IBM i Application Modernization – Why, How and What?

IBM i application modernization isn’t a luxury anymore. It has become a necessity to sustain today’s fierce business landscape.

We aren’t claiming this in the air. Here’s what a recent report suggests –

As a progressive technology leader relying on AS400 systems for business operations, we realize, IBM i application modernization must be a part of your growth strategy.

If not, then you must consider giving this read a go to understand what is at stake if you delay your IBM i application modernization.

Without any further ado, let’s get started!

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Why should I consider IBM i Application Modernization?

My legacy system works just fine. What is the need for IBM i modernization?

My legacy system is reliable. Why is there a need to modernize it?

7/10 of our customers preach about how their legacy IBM i AS400 system is in great condition and why it doesn’t need an upgrade.

But, it’s our job to make them aware of the problems that may cross their paths in the near future.

Are you a proud IBM i user? This one is for you.

This piece will walk you through all the odds that you may face and why you should consider modernizing your IBM i applications.

Let’s begin!

My System Extends Pathetic Customer Experience!

Customer experience has a vital role to play in business today.

No matter how excellent your product/service is if you are offering a mediocre customer experience. You are creating room for your competition to outplay you, if not prioritizing customer experience.

For enterprises, it is time critical to touch ground zero and indulge with every customer/user to understand the effectiveness of the user interface offered. But, that doesn’t mean that customer/user experience isn’t essential as a parameter for modernization!

It’s the most crucial parameter as customer-facing/user-facing applications significantly impact buying decisions/productivity.

Here’s how IBM i modernization can enhance your customer experience:

• Eradicate service-level interruptions and extend a compelling buying journey
• Enables your business to create interfaces aligned to ever-changing customer expectations
• Empowers you to understand the likes and dislikes of the customers and make the necessary changes to the experiences
• Enables you to respond faster and more effectively to the customer queries

Modernized user interfaces work seamlessly for the internal business team and add up to the productivity.

My System is Exposed to Security Threats!

“When you are an IBM i user, security is not a big concern!”

Well, we agree that IBM i systems are the most robust and reliable systems that offer you great security.

But, with the changing times cyber-attacks, data leakage, and unauthorized access control have become worrisome factors, ever for IBM i users.

72% of IBM i users have listed security as the top concern.

To safeguard your data, IBM i modernization can be a good move. It’s more like revitalizing the system and diminishing the possibilities of data leakage.

The right IBM i modernization firm, well-versed in your domain of work, can help you set up indomitable security standards to hunt down ruinous security threats.

My Current Development Team/Partner Lacks Technical Expertise!

The biggest disadvantage of relying on legacy applications is the ever-shrinking talent pool.

IBM i AS400 is an undisputed powerhouse of technology, still empowering thousands of mission-critical projects.

I am Unsure if my Current System will Support the Scalability Metric

Enterprises that use legacy applications, aren’t they eligible to scale?

Well, of course, they are.

But they often fail to scale.

Reason – Legacy Applications!

How? It’s very simple.

After a point, the processing capacity or the hardware power starts to fall short. And this inability to pass the bar holds you back from scaling up.

IBM i modernization empowers your IBM i applications with a modern technology stack, process-level automation, and advanced security, and lets you handle a large volume of data with ease.

The biggest advantage that IBM i modernization brings is performance enhancement. This enables you to have more system users and process more data in a stipulated time frame.

My Current System Lacks Data Control & Management

Data is an invaluable asset today.

If you are not able to manage your enterprise data effectively and your IBM i system has weak links, you are putting your data at risk!

What amount of data you have and who has gained how much access control over your data can be a severe security threat to your business.

This is a serious threat and can lead to chaos if not treated in time.

IBM i modernization is an opportunity that you can use to define data control and management standards. You can define who gets to see what and in what authority.

There is nothing more fortunate in business than the security of data.

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I am Worried that I Might Lose the Competitive Edge & the Current Market Share!

Customer demands are on the rise.

The market is shifting at a pace that one could have never imagined.

If you are thinking that I am good with my pie of market share, you are already out of the race.

Gaining a competitive edge is no longer a part of the annual goal setting. Today, it has become a necessity to survive in the market.

Still not convinced about modernizing your IBM i applications? Let’s take a closer look at why you must do that, today.

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Why do You Need to Modernize Your iSeries Applications?

AS400/i-Series systems have been in use for over three decades now. Even in 2023, despite being a reliable technology, it has its drawbacks.

Organizations that emploddy AS400 software applications have issues from time to time, which could probably be related to performance, user experience, or both.

The following are some of the key reasons why you should definitely consider modernizing your IBM iSeries AS400 software applications right now:

Staffing

Because many AS400 software application systems are decades old, the IT specialists who manage them are nearing retirement age.

Companies and organizations’ CTOs or CIOs cannot allow such obsolete software to function independently and unsupervised. Even with the most advanced automation, such software necessitates manual intervention.

As a CTO or decision-maker in an organization, you can choose to outsource maintenance to AS400 software development companies.

UX/UI

One of the most significant disadvantages of using an AS400 iSeries system is the standard green screen on which users must operate.

