helps deliver key AI products for increased decision velocity and operational excellence.

Some of the key features of Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition include the following:

APIs for user management, model management, and deployment services
Can natively leverage newer machine learning libraries for time series models
SparkML runtime
Spark and PMML scoring services

Depecration of OCP-based IDE

Watson Machine Learning for z/OS deprecates and discontinues shipping the OCP-based IDE. This feature is replaced with an alternative and lightweight training feature that leverages the IBM zSystems training runtime and is available in Watson Machine Learning for z/OS 2.4.

Deprecation of solution template

Watson Machine Learning for z/OS deprecates and discontinues shipping the ITOA (Db2® Anomaly Detection) solution template with version 3.1. Organizations can look at alternate IBM solutions such as IBM Z® Anomaly Analytics with Watson and IBM Db2 AI for z/OS.

Key requirements

For details, see the Hardware requirements and the Software requirements sections.

Planned availability date

June 16, 2023

Availability within a country is subject to local legal requirements.

Accessibility by people with disabilities

Accessibility Compliance Reports (previously known as a VPAT) containing details on accessibility compliance to standards, including the Worldwide Consortium Web Content Accessibility Guidelines, European Standard EN 301 349, and US Section 508, can be found on the Product Accessibility Reports web page.

Program number

Program number	VRM	Program name
5698-WME	3.1.0	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition
5698-MLS	1.1.0	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition S&S
5698-WMC	3.1.0	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition
5698-WMS	1.1.0	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition S&S

Program number	Subscription and Support Program number
5698-WMC	5698-WMS
5698-WME	5698-MLS

Offering Information

Product information is available on the IBM Offering Information website.

Publications

None

Services

IBM Consulting™

IBM Consulting is the catalyst for business transformation. With deep industry expertise spanning strategy, experience design, technology, and operations, IBM Consulting has become the trusted partner to over 3,000 of the worlds' most innovative and valuable companies. Our 150,000 consultants embrace an open way of working, bringing a diverse set of voices, experiences, and technologies, such as Hybrid Cloud and AI together to accelerate business transformation. Supported by IBM Garage™, IBM's proven co-creation method, IBM Consulting can bring speed and scale to innovation with an enduring ecosystem of technology leaders to deliver solutions for some of the world's most complex challenges. IBM Consulting collaborates closely, evaluates freely, and applies breakthrough innovations that drive sustainable change and re-invent how business gets done. To find out more, see the Let's create new ways for business to do business website

IBM Technology Lifecycle Services (TLS)

IBM TLS helps organizations protect their IT investment with support and services for their hybrid cloud and enterprise IT data centers across the product lifecycle. Deep expertise in IBM Systems, enterprise networking and third-party vendors, streamlined processes and advanced technologies such as AI, enable organizations to consistently maintain high availability for mission-critical workloads across the product lifecycle. Consultants have deep technical expertise, valuable tools, and successful methodologies which help organizations to solve business challenges, gain new skills, and apply best practices. For more information about the IBM infrastructure support and services, see the IBM Technology Lifecycle Services web page.

IBM Technology Expert Labs

Technology Expert Labs can help clients accelerate their projects and optimize value by leveraging their deep technical skills and knowledge. With more than 20 years of industry experience, these specialists know how to overcome the biggest challenges to deliver business results that can have an immediate impact.

Technology Expert Labs' deep alignment with IBM product development allows for a strategic advantage as they are often the first in line to get access to new products, features, and early visibility into roadmaps. This connection with the development enables them to deliver First of a Kind implementations to address unique needs or expand a client's business with a flexible approach that works best for their organization.

For additional information, see the IBM Expert Labs website.

IBM Security® Expert Labs

With extensive consultative expertise on IBM Security software solutions, Security Expert Labs helps clients and partners modernize the security of their applications, data, and workforce. With an extensive portfolio of consulting and learning services, Security Expert Labs provides project-based and premier support service subscriptions.

These services can help clients deploy and integrate IBM Security software, extend their team resources, and help guide and accelerate successful hybrid cloud solutions, including critical strategies such as zero trust. Remote and on-premises software deployment assistance is available for IBM Cloud Pak® for Security, IBM Security QRadar®/QRoC, IBM Security QRadar SOAR, IBM Security Verify, IBM Security Guardium®, and IBM Security MaaS360®.

