What is IBM i? Everything You Need to Know

What is IBM i? 

IBM i, previously known as AS400 and later iSeries, is an integrated operating system that powers a wide range of business applications. Renowned for its unmatched reliability and security, IBM i enables organizations to streamline operations and support critical workloads. It combines a database, middleware, and an operating system— all in a single unified environment, which reduces complexity and improves operational efficiency.

IBM i stands out as a trusted solution across many industries, such as finance, manufacturing, retail, and healthcare, where reliability and performance are paramount. It excels in supporting enterprise resource planning(ERP), high-volume transaction processing, and other mission-critical applications.

With its ability to integrate with both modern and legacy systems allows businesses to innovate while preserving the integrity and stability of their core operations. In addition, IBM i continues to be a reliable and effective platform that helps businesses boost productivity, simplify their systems, and retain a competitive advantage.

A Brief History of the IBM i

Over the years, IBM has changed the name of its operating system and server multiple times to reflect both the evolving demands of businesses and technical advancements. Since its introduction in 1978, the system has continually adapted to new business needs while upholding its reputation for reliability, performance, and seamless integration.

From System/38 to IBM i, the platform has undergone significant upgrades, each introducing new features to support modern business operations. Below is the breakdown of the major milestones in IBM I’s history, along with the key features introduced with each update:

IBM has consistently evolved its platform and integrated modern technologies such as JAVA, XML, and cloud capabilities, all while preserving stability and backward compatibility. This allowed the platform to remain reliable in supporting modern and legacy systems.

Recently, IBM moved from perpetual licensing to a subscription-based model for IBM i. This shift to subscription pricing reflects the growing demand for flexible, scalable, and predictable IT expenses, allowing businesses to better manage their IT budgets while gaining access to new features and updates and ensuring they stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape.

IBM i vs AS400: How are they different?

IBM i and AS 400 are often compared due to their shared legacy, but they differ in terms of their evolution, capabilities, and applicability to modern IT environments. Here’s a quick comparison to understand how IBM i has evolved from the AS/400 to meet modern enterprise needs.

Platform Evolution

• AS/400: It was introduced in 1988 as an integrated hardware and OS solution specifically designed for mid-sized businesses, offering strong data-handling capabilities.
• IBM i: This was launched in 2008 as a rebranding of OS/400 that runs on IBM Power Systems hardware. Unlike AS400, the IBM i integrates modern technologies such as open-source tools, cloud integration, and improved scalability, allowing it to support a wider range of business operations.

Hardware and Architecture 

• AS/400: The AS/400 relied on its proprietary hardware architecture. Despite being robust, the hardware was not scalable in comparison to more recent systems.
• IBM i: The evolution maintained backward compatibility with AS/400 applications while adding support for newer hardware architectures.

Software and Ecosystem

• AS/400: The AS/400 was limited to legacy programming models like RPG III and COBOL. It lacked compatibility with modern features like web technologies and open standards.
• IBM i: In contrast, IBM i offers support to a wide range of modern programming languages, including Python, Node.js, and Java.  It also provides tools for analytics, mobile application development, and cloud integration.

Business Model

• AS/400: It followed a traditional perpetual licensing model.
• IBM i: IBM i has recently transitioned to a subscription-based licensing model, offering businesses greater flexibility and scalability.

These differences show the seamless transition of AS/400 to IBM i, all while adjusting to new technology and maintaining backward compatibility with legacy applications. This continuity enabled IBM i to meet the current business demands.

Main Distinctive Features of IBM i

The architecture of IBM i (AS/400) is distinguished by several features that have contributed to its continued relevance and its huge market success. Here are the main distinctive features of IBM i:

Object-based design

IBM i utilizes an object-based design, where everything(files, data, and programs) is treated as an object with built-in persistence and garbage collection, which was another major innovation introduced by AS/400 and its operating system. Prior to the release of the early version of IBM i, Unix-based systems relied on the “everything is a file” software architecture style. 