Modernizing these green screens to reflect the more modern GUI (graphical user interface) while keeping all of the legacy RPG software’s benefits is an appropriate approach.

Operating System

OS 7.2 and even 7.3 seem to have become outdated as newer operating systems like 7.4 take over the iSeries realm. IBM formally ended up providing TRs (technology refreshes) and PTFs (program temporary fixes) for version 7.2 users back in April 2021.

Organizations with Power Systems can upgrade to 7.3 or 7.4, which will have AS400 support services for years to come.

Organizations utilizing non-Power Systems, on the other hand, must either modernize their technology to accommodate newer operating systems or face complications.

Manual Intervention

Automation is another critical issue to consider while thinking about modernization. The operations that run on these outdated systems, as well as the server, necessitate manual intervention. As a result, any firm that relies on legacy systems must implement a solid automation solution.

Lack of Integration

Due to a lack of integration with advanced technology, AS400/i-Series applications are segregated from other programs.

The Hardware Conundrum

The decision-makers who are sceptical about cloud migration will need to choose the most recent power system or higher to gain all of the benefits, as outdated ones lack AS400 support services and security.

Security Concerns

Despite the fact that IBM iSeries AS400 systems are quite robust and reliable, security threats might render your legacy software systems vulnerable if you are running an outdated application, database, or operating system.

The Evolution of iSeries Systems

iSeries systems, AS/400, have been around since the 1980s. They were designed for stability and reliability, making them a popular choice for businesses across various industries.

But as technology advanced at a breakneck speed, these systems started showing their age. They struggled to integrate with newer technologies, making it difficult for businesses to keep up with the digital transformation wave.

Challenges with Legacy iSeries Systems

Legacy iSeries systems pose several challenges in today’s dynamic IT landscape. For starters, they often operate in silos, making it difficult to share data and collaborate with other systems.

They also need more flexibility and scalability to support rapid business growth. Plus, maintaining and upgrading these systems can be a costly affair, eating into your IT budget.

The Impact on Business Operations

These challenges can have a significant impact on your business operations. They can lead to inefficiencies, higher operational costs, and missed opportunities for innovation.

These legacy systems can hold you back in a world where agility and innovation are key to staying competitive.

But don’t worry; there’s a solution: iSeries modernization. The process can help you overcome these challenges and unlock the full potential of your iSeries systems.

Now as you understand why you must modernize your iSeries applications, let’s take a closer look at what all legacy application modernization includes & challenges involved.

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What does Legacy Application Modernization Means?

Legacy application modernization means upgrading an existing enterprise framework with more modern, agile, scalable, highly accessible, and secure solutions.

Application modernization means redesigning existing business applications to meet growing digital needs.

Upgrading your old apps with new architecture and features gives them a new life, prevents them from becoming obsolete, and creates attractive business value.

Let’s take a closer look at the key challenges faced during legacy application modernization.

Challenges of Legacy Application Modernization

Legacy application modernization is a smart business move but comes with its own set of challenges.

Let’s understand the key challenges you might face during legacy application modernization journey, and how to tackle them.

Lack of Knowledge

This is the main challenge in updating legacy apps for the following reasons –

• Developers who developed the application are no longer in the organization or connected to the application.
• Functional and technical documentation is missing, irrelevant, or outdated,
• The source code is highly corrected
• Used third-party application/library resources not available.

One possible way to deal with this is to go to code manually and select a function, which is a tedious task since most codes (usually about 30-40% of the entire code base) are redundant or no longer exist.

Heavy Legacy Ecosystem

Each organization has been running its own IT setup, and even today, there are plenty of applications in legacy technology. In such cases, when management decides to update the old footprint completely, it significantly impacts the business.

When we take even a single application to update, the upstream and downstream applications will remain in the old technology, with many old protocols, file formats, etc., and it’s not possible to modernize them in one go.

In such cases, the method of division should be followed. We need to take the critical applications first and then handle the rest.

We may also need to set up some tools and design applications to support legacy practices so that the current business flow will not be affected during the transition period.

After all, apps are updated, legacy fingerprint support can be turned off.

Quality Guarantee

Another challenge is quality assurance, as older applications may have performed better, and newer applications may need to be tested to ensure they function better.

As with every IT project, we need to ensure that all possible test conditions and cases are well defined and pre-set for the testing phase.

User acceptance testing needs to be well-planned and having as many professional users as possible can help ensure the integrity and completeness of a modern application.

A successful component of the legacy modernization project is the involvement of business users from the application search phase to quality assurance.

Performance Achievement

Pure legacy systems like high-performance mainframes, especially in terms of batch processing.

In these cases, legacy applications need to be analyzed to replace existing parts of the code with related COTS products or frameworks. In most mainframe applications, the interface between applications or programs is usually through an intermediate file.

It can be redesigned to pass data directly without any file I/O. Another critical factor in reaching the optimal hardware size.

Data Migration

Most of the older ecosystems would have lived longer if modernization had taken place.

