IBM License Metric Tool vs K2 KeyServer

IBM License Metric Tool inventories IBM software measured by processor core and measures required licenses in full-capacity and virtualization sub-capacity environments. IBM recommends it for full-capacity licensing and requires it for sub-capacity licensing. It scans infrastructure for installed IBM software and version details that can support version management and security patching. For sub-capacity use, it produces audit reports, tracks license utilization thresholds, and sends email notifications when thresholds approach or exceed their limits. Installation options are License Metric Tool Lite, License Metric Tool with Ansible, and License Metric Tool with BigFix. It integrates with BigFix and provides a REST API for external systems, which must retrieve data through the API rather than directly from the database. The tool is free, with a listed price of free; customers supply hardware and installation services. Linux installations require DB2, included at no charge for use only with the tool. Windows installations require a customer-provided MS SQL Server instance; MS SQL Server Express is supported for environments under 500 endpoints. Sub-capacity audit snapshots must be generated quarterly and kept for at least two years.

K2 KeyServer is part of the Sassafras KeyServer Platform, which combines hardware and software inventories, purchase histories, usage tracking and software license management. Its client discovers hardware attributes and installed software on Windows, Mac and Linux computers, including virtual machines and thin clients. Hardware tracking covers computers, mobile devices, printers and networking devices from order through disposal. The platform records operating-system logins, software launches and defined cloud product usage, and reports can be compared with purchased entitlements. It can run entirely on-premises; Sassafras also describes its own cloud hosting environment. A single server process supports up to 70,000 Windows, Macintosh and VDI computers. Data exchange options include spreadsheet imports, REST API, ODBC, JDBC and JSON exports, with official integrations for TeamDynamix, ServiceNow and Modo. The REST API is intended for basic queries, not bulk or heavy-use retrieval. Subscription support includes setup assistance, technical support and an annual configuration review. Sassafras says it completed a SOC 2 Type I audit. Pricing is on request. Plans are billed per year: KeySight manages active licenses, AllSight provides full IT asset management, and LabSight covers inventory, usage and availability. An evaluation license is available through the installer.