Third-party operating systems support 

IBM i is known for its versatility and offers support for third-party operating systems. This ability of IBM i to run several operating systems on the same hardware contributes to its continued relevance. The list of supported operating systems included Microsoft Windows 2000 and Windows Server 2003, Linux, SSP, AIX, and others.

• Integrated Architecture: IBM i runs all system components, including the operating system, database (Db2), and hardware- all on a single integrated platform. This unified approach reduces complexity and improves efficiency, making it easier to manage compared to other systems that rely on multiple, separate software.
• Backward Compatibility: One of the main advantages of IBM i is its backward compatibility with legacy applications created for older AS/400 systems. This compatibility ensures that organizations can modernize and enhance their applications without the need to replace their existing systems completely.

IBM i integrations

Internal Systems

Internally, IBM i has strong system integration tools, allowing it to effortlessly integrate with its built-in components, such as middleware, databases, and applications. Some of the important internal integrations are:

• Database Compatibility: IBM i easily integrates with a variety of databases, including enterprise solutions like Oracle, SQL server, and Db2, as well as open-source databases like MySQL.
• Enterprise Systems: IBM i can connect with major enterprise systems to streamline business operations:
• CRM Systems: The platform allows integration with Customer Relationship Management solutions namely Microsoft Dynamics CRM, Salesforce, Hubspot CRM, and SugarCRM.
• ERP Systems: IBM i is compatible with popular Enterprise Resource Planning platforms like LANSA Commerce Edition, SAP, Oracle E-Business Suite, JD Edwards, and Microsoft Dynamics, helping businesses optimize workflow.
• Supply Chain Management Systems: It allows integration with SCM tools like JDA, Oracle SCM Cloud, and Manhattan Associates.
• HRM Systems: Integrates with Human Resource Management platforms like SAP SuccessFactors, Oracle HCM Cloud, and Workday.

• Other Applications: IBM i also offers integration with various internal applications, such as accounting systems, file servers, web applications, and legacy software, ensuring seamless data sharing and communication across the IT infrastructure.

External Systems

IBM i extends its functionality beyond its native environment, offering robust integration capabilities with various external systems and technologies. This is particularly important in hybrid IT environments where businesses need their IBM i systems to communicate with modern cloud-based applications, mobile devices, and external databases. Some key external integrations include:

• Cloud Platforms Integration: IBM i seamlessly connects with leading cloud services such as Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud Platform, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), providing scalability and hybrid cloud capabilities.
• Mobile Connectivity: The platform allows integration with mobile operating systems like iOS and Android, enabling real-time access to data and applications.
• Social Media Integration: IBM i supports integration with popular social network platforms such as Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn.
• E-commerce Platforms: This application can effortlessly connect with e-commerce systems like Shopify, Magento, and Amazon Marketplace.
• Financial Systems Integration: IBM i allows seamless connectivity with banks, payment gateways, and financial data providers, ensuring smooth financial transactions and robust reporting.
• Third-Party Compatibility: By leveraging APIs and web services, IBM i can easily connect with logistics providers, shipping companies, data vendors, and other third-party solutions, enabling efficient collaboration.

Integration Methods

IBM I provides a number of integration methods that guarantee compatibility with various technologies:

Middleware: IBM i utilizes middleware like IBM MQ and IBM Integration Bus(IIB) to facilitate the integration of diverse applications, systems, and data sources within and across enterprises.

APIs and web services: IBM i supports integration with modern applications using pre-built and custom APIs, as well as web services like RESTful and SOAP. These allow smooth interaction between IBM i and external systems.

Data Transfer: The platform allows secure data transfer using structured file formats like CSV or XML.

Direct database connections: IBM i allows direct connections with external databases, facilitating real-time access and manipulation of data. Through methods such as ODBC and JDBC, IBM i can interact with a variety of databases.

These integration capabilities allow IBM i to seamlessly operate across a range of IT environments, ensuring it remains a flexible and powerful solution for on-premises, cloud, or hybrid infrastructures.

