IBM took the wraps off the IBM XWork Server one (1) day early today, so our NDA is considered expired (so we can talk).  For Developers and ISVs like DOCOVA, the IBM XWork Server provides the cost-effective server many of us have be requesting for years.

By license, an IBM XWork Server is an application server only that is licensed on a fixed-term, per-install basis. No PVUs, no CALs, no limit to the number of Users . Just a fixed annual license of approximately USD$2,000 per server install. That's it.

The restriction is that each XWork Server install may have up to four applications installed, where an application is defined generally as a group of one to four NSFs. Thus, an XWork Server install can have a total of 16 production, non-system NSFs -- up to four per application. If you need more than four applications, you can license a second install of the IBM XWork Server on the same physical deployment, which doubles the numbers - which should be ample for any Docova installation. More details on the XWork Server is on Ed Brill's Blog.

Doing the quick math, the XWork Server becomes quite cost manageable inside a SaaS model pretty quick:
10 people: $16.67/month
20 people: $8.33/month
30 people:  $5.55/month
40 people:  $4.17/month
50 people:  $3.34/month

All-in-all, an excellent start by IBM on the new server. They've even said they're willing to work with partners to 'get it right'- just another example of IBM 'walking the talk' on being a Social Business by listening intently to their customers and business partners.

For those interested, IBM is hosting a technical deep dive October 12. Registration details here.