IBM i, formerly known as AS400 has been a staple for various industries for decades. However, what does the future hold for the mainframe? Despite the rising popularity of the Cloud and advanced systems, several businesses still depend on the reliable and powerful IBM AS400 platform. As we step into 2024, understanding the relevance of AS400 support and the key considerations becomes information for those keen on optimizing their legacy systems.
Why AS400 is Still Relevant in 2024?
While AS400 is considered a legacy system by many, its steadfast reliability and proven performance make it a cornerstone for several businesses. AS400 support plays a crucial role in ensuring the seamless functioning of these systems, allowing companies to bridge the gap between the old and the new.
Reliability
One of the main reasons why IBM i development is still popular is because of how reliable the iSeries platform is. The developer, IBM, ensured that the software was easy to maintain and use. Studies suggest that IBM i is 43 times more stable than the Windows server. While on average, Windows servers suffer from approximately 224.5 hours of unplanned outages on an annual basis, the IBM i servers only witness a 5.2 hours average unplanned outage per year. Hence, the uptime of the AS400 series is a whopping 99.99 percent.
Security
The IBM operation system has traditionally been associated with security. It is comparatively a lot safer from Windows malware. It is very uncommon that malware is written to attack IBM i. As such, IBM iSeries support ensures the business gets regular updates and modifications to meet modern technology and security requirements. As it is founded on the AS400 framework, the framework is highly secure and authentic. Its unique object-oriented architecture makes sure that every individual object on the system acts in a defined manner. It is packed with a bouquet of security features and capabilities for managing authentication, user authorization, privacy, and compliance.
Affordability
With time, the total costs associated with on-premise servers exceed the initial investment. Costs for disaster recovery, fire suppression, firewalling, storage systems, data centers, security, intrusion prevention, cooling systems, power backups, etc add up. This places the business at a competitive disadvantage. IBM iSeries support allows companies to stay ahead of the competition without having to shell out extra money. The operating system has one of the lowest total costs of ownership. IBM iSeries hosting paves the way for hassle-free cloud migration. It makes it easy for companies to grow, scale up, or downsize, depending on their business needs. They end up paying for only what they have used, and nothing else.
Automation
Automation is a viable approach for IBM i development. Large companies with a couple of servers are more likely to function independently when compared to smaller businesses. Also, the decision to undergo automation isn’t based on the size; rather it relies upon the project.
Automation can improve the functioning of the operating system and eradicate the need for investing time and resources in a number of activities including invoice processing, updating systems, downloading attachments, data entry, form filling, data validation, etc. With proper AS400 support, businesses can automate manual, time-consuming tasks, enabling employees to harness the complete potential of the IBM i series systems.
Scalability
Even the smallest IBM iSeries system has binary compatibility with the biggest multi-core IBM i counterpart. Such kind of massive flexibility and scalability prevent companies from ever outgrowing the system. The iSeries systems are best suited for small and medium-sized companies to large corporations with thousands of employees. It can scale as per the company and offers reserves as and when needed.
Moreover, the next-gen POWER9 processes are based on scale-out servers that are open, flexible, and secure. They have a wide range of expansion capabilities and reserves. The scale-out servers ensure that the businesses are not constrained by legacy equipment and infrastructure. Downgrading or upgrading can be done without any hassle.
AS400 Maintenance and Support Strategies
Given the critical role AS400 plays in business operations, a robust maintenance and support strategy is essential. Regular updates, patches, and security enhancements are necessary to safeguard against potential vulnerabilities. Partnering with a reliable AS400 maintenance service provider ensures the system is well-maintained, minimizing downtime and optimizing performance.
- Adapting to IBM iSeries Support Demands
In the digital era, the demand for AS400 support is evolving. Integrating AI, analytics, and cloud services with AS400 requires a support system that understands the intricacies of these technologies. Collaborating with a service provider well-versed in IBM iSeries support ensures that your AS400 system aligns seamlessly with modern IT demands.
- IBM System i Support in the Cloud Era
As businesses increasingly migrate to the cloud, the need for IBM System i support in cloud environments becomes evident. Navigating the complexities of cloud integration for AS400 requires expertise in both legacy systems and contemporary cloud solutions. An adept support partner can facilitate a smooth transition to the cloud while preserving the integrity of your AS400 infrastructure.
- Future-Proofing with IBM AS400 Support
In the face of rapid technological advancements, future-proofing your AS400 system is crucial. A forward-looking AS400 maintenance and support provider addresses current challenges and anticipates future needs. This involves staying abreast of IBM’s roadmap for AS400 and proactively incorporating innovations to keep your system resilient in the years to come.
Final Words
AS400 support and maintenance remain pivotal components of a successful digital transformation strategy. As we embrace the opportunities of 2024, businesses must recognize the enduring value of the AS400 platform and invest in reliable support systems. Whether it’s adapting to IBM iSeries support demands or future-proofing with IBM AS400 support, a proactive approach to maintenance ensures that your business continues to thrive in the age of digital transformation.