That way, they will have more data through business transactions. In almost all cases, it is up to gigabytes of data, if not petabytes or terabytes, and is usually organized on databases, files of various formats (text, binary), etc. In addition, older systems may use EBCDIC or any other encoding, whereas most modern systems operate on ASCII or ASCII-based encoding.

This adds another dimension to the problem of data migration when it is not organized.

To take care of the differences in coding, there are tools on the market and some ETL plugins that help in easy data migration.

If the legacy application is expected to handle data files with non-contemporary encoding, we need a framework to take it. Older system VSAM files can be migrated to SQL or NoSQL databases.

Now that you are aware of the challenges that you may face during legacy application modernization, let’s understand why companies avoid legacy application modernization.

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Why do Companies Avoid Updating their Legacy Applications?

Moving from the convenience of “known and sufficient” to the assurance of efficiency, scalability, and high productivity can be frustrating for many managers.

• How much does it cost?
• How long will it take?
• Do we have the staff resources to make this happen?

Here are some more which we found to be interesting –

The Cost of Modernization and Project Duration will be Higher

Over-budgeting is the weakness of every organization and the nightmare of the project manager. There is a real fear that the existing system will retire on the side of the new platform and incur additional costs in addition to the various advance costs that may or may not be supported. However, it is also myth #1.

The cost of updating the app is not a challenge; Cloud is the biggest money saver in IT. And all other expenses of modernization have to be paid for by the acquired functionality, the extended reach to the customers, and the application interoperability.

Legacy & New Systems May Not Work Smoothly

Updating the app is a daunting task for organizations with large legacy footprints. App updating, in this case, would be pretty more complicated and should be managed carefully. During the update process, my entire work process may stop! This is myth #2.

Application updates can be divided into simple steps to handle multiple applications simultaneously. Business continuity is at the heart of all application modernization technology.

The Integration of On-premises and Cloud Infrastructure will be Extremely Disruptive

When an organization decides to upgrade, they do not want to abandon their existing software and applications that have been created and deployed on their on-premises infrastructure. However, placing some applications in place while others are in the cloud can lead to inefficiency and an operation silo. This is myth #3.

The truth is, on-premises and cloud apps can be rented together and put together to give you a full 360-degree view of the business.

Change Management – Our Workforce can’t Keep Up

Older systems are usually outdated. It is difficult or impossible to find employees who created or were employed on this application.

Because the system is old, it leaves us without the information or skills needed to migrate data from the old system.

The complexity of migrating our old systems to new, modern platforms is beyond our capacity. If the update fails, we risk losing important data. This is myth number #4.

Now, let’s take a closer look at the security risks & challenges during IBM i application modernization.

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IBM i Security Risks and Challenges?

One of the most crucial and valid advantages of the IBM iSeries is that it is generally perceived as a secure platform. It is thought to be so because it has strong IBM i security mechanisms and durable hardware and it is supposedly uncommon for a virus to be built to target it.

However, as cyber-attacks become more widespread, IT security must become a larger concern for everybody, including those using the allegedly impenetrable AS400 iSeries.

Data privacy and security have been frequently mentioned in the news during the last decade. No one wants to be in charge of their firm when a high-profile breach occurs. Therefore, the significant legal and reputational ramifications are evident.

When IBM iSeries AS400 implemented tools such as the IFS to integrate platform software applications with Linux and Windows systems, it improved utilization while also increasing IBM i’s susceptibility to possible dangers.

Now, as you are aware of the legacy application modernization risks & challenges, let’s uncover different iSeries modernization strategies.

iSeries Application Modernization Strategies

So, you’re convinced that iSeries modernization is the way to go. But where do you start?

Let’s explore some strategies that can guide your modernization journey.

Cloud Migration: A New Home for iSeries Applications

Think of cloud migration as moving your iSeries applications from a cramped apartment (your on-premises servers) to a spacious, modern villa (the cloud). In this new home, your applications can stretch out, grow, and adapt as your business needs change.

Plus, you can enjoy the perks of living in the cloud, like scalability, flexibility, and cost-efficiency. It’s like upgrading your lifestyle without breaking the bank.

Application Modernization: Revamping Legacy Applications

Application modernization is like giving your legacy applications a makeover. You’re changing their look and feel and improving their performance, usability, and compatibility with modern technologies.

It can involve re-platforming (changing their underlying platform), re-hosting (moving them to a new environment), or even re-architecting (changing their structure or design). The result? Applications that are ready to meet the demands of today’s digital world.

Choosing the Right Strategy for Your Business

Choosing the right modernization strategy is like choosing the right path for your journey. It depends on your specific needs, goals, and resources. Cloud migration is the best fit for you, or application modernization is the way to go.

Or you may need a combination of both. The key is carefully evaluating your options and choosing a strategy that aligns with your long-term vision.

Managing an IBM AS/400 or an i-series environment is no small feat. Not all businesses can afford to spare it and require expertise, time, and resources.

So, what’s the solution? Outsourcing.

Outsourcing your iSeries administration or application modernization to experts can unlock many benefits that propel your business to new heights.

Now as you are aware of different strategies for iSeries application modernization, let’s look at different types of modernization you might want to exercise.

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Types of AS400/i-Series Modernization

Modernization is an umbrella term.

