Ah Fall! My favorite time of year. The colors of the leaves are changing, school is back underway, the fresh crisp air, and it’s OK to order a Pumpkin Spice Latte! Settling into familiar routines again after a summer of activity.

Fall just seems harmonious, does it not? The dictionary definition of “harmonization” is “to bring harmony”, with harmony being synonymous with amity, peace, unity, or concord. It all sounds lovely for those who do not appreciate a great musical harmony, such as Mozart or Khruangbin.

You know what is not harmonious yet all too routine in the fall? Receiving the message asking, “Have you seen the latest IBM software price harmonization announcement!?!?!”

On January 1st, 2026, prices will likely rise by 6% on IBM distributed software programs under Passport Advantage. Since 2020, customers in Canada would see an approximate – hold for it – 58% cumulative increase, and those in the USA, it is even worse at about 64%. Only IBM could take a word like “harmonization” and use it in such a way to make the increased cost of that significance seem like a good thing. The reality it feels more like price dissonance! Couple the price increases with the growing frequency of software audits you have a cacophony that makes you want to cover your ears!

If this were your home insurance or internet provider, like me, you would likely be on the phone demanding better or switching. So why do IT Leaders feel stuck with or simply accept vendor ‘price harmonization’ and ‘value-based’ narratives? The answer is, frankly, they don’t have to be. Our team here at Costif.ai has helped dozens of IBM and non-IBM software clients drive out cost, switch the vendor arrangements they are in, understand their technology alternatives, and get them there. We can help you avoid that 6% increase.

Want to learn more? Drop me a message on LinkedIn or email me at jake@costif.ai or jake@subscribeit.com.