Why Should You Consider Modernizing Your AS400 System?

Posted by Abel Willium on October 4th, 2023

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, businesses are continually faced with the challenge of keeping their IT infrastructure up to date. For many organizations, this means addressing the modernization of their AS400 systems, also known as IBM iSeries or System i.

The AS400, originally introduced in 1988, has a long-standing reputation as a reliable and robust platform for mission-critical applications. However, as technology advances, these legacy systems can become a hindrance to business growth and agility. Modernizing AS400 systems is not merely an option but a necessity to stay competitive in today's digital world. Let's explore the reasons behind this need and some strategies for AS400 modernization.

Embracing New Technologies:

The AS400 was designed for a different era of computing. It may lack support for contemporary technologies such as cloud computing, mobile integration, and advanced analytics. Modernizing the AS400 involves integrating these new technologies to enhance the capabilities of the system.

Improved Performance:

Legacy AS400 systems might struggle with performance bottlenecks as data volumes and user demands increase. Modernization can involve hardware upgrades or optimizing existing systems to improve overall performance, ensuring smooth operations.

Cost Efficiency:

Maintaining and supporting aging AS400 systems can be costly. Modernization can lead to cost savings by reducing hardware maintenance expenses and improving energy efficiency.

Enhanced Security:

Outdated systems are more susceptible to security vulnerabilities. Modernization can address these risks by implementing advanced security measures and compliance standards to protect critical data.

Streamlined Integration:

Modernizing AS400 systems allows for better integration with external systems and third-party applications. This is crucial for businesses seeking to build a connected ecosystem of tools and services.

Strategies for AS400 Modernization:

Migrate to the Cloud: Embarking on a journey towards modernizing AS400 systems can be best achieved through the seamless AS400 migration to eminent cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or IBM Cloud. This strategic maneuver not only assures impeccable scalability but also ensures unwavering flexibility, granting access to a vast array of cutting-edge services.

Application Refactoring: The process of application revitalization involves a comprehensive overhaul and transformation of legacy applications, rendering them inherently cloud-native, web-centric, and remarkably mobile-friendly in their essence. This approach preserves existing business logic while making applications accessible from anywhere.

Data Modernization: Upgrade data storage and management systems, implementing modern database technologies such as NoSQL databases or data lakes. This allows for improved data analytics and reporting capabilities.

DevOps and Automation: Implement DevOps practices and automation to streamline development, testing, and deployment processes. This increases development speed and ensures the stability of modernized applications.

User Training and Change Management: Prepare your workforce for the changes brought by modernization. User training and change management programs are essential to ensure a smooth transition.

Partner with Experts: Collaborate with IT service providers and consultants who specialize in AS400 modernization. Their expertise can guide you through the process and help you make informed decisions.

In conclusion, IBMi modernization is not an option for businesses looking to thrive in today's digital landscape. It's a strategic move that can unlock new opportunities, improve efficiency, and ensure the long-term viability of your IT infrastructure. By embracing new technologies and following a thoughtful modernization strategy, organizations can revitalize their AS400 systems, making them more adaptable and competitive in the modern age.