It encompasses multiple aspects of your iSeries.

Let’s understand each of them one-by-one.

Front-End Modernization

Front-End modernization solutions entail complete redesigning of your IBM iSeries AS400 user experience by reviving 5250 green screens.

Modernizing your green screens can be accomplished in four ways –

• Screen Re-facing
• RPG Open Access
• Zend PHP Server
• API & UI Framework

Code Modernization

Some organizations continue to employ fixed-form RPG programming rather than free-form code. Although free-form coding is easier to comprehend, many modern language functionalities are not accessible in a fixed format.

RPG fixed form is incompatible with modern coding languages, which are all free form. As a result, they must be re-evaluated into a three-tier modernized code.

Cloud Migration

This method is effective in both ways, particularly when it comes to reliability and security. Migrating all of your data from your AS400 iSeries to a third-party cloud service like Azure, AWS, or Oracle is undoubtedly daunting.

However, cloud companies have improved their reliability in order to provide users with a sense of security. Moving your apps to the cloud reduces server maintenance costs and ensures that your data is secure during IT emergencies.

Methods for transferring your information to the cloud server –

• Application re-hosting (lift and shift)
• Batch job migration
• Application re-engineering

RPA on RPG

Automation enables decision-makers of the companies to focus on more essential work processes and strategies while RPA bots handle routine tasks. Organizations end up saving time and money as a result of this.

When installed for your IBM iSeries AS400 systems, RPA can accomplish the following tasks –

• Data entry
• Data extraction
• Ticket creation
• Machine monitoring
• Reporting

Integration Solution

The modernization of AS400 iSeries software applications will not be complete unless all of your systems are integrated to share data. Most applications running on AS400 frameworks are isolated from other software or systems in the environment.

It occurs because IT leaders are unable to create appropriate system documentation; IT staff are overburdened with several other responsibilities or are unfamiliar with the integration protocols and technologies that support interface.

Here are a few systems with which iSeries can be integrated –

• CRM integration
• SAP Integration
• Mobile application integration
• BI platform integration

Now that you know different ways you can modernize your iSeries applications, let’s look at the key benefits of application modernization.

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Benefits of IBM i Application & Data Modernization

To stay competitive, you need to stay updated. An essential aspect of staying current is updating your legacy IBM iSeries AS400 business suite with constantly evolving technology.

This does not mean changing your existing business system. It means integrating the existing IBM AS400 platform with new and emerging technologies. This way, the time, money, and efforts you have already invested will be the same, but you’ll get more ROI.

There are many ways to upgrade your IBM iSeries applications to create new business value and meet your emerging needs. Whether you want to update apps, data, or platforms.

Your IBM iSeries can be updated in three ways –

• Application Modernization
• Data Modernization
• Platform Modernization

Let’s discuss each of these in detail.

Application Modernization

Reconstruct, redesign, or strengthen your IBM i software using a web interface to differentiate business logic from presentation.

What is an Application Modernization?

Application modernization is a process when a company updates or redesigns its existing software to align it with emerging needs in a better way and to extract more value. This usually involves updating the architecture, infrastructure, or key product features.

How to Modernize?

Features of PHP make it ideal for creating a reliable web interface for existing IBM iSeries applications so that it can support more use cases with web and mobile users.

For example, PHP provides DB2 language extensions as well as tools to facilitate seamless integration with XML Service.

Data Modernization

Unlock the power of your IBM i data by making it easier to use with more trusted applications.

What is Data Modernization?

This is an important point in our journey towards creating a data set that is adaptable and versatile to identify real up-to-date data.

We need to pay attention to the big truth about data: that older data tools can’t handle modern data problems.

The specific data set consists of a large number of steps, such as a large number of tools and integrations, all of which result in operational complications, time delays, and preventive costs.

What is the importance of data modernization?

Data modernization has become a primary concern because it can provide exemplary data experiences that deliver critical and remarkable knowledge, integrate API-driven applications, and respond to the real-time demands of a healthy business environment.

How to Modernize?

The CRUD (Create, Read, Update, Delete) application is a proven way to quickly connect more users with the data they need through the web interface. For example, writing a few lines of PHP-based phpGrid code makes it easier to implement a CRUD application.

Modernizing your data is the fastest way to transform your organization into a data-driven analysis organization.

Benefits of Modernizing Data Platforms

Platform Modernization

Upgrade your IBM iSeries AS400 platform to interact with new technologies to improve your business processes.

How to Modernize?

IBM iSeries has a long legacy as a solution platform. You can improve the return on investment for your IBM AS400 system by deploying accessible, open-source technologies like WordPress, Drupal, and Magenta. In addition, the open-source enterprise architects provide solutions such as IBM, Apache, Maria DB, and a set of PHP (iAMP) solutions.

Now, that you are aware of the benefits of IBM i application & data modernization, let’s understand web services in IBM iSeries.

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The Essence of Webservices in IBM iSeries AS400

Primarily web services are concerned with program-to-program interactions. For example, in IBM AS400 modernization, you can use web services to connect the backend processing system of organizations with markets. Or you can use this for order fulfillment and employee management.