Benefits of Running Applications on the IBM i

IBM i remains a cornerstone for enterprise applications due to its unmatched performance, security, and adaptability to the evolving technological landscape. Its ability to seamlessly integrate legacy and modern applications ensures that businesses can maintain critical operations while embracing innovation.

Running applications on IBM i offers several benefits that continue to make it a valuable choice for organizations navigating today’s dynamic technological demands.

1. Enhanced Security: IBM i is recognized for its strong security architecture. It employs advanced encryption techniques and user-level controls to safeguard sensitive business data, providing a secure environment for critical operations.
2. Unmatched Stability and Reliability: IBM i is designed for high availability and has a reputation for being extremely reliable. Its reliability makes it a trusted platform for running mission-critical applications with minimal downtime, which is one of the main reasons many industries, such as manufacturing, finance, and healthcare, continue to depend on it.
3.  Cost Efficiency: The IBM i platform is known for its reliability, long life span, and low total cost of ownership(TCO), making it a great choice for businesses looking to optimize their IT budgets. Due to its reliability, organizations experience fewer system failures and reduced maintenance costs. Additionally, the active community of developers ensures consistent updates and support, allowing businesses to continue building their intellectual property without the need for frequent system upgrades, ultimately delivering excellent value over time.
4. Backward Compatibility: One of the unique features of IBM i is its backward compatibility. Organizations using legacy AS/400 applications can continue to run them on IBM i without worrying about compatibility issues.
5. Better Performance: IBMi’s integrated database(Db2) and its ability to optimize high workloads helps in enhancing performance siginificantly. Furthermore, Its built-in diagnostic tools help resolve various system issues quickly.
6. Scalability: IBM i offers great scalability, enabling businesses to scale their systems with growing demands. Whether it’s adding new users, expanding storage capacity, or managing large workloads, IBM i can handle the growth without compromising performance.
7. Support for Modern Technologies: The IBM i system also supports modern technologies, including big data analytics, cloud integration, and mobile apps. The ability to integrate with advanced technologies makes it a versatile platform.

Why is IBM i Legacy Modernization a Must in 2025?

With 2025 just around the corner, modernizing IBM i applications has become vital for companies looking to remain competitive and efficient in today’s tech-driven landscape. While IBM i is renowned for its reliability and security, many IBM i systems still depend on old green-screen applications that make it difficult to meet modern business needs. Here are some reasons to modernize your IBM i systems:

Improved User Experience

Existing legacy IBM i applications with standard green screens lack intuitive and responsive design, resulting in reduced productivity. Modernizing these applications enables businesses to create intuitive interfaces, integrate new features, and automate routine tasks, all of which enhance the overall user experience and boost efficiency.

Compatibility with Modern Technologies

Many IBM i systems still rely on applications and processes designed decades ago. To ensure platform compatibility with new technologies, modernizing IBM i applications helps in seamless integration with newer tools like cloud platforms, APIs, IoT devices, and AI-powered analytics, which are essential for staying ahead in today’s ever-evolving landscape.

Reduced Costs

Maintaining legacy systems can be very costly due to aging hardware and a shortage of specialized talent. Modernizing IBM i systems can reduce costs by leveraging modern technologies that help optimize performance and streamline workflows, leading to minimal downtime.

Bolstered Revenue 

Due to the monolithic nature of legacy IBM i applications, it is difficult to integrate them with different platforms. However, with IBM i modernization, integrating new features, services, and software has become easy. This ease of integration helps businesses explore new opportunities and better satisfy user needs, ultimately boosting revenue.

Transform your IBM i app modernization journey with LANSA

In today’s technology-driven atmosphere, modernizing obsolete IBM i applications has become an inevitable option for comapnies looking to gain a competitive edge over their competitors. Application modernization offers greater agility, scalability, and resilience and prepares companies for the future.

Do you want to modernize your IBM i applications using powerful application modernization strategies? LANSA offers a suite of tools like Visual LANSA, RAMP, and aXes to transform IBM i applications into modern web, mobile, and desktop experiences—preserving the strengths of IBM i while embracing new technologies. Contact us today to start modernizing your IBM i apps.