For more information, contact Security Expert Labs at sel@us.ibm.com.

For additional information, see the IBM Security Expert Labs website.

Technical information

Specified operating environment

Hardware requirements

The system capacity required is 4 or more zIIP processors, 1 general-purpose processor, and 100 GB or more of memory with 100 GB storage to the LPAR in which Watson Machine Learning for z/OS 2.4 components operate.

IBM z16™, IBM z15®, or higher

Software requirements

z/OS 2.4 (5650-ZOS), or later

IBM Support

IBM Support is your gateway to technical support tools and resources that are designed to help you save time and simplify support. IBM Support can help you find answers to questions, download fixes, troubleshoot, submit and track problem cases, and build skills.

Additional IBM support

IBM Client Engineering for Systems

Client Engineering for Systems is a framework for accelerating digital transformation. It helps you generate innovative ideas and equips you with the practices, technologies, and expertise to turn those ideas into business value in weeks. When you work with Client Engineering for Systems, you bring pain points into focus. You empower your team to take manageable risks, adopt leading technologies, speed up solution development, and measure the value of everything you do. Client Engineering for Systems has experts and services to address a broad array of use cases, including capabilities for business transformation, hybrid cloud, analytics and AI, infrastructure systems, security, and more. Contact Client Engineering for Systems at sysgarage@ibm.com.

Planning information

Packaging

This offering is delivered through the internet as an electronic download. There is no physical media.

Ordering information

Consult your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner.

Charge metric

Charge metric information can be found in the corresponding License Information document.

Program number	License Information document title	License Information document number
5698-WME	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition	L-FTJE-BRGT7U
5698-WMC	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition	L-QJQY-VKY579

Select your language of choice and scroll down to the Charge Metrics section. Follow-on releases, if any, may have updated terms. See the License Information documents website for more information.

Basic license

To order, specify the program number and the appropriate license or charge option.

Program name and number: IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition (5698-WME)

Entitlement Identifier	LF Description	License Option Description
S018PDL	WMLz Enterprise Edition	MultiVersion Measurement No Charge Per Install Qty 1
S018PDL	WMLz Enterprise Edition	Use-Based License One-Time Charge Per Install Qty 1

Orderable Supply ID	Language
S018PDM	English US

Program name and number: IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition (5698-WMC)

Entitlement Identifier	LF Description	License Option Description
S018PD2	WMLz Core Edition	MultiVersion Measurement No Charge Per Install Qty 1
S018PD2	WMLz Core Edition	Use-Based License One-Time Charge Per Install Qty 1

Orderable Supply ID	Language
S018PD3	English US

IBM recommends internet delivery. However, if you still require physical media, you can choose DVD.

Program name and number: IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition S&S (5698-MLS)

Entitlement Identifier	LF Description	License Option Description
S0183FW
	WMLz Enterprise Edition S&S	Decline Subscribe and Suppt. No Charge Base with Qty 0
	WMLz Enterprise Edition S&S	MultiVersion Measurement S&S No Charge Per Install Qty 1
	WMLz Enterprise Edition S&S	SW Subscription and Support Annual Support Charge Per Inst Qty 1
	WMLz Enterprise Edition S&S	SW Subscription and Support Monthly Support Charge Per Ins Qty 1

Orderable Supply ID	Language
S0183FX	English US

Program name and number: IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition S&S (5698-WMS)

Entitlement Identifier	LF Description	License Option Description
S018PD0	WMLz Core Edition S&S	Decline Subscribe and Suppt. No Charge Base with Qty 0
	WMLz Core Edition S&S	MultiVersion Measurement S&S No Charge Per Install Qty 1
	WMLz Core Edition S&S	SW Subscription and Support Annual Support Charge Per Inst Qty 1
	WMLz Core Edition S&S	SW Subscription and Support Monthly Support Charge Per Ins Qty 1

Orderable Supply ID	Language
S018PDJ	English US

IBM recommends internet delivery. However, if you still require physical media, you can choose DVD.

Customized offerings

Program deliverables are shipped only through a CBPDO and ServerPac.