Webservices also supports offerings between businesses and customers, the same as a browser-based internet model. Furthermore, web services also let companies manage daily tasks systematically. However, the selection of web services can be dynamic as per requirements.

Three Stages of Webservices Integration and Interactions

Now, the big question is – “How to enable web services?”

Enabling Web Services

Generally, several new technologies are used for developing web services. Also, developers may reasonably argue that web services can be developed without using any modern technology. But, web services are mainly written using these technologies:

• eXtensible Markup Language (XML) Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP)
• Web services Description Language (WSDL)
• Universal Discovery Description and Integration (UDDI)

If you want to “Enable Web services,” then you should know about these technologies.

XML

eXtensible Markup Language is an extensible tag language used to describe complex systems in a way that is easy to understand. Webservices rely on XML to a larger extent. XML makes use of textual records instead of binary records. Well, we know that binary records
are faster to process, but in order to set develop a standard in more than
decade, some standard has been defined for using binary records.

Since XML is textual data, the issue of using different hardware and language doesn’t occur generally. And such features make it platform independent. It takes minimal time for a CPU to create and parse XML data. And this adds up to significantly less processing time than necessary to convert software to a binary format.

Also, it would help if you weren’t concerned about XML praising time, as the more important thing is – businesses should talk to each other. And XML enables this conversation.

SOAP

Simple Object Access Protocol (SOAP) is an XML protocol used for describing how a message is developed and sent between the parties included in web services. SOAP is a set of XML tags. With SOAP XML tags, you could outline a remote procedure call (RPC). The external tag is referred to as the SOAP envelope. The process has some parameters and includes return values that needed to be passed. XML tags in the SOAP envelope describe every parameter and the return value.

SOAP envelopes can be delivered through various communication channels. In the current specification of SOAP, it is mentioned that it is used for sending SOAP covers over HTTP (with or without the HTTP extension). Although, the specification makes it clear that other protocols can be integrated within the SOAP architecture. For example, you may send SOAP envelopes via email, i.e., Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), or over a messaging product.

WSDL

Web Services Description Language (WSDL) is a kind set of XML tags that can explain the interface to web services. Also, it can be used in IBM AS400 modernization. In terms of features, WSDL is like CORBA’s Interface Definition Language (IDL).)

When a web service is made available to an application outsourcing services provider, it includes the instructions about the parameters that need to be handed at the SOAP request and the parameters needed to be returned. IBM AS400 modernization web service toolkit consists of tools to develop WSDL from existing applications.

UDDI

Universal Discovery Description and Integration (UDDI) is a plan for designated web-based data registries of web services. UDDI is likewise a publicly approachable set of operations of the requirement that permit organizations to register data about web services. UDDI offers SOAP APIs that define the interface of an IBM application outsourcing services provider. You can seek a UDDI registry or look for a company providing certain types of services.

Prior to UDDI, there has been no easy way to gain info about the service offering of an IBM AS400 integrated organization. Also, there was no single point of access to let companies target all feasible buying and selling companions and their offerings. Without UDDI, web services outsourcing partners need to have more than one repository type.

Integrated Webservices for IBM AS400 Modernization

Integrated web services for IBM AS400 modernization enables ILE applications to adopt web services and SOA arena with determination, information, and necessary resources. The conjunction of web services and IBM AS400 technologies can help organizations release conventional business methods and make it easier to enhance, upgrade, and reuse applications and processes beyond the scope.

In today’s fast-paced technology world, APIs are becoming a synonym to the digital refection of an enterprise. You call it web API or web services but getting started with IBM AS400 modernization will be easier than ever with the IWS for IBM i. The bottom line is that today’s flexible businesses require flexible IT setup, and the path to this flexibility is Service Oriented Architecture (SOA).

Features and Benefits

The IBM consulting services provider integrates technologies that support the conversion of the data object into a suitable form and make them ready for export. IBM AS400 iSeries modernization services enable externalization of an ILE program object as web APIs and the consumption of services by an Integrated Language Environment (ILE) object. Such technologies are integrated web services servers for ILE.

But do you know the process of Integrated Web Services Server?

Integrated Web Services Server: The web service engine is integrated into IBM AS400 modernization and converted ILE data object into a service. This integration opens the IBM modernization technology to various implementations, like RPG, COBOL, .NET, Web 2.0, C, C++, and Java.

Features

Easy to Use

The web service server is easy to use as the GUI front end allows the companies to manage and monitor deployed web services.

Leading Edge

The web service server is developed on the powerful and lightweight, integrated application server and best-in-class technologies, SOAP, and REST support.

Small Footprint

Uses Integrated Language Environment (ILE) programming architecture for nominal utilization of IBM AS400 modernization resources.

Benefits

Get Started with No up-front Costs

The integrated web service server is a component of the OS, so companies can get services fast and running and show substantial results in real-time.

Focus on Core Capabilities

Companies don’t require additional hardware setup or skills to deploy their IBM AS400 set up to deploy web services. They can simultaneously focus on providing more value to the customers while the integration process goes on.

Importance of webservices done & dusted? Now, let’s understand why working with an AS400 technology partner provides the right balance during IBM i modernization.

