A Closer Look at IBM’s Client Value Acceleration (CVA)

Informational Webinar Recap (May 2025, Updated September 2025) 

IBM has launched a new Client Value Acceleration program, replacing the legacy IASP program. The CVA program offers several new and existing benefits, helping clients optimize their IBM estate and become audit exempt. 

To cover the program and what’s new, Anglepoint hosted a webinar with IBM on the key changes and everything you need to know. The webinar had fantastic engagement with 50+ unique questions asked throughout – a strong indicator of appetite for the program.  

Couldn’t make the webinar? Anglepoint has you covered. We’ve compiled a summary of the webinar and have gathered answers to all speaker-submitted questions for easy reference.  

You can also check out the full webinar on-demand here, or schedule a personalized call with an Anglepoint expert here.  

Webinar Summary 

Speakers:  

• Wes Mantle – IBM GM, Worldwide Software Sales & Licensing 
• Peter Mierzejewski – IBM VP, Worldwide CVA Program 
• Ron Brill – Anglepoint President & Chairman 
• Javier Moreno – Anglepoint VP, Global IBM Sales 

Webinar Recap: IBM’s CVA Program
IBM’s CVA program is the evolution of IASP, designed to help clients proactively manage their IBM software environments while maximizing value and maintaining audit exemption. This 30-minute session provided an overview of CVA’s structure, benefits, and operational changes, along with a demo of the new Enterprise Software Management (ESM) portal. 

What is CVA and how does it work?

CVA is IBM’s proactive alternative to traditional software audits, offering eligible clients an exemption from IBM audits as long as they meet program requirements. The program leverages a centralized platform called the Enterprise Software Management (ESM) portal. This portal enables clients and their authorized SAM Provider (ASP) to manage license reporting, view entitlements, and gain insights into their IBM software usage across environments. All reporting is now managed through this secure digital interface, moving away from email-based processes. 

CVA vs. IASP

While both programs share the core benefit of audit exemption, CVA introduces several improvements over IASP. These include automated ingestion of license reports (ELPs), enhanced reporting templates, and a consolidated “single pane of glass” for software license management and contract oversight. Clients benefit from faster processes, clearer data visibility, and streamlined communication with IBM and ASPs. 

Tooling Flexibility and Compatibility

CVA supports a range of tools for data collection and reporting, including ILMT, Flexera, ServiceNow, and BigFix. These tools can be used independently or in combination, depending on the client’s environment. IBM confirmed plans to expand portal integrations and enable ingestion of ILMT reports directly into the platform in a future release. 

Security and Data Handling

The ESM portal is hosted on the IBM Cloud and designed to meet enterprise-grade security requirements. While clients upload usage data, sensitive elements like hostnames and IP addresses are not collected. Clients also retain full control over user access and permissions within the portal. 

Role of ASPs and Partner Value

Authorized SAM Providers (Anglepoint, Deloitte, EY, KPMG) continue to play a central role in the CVA program. ASPs assist with onboarding, license reporting, tooling alignment, and ensuring clients are positioned to meet IBM’s program requirements. Feedback from ASPs also helps shape ongoing improvements to the platform and reporting framework. 

What attendees wanted to know
During the session, participants asked detailed questions about reporting frequency, the use of third-party tools, contract renewal timing, data ownership, and more. Many were curious about how the transition from IASP to CVA affects their current agreements and whether existing tools like Flexera or ServiceNow are still supported (they are). Questions also touched on modernization goals, including how CVA enables better visibility into vulnerabilities and supports planning for future technologies. 

Getting started
Clients interested in CVA must enter into a formal CVA agreement and designate one of the four authorized ASPs. Those currently in IASP can continue under their existing agreement until renewal, at which point CVA may be introduced.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

• Program Structure & Participation 
• Implementation & Compatibility 
• Reporting & Compliance 
• Portal Capabilities & Data Handling 
• Client Governance & Permissions 
• Cost & Commercial Considerations 
• Security, Risk & Modernization 
• Partner Role & Value 

Program Structure & Participation 

Q: What are the main differences between IASP and CVA?
A: CVA builds on IASP by offering better visibility into software licenses, improved budgeting capabilities, and stronger compliance oversight. It uses a centralized portal that automatically ingests ELP reports, removing the need for emailing files. The portal provides a single-pane view with actionable insights that help organizations manage IBM investments more efficiently and with greater confidence. 

