Mainframe Software Portfolio Optimization

Stop overpaying for your z/OS stack. Eliminate licensing waste with deep technical usage analysis that ensures you only pay for what you actually use.

REDUCE YOUR SOFTWARE SPEND

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Lower Monthly License Charges

Identify and eradicate "Shelfware" and legacy tools with overlapping functionality, such as duplicate performance monitoring utilities.

Simplify Vendor Management

Consolidate your software footprint to gain powerful technical leverage for a stronger negotiating position at contract renewal.

Reclaim System Capacity

Free up MSUs consumed by unused, misconfigured, or inefficient software agents and background tasks.

What Is mainframe software portfolio optimization?

Mainframe software portfolio optimization is the strategic process of auditing your z/OS software stack to perfectly align licensing costs with actual technical utilization.

By analyzing historical SMF data records and vendor contracts, we identify products that are no longer required, remove duplicate functionality, and uncover opportunities to negotiate highly favorable terms based on real-world usage.

Our three-phase software portfolio optimization process

We leverage a proven methodology that converts system forensic data into an actionable financial and operational roadmap, ensuring major cost reduction without ever compromising system availability.

Forensic Assessment

Independently evaluating all z/OS systems, software lists, and contracts. We map real-world utilization to identify duplicate functionality, under-used products, and potential compliance exposure from unlicensed software.

Strategic Action Plan

Building data-driven ROI models for software removal and providing the exact "technical ammunition" needed for vendor negotiations.

Managed Execution

Managing the safe removal of legacy tools while rigorously monitoring for hidden dependencies within your production batch cycles.

50%

Of the total mainframe IT budget is typically consumed by software licensing costs.

80%

Of the world's largest banks trust CPT Global to optimize performance, capacity, and costs.

6-12 Weeks

Typical timeline to deliver an in-depth portfolio analysis and realize structural cost savings.

Overcoming the hidden costs of software bloat

Navigating complex ISV contracts and software interdependencies requires a precise blend of deep-system forensic data and procurement strategy.

We understand that internal stakeholders can often be reluctant to retire legacy tools due to perceived stability risks. As true z/OS system experts, we specialize in resolving these internal obstacles to safely realize maximum potential savings while ensuring your environment remains entirely resilient.

REDUCE YOUR SOFTWARE SPEND

READ SUCCESS STORIES

What is the difference between a software inventory and a rationalization audit?

An inventory only lists what is installed. A rationalization audit uses SMF and RMF data to measure actual execution frequency and resource consumption. Many “installed” products haven’t run in months. We help you cancel those renewals safely.

How do you handle software that is required for compliance but rarely used?

We categorize assets by “Business Criticality vs. New Utilization” and isolate right-sizing opportunities, such as shifting to a single LPAR or restricted user groups instead of costly enterprise-wide licenses.

Can CPT Global assist with the actual vendor negotiation process?

Yes. We provide SMF-backed technical ammunition that shifts negotiations away from standardized price lists and toward value-based agreements reflecting your true operational footprint.

What are the risks of decommissioning legacy software tools?

The primary risk is a hidden dependency. We mitigate this through detailed address-space analysis and extended “silent-mode” testing before formal decommissioning.