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Why Work with an AS400 Partner for IBM i Modernization?

The modern technology that exists today may seem outdated tomorrow as new technologies are emerging every day. IBM AS400 is one such technology introduced 30 years ago and needed modernization.

Now, organizations may get confused in modernizing the application in-house or outsourcing the task. Outsourcing means you can get the process done outside without disturbing the internal process.

You may choose to work in-house, but an organization needs lots of resources, a dedicated team of developers, and many more important things to complete the task. This blog explains why AS400 needs modernization and the importance of outsourcing the job.

Daily, we read about emerging technologies and their potential to rebuild entire organizations. But generally, we focus on one side of it, like back-office etc., and not on the whole business process, say job applications, payment processing, and help desk tickets.

It’s time for organizations to focus on the entire workflow and not just one, as emerging technologies reshape the core business functions. And to help you out in the end-to-end approach of modernizing the overall setup, i Series AS400 services can help you out at every step of the process.

What should I know before I approach an IBM i Modernization Company?

See, if you think this way, you are wise and not wrong.

Any wise technology leader would think at least 10 times before they proceed with a strategic technological partnership.

But, how should you navigate this scenario?

Simple, by asking the right questions to yourself, your team, your IBM i users.

Thinking, what questions to ask?

Let’s take a look at a few of them.

What are the current business challenges and possible solutions?

IBM i Modernization isn’t a “One size fits all” approach, you need to understand this first.

Agreed that you are going to rope in the best-in-class IBM i modernization company to do the job for you. If you are fortunate enough, you will also be able to land a firm that carries domain expertise in your field of work.

However, they aren’t acquainted with the system that you are using as you do. No one, believe us no one knows your current system better than you and your users.

Going further, if you want them to understand your system and then figure out the possible solutions, it’s going to eat up more time and budget for sure.

So, what can be done in this case?

Following these steps, you will have your first-hand insights ready.

What are my modernization goals in terms of system performance, process optimization, support, etc?

Now that you have understood the significance of gathering first-hand insights, let’s understand the significance of prioritizing them.

IBM i modernization may sound different to each enterprise, depending upon the scope, goals, priority, and urgency. Before you call upon it, it’s of vital importance to figure out the “WHY”.

Let’s do this with a few examples –

IBM i modernization is not a job that one can easily pull out in a day or two. You as a part of the system have a major role to play.

You have to know the nitty-gritty of the system that you are using besides the areas that need special attention during the IBM i modernization process.

What security concerns are to be addressed through the IBM i Modernization Process?

Without a second thought, IBM i iSeries is hands down the most reliable, robust, and secure platform. That is one of the reasons that enterprises rely relentlessly on IBM i.

With time, as technology progressed so did the security threats.

As an IBM i user, if you are thinking of IBM i modernization then security enforcement should be your top priority. Security threats like cyberattacks, data leakage, and data breaches can be costlier, not only to your bank account but also to your reputation in the business.

Gaining insights into the user and data accessibility, you are now in a position to draft security specifications.

Now, all you need to do is implement these security measures through the right IBM i modernization partner.

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What infrastructure, applications, and services need improvement?

IBM i modernization doesn’t mean revamping the whole setup!

A lot of leaders often think of it as an end-to-end revamp and defer IBM i modernization till the system fails. And, to be honest, this costs you 10 times more than the actual modernization.

What we are underlining here is the fact that IBM i modernization is all about an upgrade, to make the system function better. It could be an application, a service, or a hardware component.

All you have to figure out are the challenges and opportunities to improvise. Once you get in talks with an IBM i modernization company, the IBM i experts will determine the components that demand an upgrade.

You get to see a detailed orientation of why a component of your IBM i setup needs a replacement or upgrade and what difference can you expect from it. Nothing goes out of the setup unless and until you agree to do so.

5 Tips to Choose the Best Application Outsourcing Company for Your AS400 Software

There are many AS400 outsourcing and management companies in today’s highly competitive world, so it is quite difficult to choose the right one.

Now that you know what to consider before choosing an AS400 technology partner and tips for selecting the right one, let’s explore how they can help.

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How an AS400 Technology Partner Helps with Your iSeries Management?

Navigating the complexities of iSeries management can be a daunting task. But with a reliable AS400 technology partner by your side, it doesn’t have to be.

With their experience in IBM technologies, they help you optimize your operations, boost productivity, and propel your business growth.

Here’s how –

Expert Consultation and Strategy

Their team of seasoned iSeries experts is ready to roll up their sleeves and dive into your specific business needs and objectives. Drawing from their vast industry experience, they’ll craft a custom strategy to optimize your IBM iSeries environment.

Whether you aim to streamline operations, bolster security, or integrate new technologies, a team of consultants is your trusted guide.

Seamless Integration and Migration

They are masters of seamlessly weaving the iSeries software into your IT infrastructure network. They offer migration services to help you upgrade from outdated systems to the latest iSeries versions.

The goal is to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption to your operations, all while maximizing system performance and efficiency.

