In today’s dynamic digital world, IT enterprises heavily rely on their infrastructure to maintain business operations efficiently. Among the various systems that play a crucial role in ensuring smooth business processes, the IBM AS400, now known as IBM iSeries, stands out as a reliable workhorse. However, ensuring the continuous and optimal performance of AS400 systems is no small feat. This is where the importance of AS400 maintenance and support comes into play.

In this article, we will discuss the importance of AS400 maintenance, the challenges associated with in-house maintenance, the role of a dedicated AS400 support partner, key reasons to hire one, and how to choose the right partner.

Significance of AS400 Maintenance

AS400 systems are the backbone of many IT organizations, hosting critical applications and data. Any disruption or downtime can lead to significant financial losses and damage to the company’s reputation. Regular maintenance ensures the system’s reliability and reduces the risk of unexpected failures.

Since many enterprises continue to report cybersecurity issues (68%), AS400 systems must be kept up to date with the latest security patches and configurations. A lapse in security can result in data breaches and compliance issues. When businesses evolve, their IT requirements change. Maintenance activities such as performance tuning and capacity planning are essential to ensure that the AS400 system can handle increased workloads efficiently.

Proactive maintenance can prevent costly emergency repairs and downtime. It is more cost-effective to invest in routine maintenance than to deal with the consequences of abandonment.

5 Challenges with In-house AS400 Maintenance

While some organizations opt for in-house AS400 maintenance, this approach presents several challenges:

  1. Skilled Personnel – Maintaining an AS400 system requires specialized knowledge and skills. Finding and retaining qualified professionals with expertise in IBM AS400 maintenance can be challenging and costly.
  2. Resource Allocation – Managing AS400 systems in-house often diverts resources from core business activities. It can be a distraction that hinders strategic initiatives and growth.
  3. 24/7 Availability – AS400 systems must be monitored and supported 24/7 to ensure uninterrupted operations. This requires round-the-clock staffing, which can be logistically challenging and expensive for in-house teams.
  4. Lack of Scalability – In-house teams may struggle to scale up or down quickly based on the organization’s changing needs. A dedicated AS400 support partner can provide flexible resources as needed.
  5. Knowledge Gaps – In-house IT teams may face knowledge gaps due to turnover or limited exposure to diverse AS400 issues. This can lead to longer resolution times and increased downtime.

A dedicated AS400 support partner plays a pivotal role in addressing these challenges and ensuring the smooth operation of AS400 systems.

Role of Dedicated AS400 Support Partner

A reputable AS400 support partner brings a team of skilled professionals who specialize in IBM AS400 maintenance and support. They have extensive knowledge of the platform and can resolve issues efficiently. These partners provide proactive maintenance services, including system health checks, security updates, and performance optimization, to prevent issues before they impact operations.

Dedicated support partners offer round-the-clock monitoring and support, ensuring that any problems are addressed promptly to minimize downtime. By outsourcing AS400 maintenance, organizations can reduce the costs associated with hiring and training in-house staff. They can also avoid unexpected expenses related to emergency repairs.

How to Choose the Right AS400 Support Partner

Assess Their AS400 Expertise

One of the primary reasons for outsourcing AS400 maintenance is to leverage the expertise of professionals who specialize in this field. Therefore, it’s essential to assess the outsourcing partner’s level of AS400 expertise. Some of the effective ways are:

  • Certifications and Training – Look for partners whose team members hold relevant certifications, such as IBM Certified System Administrator for IBM i. These certifications demonstrate a commitment to maintaining and enhancing their skills.
  • Experience – Inquire about the partner’s experience in AS400 maintenance. Ideally, they should have a track record of successfully managing AS400 systems for clients across various industries.
  • References and Case Studies – Ask for references or case studies that showcase their past work and achievements. This can provide valuable insights into their capabilities and client satisfaction.

Seek Client References and Feedback

Another reliable way to gauge an outsourcing partner’s capabilities and reliability is to speak with their current or past clients. Ask for references and consider reaching out to organizations that have experience working with the partner. Here are some questions to ask:

  • How satisfied are you with the partner’s services?
  • Have they met their SLAs consistently?
  • How responsive are they to your requests and issues?
  • Have they helped improve the performance and reliability of your AS400 system?

Evaluate Their Security Measures

AS400 systems often house sensitive data and critical applications, making security a top priority. When choosing an outsourcing partner, assess their security practices:

  • Data Protection – Ensure that the partner has robust data protection measures in place, including encryption, access controls, and regular security audits
  • Compliance – Verify that the outsourcing partner is well-versed in industry-specific compliance requirements, such as HIPAA, GDPR, or PCI DSS, depending on your organization’s needs
  • Incident Response – Understand their procedures for handling security incidents and breaches. A reliable partner should have a well-defined incident response plan.

Consider Scalability and Flexibility

An organization’s IT needs may evolve over time, so it’s essential to choose an outsourcing partner that can scale their services to match business’ requirements. Here’s what to look for:

  • Scalability – Ensure that the outsourcing partner can accommodate your organization’s growth and changing demands. They should have the flexibility to adjust resources and services accordingly.
  • Customization – Discuss your specific AS400 maintenance needs and evaluate whether the partner can tailor their services to meet those requirements

Let’s look at a popular business of outsourcing AS400 maintenance:

A US-based locomotive builder reached out to a recognized offshore IBM i / AS400 service provider to meet the administration and maintenance requirements. Upon association, they were able to acquire high-level resources, who solved their maintenance challenges and improved the overall health of AS400 system.

“We benefitted significantly by working with offshore experts through outsourced agreement”, says Marc, IT director. Having dedicated resources offered us 70% more flexibility in time spent, giving us higher support in our varying needs.

Transparency in Pricing

Transparency in pricing is critical to avoid unexpected costs and budget overruns. When discussing terms with your outsourcing partner, consider the following:

  • Pricing Structure – Understand their pricing model – whether it’s based on a fixed fee, hourly rates, or a customized pricing plan. Ensure there are no hidden fees.
  • Contract Terms – Review the contract terms carefully, paying attention to payment schedules, renewal options, and termination clauses
  • Cost-Benefit Analysis – Assess the overall cost of outsourcing AS400 maintenance versus managing it in-house. Ensure that the outsourcing partner offers a cost-effective solution

Summing Up

In a nutshell, IBM AS400 maintenance is essential for the continuity, security, and performance of IT enterprises. While in-house maintenance poses several challenges, hiring a dedicated AS400 support partner offers a solution that brings expertise, cost-effectiveness, scalability, and peace of mind. To make the right choice, organizations should carefully evaluate potential partners based on their experience, expertise, reputation, and alignment with business needs.