Although AS400 software was developed at the end of the last century, it is still popular and frequently used today. In this article, we will look at what AS400 is, what are the benefits of using it, its scope, and also what alternative names exist. We will also explain how to upgrade an older IBM green screen.
What Is the AS400 software?
AS400 (Application System/400) is a mid-range server. IBM released it in 1988 for small, medium, and large web and mobile applications. It became popular due to the wide range of functionality it provides. AS400 is a highly secure, stable, reliable, and scalable system.
The IBM AS400 uses a technology-independent machine interface (TIMI) and a platform-independent instruction set architecture (ISA) that compiles with machine language instructions. This allows it to use a 64-bit processor without breaking application compatibility.
IBM has rebranded AS400 several times. In 2008, the final rebranding took place, after which it became known as IBM Power Systems.
What Is The AS400 Operating System (iSeries)?
The AS400 operating system is one of the most popular and widely used operating systems. Although the processors running the AS400 have changed many times, it is compatible with software that was developed back in the 1980s on older hardware.
OS/400 has single-level storage. It allows you to quickly switch from one task to another by using hierarchical storage management to move the most frequently used content to the fastest memory in single-tier storage.
An interesting feature of the OS/400 is that it has a built-in database that it uses for many of its own storage requirements.
AS400 operating system can work effectively for a long time without operational support and a database administrator.
Programmers often use the OS/400 to develop highly available and accurate systems that are economical and easy to operate. For example, warehouse management, inventory control, order processing, banking, and insurance applications.
What Is The Difference Between IBM I And AS400?
The AS400 is a computer system that had its own OS/400 operating system. After the release of the AS400, it rapidly developed. Recently, the AS400-based hardware has been named Power Systems. IBM i is the operating system for Power Systems, which is a descendant of OS/400.
AS400 is hardware, and IBM i is software, so it is not correct to compare them.
Learn more about IBM i vs AS400: How are they different?
Mainframes And IBM I (AS/400) Systems: What’s The Difference?
There are many differences between mainframes and IBM i (AS/400) systems. Instruction set and underlying hardware, scalability, user interface, general architecture, etc. But the main difference is that IBM i is a mid-range server and the mainframe is a high-end server. A mid-range server is a more affordable but less powerful option than a high-end server such as a mainframe.
Another difference is that the mid-tier server is a stand-alone system, while the mainframe is a distributed network of components that interact to form a massive computing platform. Companies use a high-performance server to store large amounts of data and run centralization applications. It is distinguished by reliability and safety.
Is IBM AS/400 Software Extinct?
IBM released AS/400 in 1988, which is why many people consider it obsolete. However, it is not. The IBM AS/400 system is constantly evolving and using modern technologies. Many of the world’s leading companies are now using it for mission-critical applications. This system provides scalability, security, reliability, and flexibility. AS/400 powers ERP systems, and applications for hospitals, banks, government agencies, and more.
Why Is The AS/400 Still In Use?
Let’s list some of the most common reasons why the AS/400 is still popular and frequently used in various business areas.
- AS/400 provides a reliable, secure, and integrated database.
- This system provides good scalability, high transaction speed, and the ability to process data-intensive applications.
- AS/400 is constantly evolving and offering in-demand technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning.
- The IBM i AS/400 provides high interoperability, allowing applications that were created in the 1980s to run unchanged on new hardware.
Why Will The AS400 iSeries (AS/400, IBM i) Be In Demand In 2024?
As we said above, the AS400 system constantly improves and provides the functionality that today’s business requires. Among them are the following:
- Logical partitioning (LPAR). This feature allows you to run multiple operating systems at the same time on a single IBM i device. Operating systems run on separate partitions. This ensures that one OS cannot use the memory or resources of another.
- Software integration. IBM i system integrates a lot of important features. These include DB2 database management system, menu-based interface, multi-user support, non-programmable terminals (IBM 5250) and printers, security, communications, client/server, and web interface.
- Support for client-server systems. IBM i systems support common client/server systems for accessing their database. For example, ODBC and JDBC. We can access it from client software written in modern programming languages such as Java, C#, and others.
An important advantage of the IBM AS/400 system is the powerful processors, which are three to five times the power of comparable systems. Therefore, this system is indispensable in applications that require high productivity.
If a company has used an AS/400 system in the past, switching to another system can be costly, disrupt performance, and disrupt other processes. This is an important reason why companies prefer not to change the system.
Are There Upgrades For AS400 iSeries And IBM I Systems?
The AS400 iSeries and IBM i systems constantly update. They include improvements to the processor, memory, disk drive, solid-state drive, and other features to keep up with today’s business functions. We can customize and upgrade AS400 systems to suit our needs.
How To Modernize AS400 With LANSA?
LANSA is a popular solution for modernizing IBM i applications. It provides various tools that make it easy to optimize the application development process, upgrade existing applications, and add new features.
AXes by LANSA is a tool that allows you to easily and quickly create modern user interfaces and web applications instead of the older IBM green screens. All you need to do is use aXes with your IBM i and your employees can securely access their IBM i 5250 applications from any remote device with Internet access.
Ready to modernize your AS400 software?
Install a free trial version of aXes by LANSA and use it to modernize AS400 software.
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