Robust Security Measures

They understand that data security isn’t just a priority – it’s a necessity. The team of experts will fortify your iSeries environment with robust security measures to shield your data from threats.

They’ve got your back, from securing your data at rest and in transit to setting up firewalls and intrusion detection systems.

Ongoing Support and Maintenance

Their commitment to you extends beyond setting up your iSeries environment for success. They offer ongoing support and maintenance to ensure your systems run like a well-oiled machine.

Whether troubleshooting system issues or providing regular software updates, the team of experts is always ready to assist.

Cost-Effective Solutions

They believe top-tier IT services shouldn’t have a hefty price tag. They strive to deliver cost-effective solutions without skimping on quality.

By entrusting your IBM iSeries management to a reliable technology partner, you’ll save on hiring, training, and retaining an in-house team.

Benefits an IBM i Modernization Company Can Provide

Let’s take a look at some tangible benefits that an IBM i modernization company brings to business for you.

Faster Provisioning

Quickly launch IBM i software applications, then shut them down once you’re finished.

Modernized IBM i Applications

Convert fixed-format RPG to free-form RPG by automating the process.

Reduced Time to Market

Develop new IBM i business software applications rapidly and release them faster than ever.

Single DevOps Pipeline

Streamline the development of software applications from test to production with a single DevOps pipeline.

Accelerated Developer Onboarding

With modern tools like Jenkins and Git, new software developers will have a shorter learning curve.

Shift IBM i Application development to the Cloud

Create a cloud-based AS400 development environment in a matter of seconds, complete with Jenkins and Git. With modern tooling, you can accelerate the onboarding of new IBM i developers.

Secure Deployment of IBM i Applications

Using next-generation deployment technology, you can speed up the provisioning of test and production environments.

Transform Legacy RPG to Modern Free Form

Automate the process of converting fixed-format RPG code (without interrupting the run) to contemporary free-form RPG as part of your DevOps workflow. Make RPG simple to understand for the next generation of software developers.

Now that you understand how a technology partner makes an impact, let’s take a look at the top 5 IBM i companies that can help you drive your modernization journey toward success.

List of Top 5 IBM i Modernization Companies

Choosing an IBM i modernization partner whilst the crowded market is like finding a needle from a haystack.

Fret not! We won’t make it that hard for you.

To save you the legwork, we’ve already put together a quick list of top 5 companies that can help drive your modernization initiative toward success.

Let’s take a look at them one-by-one.

Integrative Systems

In today’s competitive business environment, smooth processing is required, including data feeds to and from corporate partners, customers, third-party vendors, and suppliers.

At Integrative Systems, we are aware of business procedures as well as user expectations for the workplace. We make sure IBM i system applications function efficiently with other platforms.

Integrative Systems’ IBM i AS400 interface support enables users to work at the intersection of humans and technology. We have a thorough understanding of IBM i products such as the AS400, iSeries, and System i.

We have transformed and modernized Green screen IBM i AS400 software applications into a modern browsers, windows, and mobile-based applications.

We have achieved this with little to no modification to the databases and underlying business logic, providing a low-cost and low-risk method of leveraging your current investments in IBM i AS400 systems.

Features –

• AS400 development and programming
• IBM i application modernization
• AS400 support and enhancement
• IBM i consultation
• AS400 iSeries migration and integration
• IBM i AS400 DevOps

Benefits we offer –

• Certified and experienced IT talent
• Agile project management methodologies
• 360-degree requirement analysis
• Unbeatable performance and speed
• Maximum security, reliability and, scalability
• 24×7 customer support
• Post-live support

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Srinsoft

Srinsoft has extensive experience and expertise in transforming IBM i-based applications to web-based applications without negatively impacting business operations.

Their team specializes in modernizing iSeries business rules or modules into web applications that can be integrated and used across various platforms such as web, smartphone, and tablet devices.

Features –

• Modernization of the user interface with improved features
• Real-time reports and dashboards on the web
• Provides assistance for event-driven layout with business modules reorganized as web services
• Enhances database architecture

Benefits –

• The in-house team of experts provides solutions for modernization by utilizing a variety of existing tools.
• Full-stack modernization supports the rewrite, reface, and renew methodology by increasing the overall value of the application.

Rocket Software

Rocket Software provides several solutions, the most popular of which is the Rocket Modern Experience, which is used to manage the modernization journey. It enables your critical backend applications to be web-enabled and accessible via web and mobile browsers.

Features –

• Workflow discovery is supported, which aids in the development of a model that allows for end-to-end workflow visibility.
• With electronic data interchange, web development has been simplified.
• Supports drag-and-drop programming tools with runtime components.

Benefits –

• Development tools with drag-and-drop functionality
• Easy workflows and navigation

Fresche Solutions

Fresche Solutions is a premier IBM i modernization company.

It has worked with over 2,200 clients from various industries around the world to transform their technological and organizational needs.

Features –

• Provides a variety of AS400 development and IBM i modernization services.
• Create code in Java or PHP that is portable and standard.
• Aids in the testing of the security and usability of the software application.

Benefits –

• Staff with years of experience and new developers.
• Provides end-to-end project consulting services.