These customized offerings are offered for internet delivery. For more details on Internet delivery, see the User's guide Internet delivery web page.

IBM recommends internet delivery. However, if you still require physical media, you can choose DVD.

Many programs can be ordered in the ServerPac the month following their availability in the CBPDO. z/OS can be ordered through the CBPDO and ServerPac on the planned availability date. Many programs will also be orderable in a ServerPac without also having to order the z/OS operating system or subsystem. z/OS can be ordered through the CBPDO and ServerPac on the planned availability date.

Shopz and CFSW will determine the eligibility based on product requisite checking. For more details on the CBPDO, ServerPac, and SDO, see the User's guide Product orders web page.

Production of software product orders will begin on the planned availability date.

CBPDO shipments will begin within 3 business days after the planned availability date.
ServerPac availability and shipments will begin within 3 - 4 weeks after the planned program availability date due to additional customization and data input verification.

Terms and conditions

The information provided in this announcement letter is for reference and convenience purposes only. The terms and conditions that govern any transaction with IBM are contained in the applicable contract documents such as the IBM International Program License Agreement, IBM International Passport Advantage® Agreement, and the IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance.

Licensing

IBM International Program License Agreement including the License Information document and Proof of Entitlement (PoE) govern your use of the program. PoEs are required for all authorized use.

Software Maintenance

The following agreement applies for Software Subscription and Support (Software Maintenance) and does not require client signatures:

IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance (Z125-6011)

These programs are licensed under the IBM International Program License Agreement (IPLA) and the associated Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance, which provide for support with ongoing access to releases and versions of the program. These programs have a one-time license charge for use of the program and an annual renewable charge for the enhanced support that includes telephone assistance (voice support for defects during normal business hours), as well as access to updates, releases, and versions of the program as long as support is in effect.

License Information number

Program number	License Information document title	License Information document number
5698-WME	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Enterprise Edition	L-FTJE-BRGT7U
5698-WMC	IBM Watson Machine Learning for z/OS Core Edition	L-QJQY-VKY579

Follow-on releases, if any, may have updated terms. See the License Information documents website for more information.

Limited warranty applies

Yes

Limited warranty

IBM warrants that when the program is used in the specified operating environment, it will conform to its specifications. The warranty applies only to the unmodified portion of the program. IBM does not warrant uninterrupted or error-free operation of the program or that IBM will correct all program defects. You are responsible for the results obtained from the use of the program.

IBM provides you with access to IBM databases containing information on known program defects, defect corrections, restrictions, and bypasses at no additional charge. For further information, see the IBM Support Guide.

IBM will maintain this information for at least one year after the original licensee acquires the program (warranty period).

Program technical support

Continuous delivery (CD) support

Technical support of a program product version or release will be available for a minimum of two years from the planned availability date, as long as your Subscription and Support is in effect.

This technical support allows you to obtain assistance (by telephone or electronic means) from IBM for product-specific, task-oriented questions regarding the installation and operation of the program product. Software Subscription and Support also provides you with access to versions, releases, and updates (CD releases, Long Term Support Releases or fixes) of the program.

You will be notified, through an announcement letter, of discontinuance of support with 12 months' notice.

If you require additional technical support from IBM, including an extension of support beyond the discontinuance date, contact your IBM representative or IBM Business Partner. This extension may be available for a fee.

For additional information on the CD support lifecycle policy, see the IBM Continuous Delivery Support Lifecycle Policy web page.

For additional information on the IBM Software Support Lifecycle Policies, see the Standard and enhanced IBM support lifecycle policies website.

Money-back guarantee

If for any reason you are dissatisfied with the program and you are the original licensee, you may obtain a refund of the amount you paid for it, if within 30 days of your invoice date you return the program and its PoE to the party from whom you obtained it. If you downloaded the program, you may contact the party from whom you acquired it for instructions on how to obtain the refund.

For clarification, note that for programs acquired under any of IBM's On/Off Capacity on Demand (On/Off CoD) software offerings, this term does not apply since these offerings apply to programs already acquired and in use by you.

