The Evolution and Relevance of IBM i (AS/400, iSeries) in Modern Business

IBM i, formerly known as AS/400 and iSeries, remains a powerful enterprise platform, renowned for its security, scalability, and seamless integration capabilities. Despite evolving technology landscapes, IBM i continues to be a preferred choice for businesses that require reliability, efficiency, and modernization support.

Evolution of IBM i: From AS/400 to Modern Power

• AS/400 (Application System/400) - The Foundation

Launched in 1988, AS/400 (Application System/400) was a revolutionary system designed to simplify business computing. It integrated hardware, software, and database management, making it a robust platform for enterprises. Its built-in security and stability made it a popular choice across industries.

• iSeries - A Step Forward

In the early 2000s, IBM rebranded AS/400 as iSeries, bringing improved performance, expanded capabilities, and a shift toward a more scalable infrastructure. It retained the core strengths of AS/400 while incorporating new advancements in application development and database management.

• IBM i - The Modern Era

IBM i, the latest iteration, runs on IBM Power Systems and offers a fully integrated operating system. It is designed to support modern applications while maintaining compatibility with legacy systems. Businesses benefit from a robust architecture, high availability, and support for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, IoT, and cloud computing.

Key Features of IBM i

IBM i is recognized for its ability to deliver seamless business operations. Its core features include:

1. Integrated System Architecture – IBM i combines the operating system, database, security, and middleware in a single package, reducing complexity and operational costs.
2. Scalability – It supports businesses of all sizes, from small enterprises to global corporations, with the ability to scale applications as needed.
3. Security – The platform's object-based architecture minimizes vulnerabilities, ensuring a secure computing environment.
4. Reliability and High Availability – With minimal downtime and a self-managing system, IBM i is a preferred choice for mission-critical applications.
5. Cloud and Modernization Support – IBM i seamlessly integrates with cloud environments and supports modernization efforts, making it future-ready.

Benefits of IBM i for Businesses

IBM i offers numerous advantages, making it a long-term solution for companies looking to optimize their IT infrastructure:

• Lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Due to its integrated nature, IBM i reduces the need for additional software, middleware, and extensive IT management. Businesses save on operational costs while maximizing efficiency.

• Flexibility and Adaptability

IBM i supports multiple programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, Java, PHP, and Python. This flexibility enables businesses to develop new applications without discarding legacy systems.

• Security and Compliance

With built-in security features, IBM i helps businesses comply with industry regulations and protect sensitive data against cyber threats.

• Future-Proof Technology

IBM i continues to evolve, integrating with emerging technologies like AI, big data analytics, and cloud computing. This ensures that businesses can modernize their applications without undergoing costly migrations.

AS/400 iSeries Cloud Hosting: A Smart Business Move

With digital transformation accelerating, businesses are increasingly adopting cloud hosting solutions for IBM i. Here’s why:

• Cost Savings – Cloud-based IBM i hosting reduces infrastructure expenses and eliminates costly hardware upgrades.
• On-Demand Scalability – Businesses can scale resources based on usage, ensuring optimal performance at all times.
• Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity – Cloud hosting enhances system resilience, providing backup and recovery solutions for uninterrupted operations.
• Simplified IT Management – Cloud services streamline system management, allowing IT teams to focus on innovation rather than maintenance.

Industries That Rely on IBM i

IBM i is widely used in various industries, including:

• Finance & Banking – Secure transactions, compliance with regulatory requirements, and efficient data processing.
• Manufacturing – Streamlined supply chain management, production planning, and automation.
• Retail & E-commerce – Inventory management, customer relationship management (CRM), and order processing.
• Healthcare – Secure patient data management, regulatory compliance, and efficient record-keeping.

Why IBM i Remains Relevant

Despite the evolution of cloud computing and other modern platforms, IBM i continues to be a preferred solution due to:

• Robust Performance – It handles high-volume transactions efficiently, making it ideal for enterprises.
• Security-First Approach – Its architecture reduces risks, ensuring data protection and compliance.
• Ongoing Support & Innovation – IBM consistently updates the platform, incorporating new technologies to keep businesses competitive.

Conclusion

IBM i (formerly AS/400 and iSeries) has stood the test of time by continually evolving to meet the demands of modern businesses. With its integrated architecture, unmatched reliability, and scalability, it remains a powerhouse for enterprises looking to optimize operations. Whether on-premises or in the cloud, IBM i ensures businesses stay competitive and future-ready.

For a more in-depth exploration, read the full article on “Everything You Need to Know About the AS400 iSeries (IBM i)” here: https://programmers.io/blog/everything-to-know-about-ibmi-as400-i-series/.