Q: Is IASP still available, and is CVA mandatory?
A: IASP is no longer available for new enrollments, but there is no official sunset date for current agreements. Migration to CVA is optional and can be done when it makes sense for the client’s needs. 

Q: How can a client join CVA if they are or are not part of IASP?
A: Clients who are not part of IASP can join CVA by signing a CVA agreement. Clients currently on IASP can remain under their existing terms until contract renewal, at which point migration support is available to transition them to CVA. 

Q: Will CVA still use the same authorized partners?
A: Yes. Anglepoint, Deloitte, EY, and KPMG will continue to be the four authorized partners. 

Q: Does CVA replace IBM’s audit process?
A: Yes. Clients who participate in CVA are exempt from IBM’s traditional audit process. 

Implementation & Compatibility 

Q: Is a BigFix agent required for CVA?
A: No. Clients can use other approved tools such as Flexera One, ServiceNow, or ILMT to participate in the program. 

Q: Which tools are approved for CVA and sub-capacity reporting?
A: Approved tools include ILMT, Flexera One, ServiceNow, and BigFix. ILMT remains the standard for sub-capacity counting unless IBM grants approval for Flexera One or ServiceNow as alternatives. 

Q: Will CVA integrate with ILMT?
A: Yes. Integration with ILMT is planned, with ILMT report ingestion becoming available after general availability of the CVA program. 

Q: How long does implementation take?
A: The timeline depends on the size and complexity of the client’s IT environment, as well as the tools and processes already in place. 

 

Reporting & Compliance 

Q: How does reporting change when moving from IASP to CVA?
A: Reporting terms remain the same until the current IASP agreement ends. After that, reporting will occur semi-annual using the CVA/IASP ELP v4 template. 

Q: Is an ILMT snapshot required?
A: Yes. The CVA agreement requires clients to submit ILMT snapshots as part of regular reporting. 

Q: What details are required for PVU and non-PVU usage?
A: The specific data points are listed in the CVA/IASP ELP v4 template. 

 

Portal Capabilities & Data Handling 

Q: Where is the portal hosted and how is data secured?
A: The CVA portal runs on IBM’s public cloud infrastructure with data hosted in IBM-managed data centers in Dallas, Frankfurt, Toronto, and Sydney. Sensitive details such as hostnames or IP addresses are not collected, and clients retain control over user permissions. 

Q: Does IBM have portal access?
A: IBM can access dashboards, contract records, and entitlement information. However, the Declaring Usage tab, which contains the raw usage data, is not visible to IBM. 

Q: Can the portal integrate with other tools?
A: Yes. The portal integrates with ServiceNow SAMPro, and future updates will allow exporting PDF or Excel reports from certain widgets. 

Q: Where does portal data come from?
A: During onboarding, IBM pre-populates the portal using entitlement data sources such as DSW, SSABL, or Cadet. The client and their partner review and confirm this information. 

 

Client Governance & Permissions 

Q: Are entitlements consolidated?
A: In CVA, entitlements are organized by Global Buying Group rather than by individual site. 

Q: Who assigns user roles?
A: The client manages and assigns all user roles and permissions. 

 

Security, Risk & Modernization 

Q: What happens if there is a usage or metric interpretation error?
A: Any such errors are handled under the same processes used in IASP, ensuring they are reviewed and addressed appropriately. 

Q: Does IBM need hardware infrastructure details for CVA?
A: No. Providing detailed hardware infrastructure information is not currently required for participation in CVA. 

Q: Does CVA provide cybersecurity benefits?
A: Yes. The portal provides visibility into deployed product versions and operating systems, which can help identify vulnerabilities and suggest modernization options. This includes recommendations for products that support quantum-safe encryption, such as newer versions of Db2 or Z16. 

 

Partner Role & Cost 

Q: Must clients have an authorized partner for CVA?
A: Yes. Each client must select one of the four Authorized SAM Providers to participate in CVA. 

Q: How does the ASP role compare to IASP?
A: The responsibilities are largely the same. The ASP assists with semi-annual reporting, helps clients make the most of the portal’s insights, and supports optimization of the software portfolio. 

Q: What new fields are included in the CVA/IASP ELP template?
A: Additional fields include IBM Contract or Amendment, Contract Term Type, Operating System, Versions in Use, Environment, and whether the environment is Production or Non-Production. 

 Q: Will CVA cost more?
A: For most clients, costs are expected to remain the same as under IASP.