Volume orders (IVO)

Passport Advantage applies

Software Subscription and Support applies

Yes. During the Software Subscription and Support period, for the unmodified portion of a program, and to the extent problems can be recreated in the specified operating environment, IBM will provide the following:

Defect correction information, a restriction, or a bypass.
Program updates: Periodic releases of collections of code corrections, fixes, functional enhancements and new versions and releases to the program and documentation.
Technical assistance: A reasonable amount of remote assistance by telephone or electronically to address suspected program defects. Technical assistance is available from the IBM support center in the organization's geography.

Additional details regarding Technical Assistance, which includes IBM contact information, are provided in the IBM Support Guide.

Software Subscription and Support does not include assistance for:

The design and development of applications.
Your use of programs in other than their specified operating environment.
Failures caused by products for which IBM is not responsible under the IBM Agreement for Acquisition of Software Maintenance.

Software Subscription and Support is provided only if the program is within its support timeframe as specified in the Software Support Lifecycle policy for the program.

Variable charges apply

Educational allowance available

15% to qualified educational institution clients.

Multi-Version Measurement

Multi-Version Measurement (MVM) replaces the previously announced Migration Grace Period time limit of six months and allows unlimited time for clients to run more than one eligible version of a software program. Clients may run multiple versions of a program simultaneously for an unlimited duration during a program version upgrade. Clients may also choose to run multiple versions of a program simultaneously for an unlimited duration in a production environment. MVM does not extend support dates for programs withdrawn from service.

For a list of eligible programs, see the IT Infrastructure web page.

Statement of good security practices

IT system security involves protecting systems and information through intrusion prevention, detection, and response to improper access from within and outside your enterprise. Improper access can result in information being altered, destroyed, or misappropriated or can result in misuse of your systems to attack others. Without a comprehensive approach to security, no IT system or product should be considered completely secure and no single product or security measure can be completely effective in preventing improper access. IBM systems and products are designed to be part of a regulatory compliant, comprehensive security approach, which will necessarily involve additional operational procedures, and may require other systems, products, or services to be most effective.

Important: IBM does not warrant that any systems, products, or services are immune from, or will make your enterprise immune from, the malicious or illegal conduct of any party.

Prices

For all local charges, contact your IBM representative.

IBM Financing

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To learn how to fuel your hybrid cloud and AI journey with a robust financial strategy, visit IBM Financing for more information.

IBM Financing offerings are provided through IBM subsidiaries and divisions worldwide to qualified commercial and government clients. IBM Financing lease and financing offerings are provided in the United States through IBM Credit LLC. Rates and availability are based on a client's credit rating, financing terms, offering type, equipment, and product type and options, and may vary by country. This offering does not guarantee that credit will be provided. Non-IBM content, which is part of an overall IBM client solution may also be eligible for financing through IBM Financing. Non-hardware items are financed by means of loans. Other restrictions may apply. Rates and offerings are subject to change, extension, or withdrawal without notice and may not be available in all countries. IBM and IBM Financing do not, nor intend to, offer or provide accounting, tax, or legal advice to clients. Clients should consult with their own financial, tax, and legal advisors. Any tax or accounting treatment decisions made by or on behalf of the client are the sole responsibility of the client. For IBM Credit LLC in California, loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license.

Regional availability

Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, People's Republic of China, Christmas Island, Cocos (Keeling) Islands, Cook Islands, Fiji, Heard Island and McDonald Islands, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kiribati, Republic of Korea, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, New Zealand, Niue, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Socialist Republic of Viet Nam

Trademarks

zSystems, IBM Telum, IBM Consulting, IBM Garage and IBM z16 are trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

IBM Watson, z/OS, IBM, CICS, Db2, IBM Z, Passport Advantage, IBM Security, IBM Cloud Pak, QRadar, Guardium, MaaS360 and z15 are registered trademarks of IBM Corporation in the United States, other countries, or both.

Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Terms of use

IBM products and services which are announced and available in your country can be ordered under the applicable standard agreements, terms, conditions, and prices in effect at the time. IBM reserves the right to modify or withdraw this announcement at any time without notice. This announcement is provided for your information only. Reference to other products in this announcement does not necessarily imply those products are announced, or intend to be announced, in your country. Additional terms of use are located at

For the most current information regarding IBM products, consult your IBM representative or reseller, or go to the IBM worldwide contacts page

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