The Future of IBM i Series: Modernization and Integration in the Digital Age

The IBM i Series, formerly known as AS/400, has stood the test of time as a reliable and versatile platform for businesses. Since its introduction in the late 1980s, it has evolved to meet the changing needs of the digital landscape.

The future of the IBM i Series looks promising, driven by several key factors that highlight its continued relevance in the modern business world. In this article, we will explore the modernization efforts, cloud adoption, continued support and development, community and ecosystem, and focus on security that ensure the IBM i Series remains a valuable choice for businesses.

Modernization Efforts

IBM has been actively promoting modernization strategies for the i Series to ensure its continued relevance in the evolving technology landscape. One of the key initiatives is the integration of cloud capabilities. By enhancing development tools and supporting modern programming languages alongside traditional RPG and COBOL, IBM is making the i Series more accessible to a wider range of developers.

Cloud Adoption

As more organizations move towards hybrid cloud environments, the IBM i Series is well-positioned to integrate seamlessly with cloud solutions. IBM has introduced services that allow i Series applications to run on IBM Cloud, which can enhance scalability and flexibility. This integration enables businesses to leverage the power of the cloud while retaining the robustness of the i Series platform.

Continued Support and Development

IBM's commitment to ongoing support and development for the i Series platform is another crucial factor in its future success. Regular updates and enhancements are released to improve security, performance, and introduce new features. These continuous improvements ensure that the i Series remains relevant and secure, meeting the changing needs of businesses.

Community and Ecosystem

The strength of the IBM i Series community remains a significant aspect of its future success. With many third-party vendors providing solutions and support, the ecosystem surrounding the i Series is resilient and vibrant. Continued investment in training and resources helps maintain a skilled workforce familiar with the platform, ensuring that businesses can benefit from the expertise of a robust community.

Focus on Security

Security is a critical concern for businesses in the digital age, and the IBM i Series is known for its robust security features. IBM continues to enhance security protocols to protect business-critical data. This focus on security is essential for organizations that prioritize data protection, making the i Series a secure choice for many industries.

Integration with Emerging Technologies

The i Series is increasingly being integrated with emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and analytics. This integration allows organizations to leverage their existing systems while taking advantage of new technologies. The ability to adapt and integrate with emerging technologies ensures that the i Series remains a valuable platform for businesses looking to stay ahead in the digital age.

Conclusion

While the landscape of IT is always changing, the IBM i Series is likely to remain a viable option for many businesses, especially those with existing investments in the platform. Its ability to adapt to modern needs and integrate with new technologies will play a significant role in its future. As businesses continue to evolve, the IBM i Series will provide a reliable and robust foundation for their operations.

References

IBM's official website on the i Series Industry reports on the adoption of hybrid cloud environments Third-party vendor resources on the IBM i Series ecosystem

By understanding the modernization efforts, cloud adoption, continued support and development, community and ecosystem, and focus on security of the IBM i Series, businesses can make informed decisions about their technology investments and ensure they remain competitive in the digital age.