Calculating AppPoints When Migrating to Maximo Application Suite (MAS) 8X

Building on the previous two articles dedicated to the subject, the following is a new article that delves into the migration strategy for Maximo Application Suite 8x (MAS 8), focusing on assessing the points necessary to ensure proper user access.

While this article’s primary audience consists of clients currently using IBM Maximo version 7.6x, the information could also prove valuable to those implementing Maximo for the first time using version 8X (MAS).

It is important to keep the following dates in mind:

• Since 2022, new clients are no longer able to purchase version 7.6x and are required to upgrade to MAS version 8x.
• Existing customers have the option to purchase 7.6x licenses until April 2024. After that, customers will need to renew their licenses using AppPoints and install the AppPoint Licensing application on their existing IBM Maximo server.
• In September 2025, IBM will terminate its standard support for 7.6x licenses. Extended support will be available at an additional cost but exclusively for customers already in the process of fully migrating to MAS.

Previous articles related to this subject:

End of Support for IBM Maximo version 7.6.1.x in 2025

Differences Between Maximo 7 and Maximo Application Suite

Below is our recommended roadmap for migrating to Maximo Application Suite:

1. Install the AppPoint Licensing application
2. Renew AppPoint licenses
3. Begin the migration to MAS

1- Install the AppPoint Licensing Application

Maximo Version 8x operates using a shared pool of points that users draw from when they log into the application and return when they log out.   Since this pool is shared among all users, the number of AppPoints used by each one depends on their role and permissions.

To facilitate the transition to this new login system, IBM has developed a small application to install in version 7.6x of Maximo.   The main purpose of this application is to capture the usage patterns and access privileges of version 7.6x users. This data will help create a clear understanding of how AppPoints will translate to MAS 8x. When migrating to MAS 8x, each active 7.6x license will be converted into equivalent AppPoints.   For example, an authorized 7.6x license might be exchanged for 3 AppPoints.

In the application, each user is assigned a number of virtual MAS points (either concurrent or authorized). These points play a critical role in the final analysis of license conversion.

Once the application is installed, it will monitor eight parameters that will help calculate the number of AppPoints required daily:

• MAXAPINSTUSAGE— Records the maximum number of points used by the installed products.
• MAXAPINT— Records the number of AppPoints used by the installed MAS products.
• MAXAPNOTES— User notes related to the application.
• MAXAPPEAK — Stores the peak number of daily users.
• MAXAPPEAKUSE — Stores the peak number of daily users and points calculated.
• MAXAPPRODTYPES— Lists products and whether they are basic or complementary solutions for the industry.
• MAXAPUSAGE— Lists all active users and their calculated MAS rights based on the most recent operation.
• MAXAPVALUES— Lists all user license types and their AppPoints

These parameters are instrumental in examining the number of connections, whether they occur simultaneously or not, and the highest number of points used. By analyzing these parameters, we can confirm the accuracy of a theoretical scenario. It is important to note that no data is shared with IBM, giving you the freedom to experiment with various scenarios without any implications.   After a few weeks of using the application, customers will have a reasonably accurate understanding of their AppPoints requirements, enabling them to proceed to the next phases, namely stages 2 or 3.

2- Renew AppPoint Licenses

IBM will transition (trade-up) existing users to AppPoints during the annual renewal of their 7.6x licenses. If a Maximo client wishes to add a new user to Maximo 7.6x after April 2024, they will need to purchase a certain number of AppPoints, which will be equivalent to the new user’s role (ranging from 2 to 15 points). It is important to note that the MAS license already includes the right to use Maximo 7.6x.

The renewal of AppPoints licenses is essentially a financial transaction and doesn’t impact your current 7.6x setup. The AppPoint Licensing application allows an administrator to monitor the day-to-day AppPoints usage.   These usage results are for informational purposes only, and no data is shared with IBM.   However, if there is a significant increase in your future usage or if you wish to add a new user, you will need to acquire additional points.

3- Begin the Migration to MAS 8

The process of migrating from Maximo 7.6x to MAS 8x is a complex topic that we will cover in a separate article.