It is popular opinion that the AS400 system is outdated and not in the same demand as it used to be.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?
When IBM released the Application System/400 (-400) in 1988, it came with both the AS/400 hardware and OS/400 software and a range of core functions. To this day, it’s a highly secure, stable, reliable, and scalable mid-range computer system that provides a wide range of functions.
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 This means that programs that work using outdated technologies can run on it without modification.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.
A Brief History of AS400
The lineage of the AS/400 began back in 1978 with IBM’s System/38, which preceded the System/36 version presented in 1983. The AS/400 combined features of its predecessors, launching in 1988.
After its birth in 1988, the AS-400 enjoyed success as a midrange computer designed for smaller and mid-sized operations. Then, in response to the growing needs of e-business, the AS/400 was rebranded with the moniker iSeries. Fast forward six years, and it becomes the System I, which runs the i5/OS operating system. This set it apart from IBM’s System p hardware.
Two years later, in 2008, the AS-400 matured into IBM Power Systems, known as IBM Power since 2021. IBM Power combines the System i and System p platforms into a unified server.
What Is the AS/400 Operating System (iSeries)?
The AS400 operating system, which is now known as IBM i, is an operating designed to run applications on the AS/400 platform. It was released simultaneously with the AS400 hardware. 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.
These features combined for a more user-friendly, versatile experience for programmers, system admins, and regular users in the office, particularly when compared with its predecessor, IBM’s System/38. For instance, it features built-in support for SQL databases, which paves the way for more complex data manipulation by users.
The operating system also prioritized connectivity. This made it an ideal solution for office settings where users had to connect copy machines, printers, rack servers, and more to the same network.
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.
IBM 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?
Even though the IBM 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 I series provides robust security. It is scalable, reliable, and can process large amounts of data quickly. This makes it indispensable today. A lot of companies widely use it to work with resource-intensive applications such as ERP, banking, or medical information systems.
The Controversy
Despite the proven usefulness of the AS/400 I series, it’s still surrounded by controversy. This is for two primary reasons:
- Some perceive the AS-400 as outdated. IBM created the system in 1988 and rebranded it several times. This makes some feel it’s not a truly “modern” solution. Despite this perception, it’s an important element of many leading organizations’ computing systems.
- Some AS-400 users are approaching retirement. Many who began mastering the AS-400 in their 30s back in 1988 are getting ready to retire. Their expertise heads to the golf course with them. Even so, you can modernize your AS/400 experience to make it more comfortable for younger users.
Key Industries Still Relying on AS400
Industries that depend on reliable connectivity, high uptime, and robust security still rely on AS/400.
Finance
Financial institutions in the banking sector depend on AS/400 I series to run their infrastructures. By purchasing a system, they can reduce their long-term data processing and computational expenses. For instance, if a bank that uses AS/400 as part of its infrastructure acquires another bank, it can easily scale up its AS/400 infrastructure to manage the additional clients and apps of the other bank.
Another benefit for the finance industry is the robust security of the AS/400. It has built-in security tools that make it difficult for attackers to gain unauthorized access. This gives financial institutions another layer of protection against data thieves and ransomware attackers.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector also relies on AS-400, due to both its solid reputation and features. Similar to the banking industry, those in manufacturing depend on an AS/400-powered ecosystem to reduce their computing costs as the years go by. Those familiar with the system can adjust it to fit changing production schedules, data flows, and product lines. Also, many manufacturers have been using AS-400 systems for decades and appreciate having a rock-solid, dependable solution powering their operations.
Insurance
Companies in the insurance industry depend heavily on reliable, efficient data storage retrieval and processing, all of which are in the AS/400’s wheelhouse. For example, insurance organizations often have complicated databases holding vast amounts of customer and claims data. Since the AS/400 operating system is compatible with multiple programming languages, insurance developers can build a range of solutions—using different coding languages—to manage interactions between the end user’s front end and multiple databases.
AS400 vs. Modern IT Systems: How Does It Compare?
The AS/400 differs from modern IT systems in several ways, and it provides unique advantages when it comes to security and workload capabilities.
- Architecture. The AS/400 features a proprietary architecture. This gives users access to an integrated system, which means it combines multiple elements, such as hardware, a database, and dev tools, into one solution. Modern IT systems are often cloud-based, so you have to connect the systems you need in the cloud.
- Database. The AS/400 has a DB2 database, which gives it the ability to handle SQL without using any other services. Designers typically build modern IT systems to handle a wide range of database systems, including popular options such as NoSQL and MySQL.
- User interface (UI). The AS/400 comes with a text-based UI that you can modernize to have the look and feel of modern GUIs. Modern IT systems tend to feature web-based, intuitive user interfaces that may be intuitive out of the box.
- Security. Security is a priority for the AS/400’s architecture, which has very limited vulnerabilities. This makes it easier to protect your data. Modern IT systems tend to have many vulnerabilities, but they’re often well-protected by modern security solutions.
- Workload management. You can manage very data-intensive and complex computational workloads with the AS/400. On the other hand, modern IT systems often come with limited workload capabilities. However, because they often use cloud-based tools, modern IT solutions are often easy to scale.
Why Are AS/400 Systems Still In Use?
A lot of companies around the world still use the IBM AS400 system. There are several important reasons for this.
- High performance and reliability. IBM 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.
- Backward compatibility. It’s compatible with earlier versions of the IBM AS/400, which enables you to switch to a new version of the platform without having to reinstall applications
- A turnkey operating 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.
- Stability. Your AS/400 system can run for long periods with little or no IT support.
- Enhanced maintenance features. It gives you tools for the automatic scheduling of system maintenance and identification of problems in the system.
- An integrated system that enhances connectivity. The AS400 operating system is integrated with server technologies such as the DB2 Universal Database and Lotus Domino software.
- Simple user workflows. It gives you the ability to quickly switch from one task to another.
- 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.
- Integrated, modern technologies. They provide 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.
The Future Demand for AS400
A lot of companies around the world widely use the AS/400 now, and it will likely continue to be in demand in the near future.
A quick search on the job site Indeed.com reveals more than 1,000 open positions for AS400 professionals, underscoring the current demand for this pivotal technology.
As time goes on, this demand is unlikely to slump, especially because there are so many manufacturers, financial organizations, insurers, healthcare companies, and others that use it as a central part of their digital infrastructure.
Also, because you can use solutions like LANSA to modernize the AS/400’s interface, it’s easy to make it user-friendly for modern users accustomed to intuitive, web-like workflows.
Another good sign for the future of the AS/400 is the fact that users can migrate its apps to the cloud. This means you can integrate AS/400 apps with other cloud-based software, as well as take advantage of cloud security features. With the additional convenience that comes with cloud computing, especially for remote workers and distributed employees, the AS/400 is well-poised to continue to thrive in modern business environments.
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.
