There is a popular opinion that the AS400 system is outdated and not in the same demand as it used to be. But is it so? What benefits does the AS400 offer that today’s businesses can’t afford to miss? What about an IBM i modernization? Let’s figure it out.
What Is AS400?
AS400 (AS/400- Application System/400,) is a highly secure, stable, reliable, and scalable mid-range computer system that provides a wide range of functions. IBM released it in 1988, but it is still very popular today.
The AS400 is constantly being developed and updated to provide all the functionality that today’s business needs. This IBM system provides high compatibility. This means that programs that work using outdated technologies can run on it without modification.
IBM renamed the AS400 systems several times. It was called iSeries, System i. The latest version, which is current now, is called IBM Power Systems.
What Is The AS/400 Operating System (iSeries)?
The AS400 operating system was released simultaneously with the AS400 hardware and also gained a lot of popularity. It has several advantages:
- Built-in database.
- Backward compatible with earlier versions of the IBM AS/400. This allows you to switch to a new version of the platform without reinstalling applications.
- The IBM AS400 is a turnkey operating system and can run for long periods with little or no IT support.
- Automatic scheduling of system maintenance and identification of problems in the system.
- The programming data needed to run the IBM AS400 is already integrated into the base OS. This eliminates the need to purchase and install software separately.
- The ability to quickly switch from one task to another.
- The AS400 operating system is integrated with server technologies such as the DB2 Universal Database and Lotus Domino software.
What Is The Difference Between IBM i And AS400?
Comparing AS400 and IBM i is not correct, since AS400 is hardware, and IBM i is software.
AS400 is a server that has its own OS/400 operating system. IBM released it in 1988. After that, it was constantly updated and in 2008 it received the name Power Systems.
OS/400 is an operating system that was also actively developed and had different names. Now it is called the IBM i and it works on IBM Power Systems.
Is The IBM AS/400 Dead?
Today, many experts consider the AS/400 system to be dead. However, we cannot agree with this. Even though the AS400 system has been operating for the past few decades, it is constantly evolving, using modern technologies and satisfying all modern business needs.
AS 400 provides high security. It is scalable, reliable, and provides the ability to quickly process large amounts of data. This makes it indispensable today. A lot of companies widely use it for working with resource-intensive applications such as ERP, banking, or medical information systems.
Why Are AS/400 Systems Still In Use?
A lot of companies around the world still use the AS400 systems. There are several important reasons for this.
- High performance and reliability. AS400 processors are 3-5 times more powerful than the competition. This system is ideal for applications that require extremely high performance and minimal downtime.
- A wide range of options is available. You can choose different systems depending on the requirements of your business, from inexpensive entry-level systems to powerful servers with massive redundancy.
- Reliable, secure, integrated database.
- AS400 uses modern technologies and provides the latest features such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- Availability of a cloud environment. You can choose and pay for only the resources you need, dynamically scaling as your needs grow.
Why Will The AS400 iSeries (AS/400, IBM i) Be In Demand In 2024?
The AS400 system is indispensable for businesses and offers several advantages over the competition. A lot of companies around the world widely use it now and it will be in demand in the near future. Let’s list its main advantages.
- Scalability. You can start with an inexpensive 4-core server and easily upgrade to 256-core machines as your requirements grow. AS400 system’s capabilities meet the needs of almost all companies of all sizes.
- Security. AS400 provides high security for your programs and data.
- Reliability. The system features enterprise-class reliability, and highly available tools are readily available for nearly 100% uptime.
- Modernity. AS400 can run existing programs. In addition, it supports native and open-source development languages such as SQL, Java, .NET, PHP, and C++.
- Compatibility. You can run legacy applications on the AS400 systems without modification. This allows you to avoid costly code migrations when upgrading platforms.
How To Modernize AS400 With LANSA?
LANSA is a modern and powerful platform that offers several solutions for AS400 upgrades.
aXes is a tool that quickly converts an AS400/IBM i 5250 screen into a modern web interface without changing the source code. If necessary, you can also easily add additional features.
RAMP (Rapid Application Modernization Process) is a tool that allows you to build applications from scratch while using existing functionality. You can also add new features as well. This allows you to create applications using modern technologies while retaining important functionality.
Ready to modernize your AS400 software?
Register in LANSA for free and modernize IBM i/AS400 applications easily using its tools.
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