An automated method reduces errors while increasing accuracy.

ARCAD Software

ARCAD offers comprehensive IBM i modernization tools from start to finish for each application tier. Its Observer product provides real-time insights into your current application’s system architecture and business rules.

Features –

• Allows you to create I/O and workflow diagrams for existing AS400 systems.
• Analyze your application architecture from a high level using functional dependency relationships and database relationships.
• Aids in the creation of technical documentation that is assured to be current and accurate.
• The impact analysis of changing existing applications allows you to make informed decisions about which aspects and areas of IBM i applications to modernize.

Benefits –

• Provides IBM i application modernization as a service.
• Supports full-stack modernization, including database, source code, and user interface.

Don’t get overwhelmed with too many options to choose from. You need just one technology partner who aligns perfectly with your IBM i modernization goals, that’s it.

Integrative Systems provides the right balance by preparing you both technologically & strategically for the modern-day business environment.

Let’s understand how it approaches IBM i modernization.

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How Integrative Helps Achieve a Smoother IBM i Modernization?

In its 25+ years of service, Integrative has always prioritized its customers’ success and does it even today with pride.

Being an IBM Silver Business Partner, Integrative has outgrown through the contribution of its talented AS400 experts who have worked on projects of varied complexities.

The Integrative approach is pretty simple, to be honest.

Before getting into the technicalities, our experts believe in exploring the problem. They believe in empirical exposure and after experiencing the same, they help you build a holistic solution for it and not something that just serves the purpose.

Let’s understand the approach in greater depth!

Assess Legacy System for Challenges & Opportunities to Improvise

As an IBM i modernization partner, Integrative begins its journey by assessing your legacy system.

Having worked on a variety of domains, we rope in a team of AS400 experts who can do justice to your modernization requirements. We ensure we help you make the most out of our AS400 experts’ expertise.

In this phase of IBM i modernization, our experts make an effort to understand the challenges encountered by the system users.

Besides the system assessment, our team also communicates with you to understand your observations and identify the opportunities to improvise the current system.

Discuss the Scope & Priority

After a thorough system investigation and assessment, the team of IBM i experts comes up with the scope of work.

The team outlines a scope for your IBM i modernization considering challenges encountered by system users, inputs shared by the core team and opportunities sought for improvement.

The team of IBM i experts utilizes the fullest of their domain expertise to lay down modernization specifications. And, presents the same to your core team.

You are not bound to accept all the suggestions but, trust us when we say this, the recommendations are purely carried out to make your system competent.

Develop a plan for End-to-End IBM i Modernization

As an IBM i modernization partner, we categorize the scope of work and devise it into small strategic milestones to generate momentum.

Planning for IBM i modernization is different than building software from scratch.

The procedures may seem identical but they are not. When you are modernizing a complex system there are dependencies, integrations, and repercussions to be handled with care.

Our team of IBM i experts plans and strategizes for each small step before starting with the implementation.

Implementation & Data Migration

At this stage, the action begins!

Our team of IBM i experts starts the implementation process according to the detailed plan of action.

Objective-based planning helps the team gain momentum real quick and you get to see the progress cooking right next to your eyes.

Data migration is the most critical part of the IBM i modernization process. We make sure that it happens smoothly and without any data loss.

Test the Performance of the System post-IBM i Modernization

Ensuring the performance of the modernized IBM i system is essential, and our team of IBM i experts does it with utmost care and precision.

Support & Maintenance

Integrative has always put its customers first. As an IBM i modernization company, Integrative strives to be your consistent companion.

Our team of IBM i experts makes sure that your IBM i modernization is done correctly and post that the support team makes sure that your team copes with the modernized system well.

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Why Is Integrative Systems Your Best Bet?

Integrative Systems has gained significant technical expertise and industry knowledge on the IBM i AS400 platform over the last two decades, including:

• RPG/400
• AS/SET
• J2EE
• WebSphere
• Domino/Notes

Our IBM i AS400 project management and technical teams put themselves in the customers’ shoes to understand their problems and develop a comprehensive solution rather than just a quick fix.

So, what are you waiting for?

Send us an email about your business goals and needs at [email protected], and let’s get started working towards them!

Frequently Asked Questions (IBM i Modernization Tools and Services)

1. Why do organizations need IBM i modernization?

Ans- Organizations benefit from IBM i application modernization to modern platforms and technologies in a variety of ways –

• Enhancing the customer experience
• Simpler data management
• Making application deployment easier and more efficient
• Increasing the security and reliability of systems and applications
• Developing effective innovations and scaling
• Following procedures and being prepared for audits

2. What are the benefits of IBM i application modernization?

Ans- IBM i application modernization contributes to increased security, fault tolerance, compliance with work procedures, and ever-increasing audits. With the changing technological ecosystems, it is critical to modernize legacy applications in order to achieve long-term gains in productivity and increased profitability.

3. What is the AS400 iSeries technology?

Ans- The AS400, also known as the IBM i is a midrange computer system that was introduced in 2006. It is intended for small and mid-sized businesses and includes a world-class application server that is reliable, robust, and scalable.

Apps developed on AS400 iSeries systems are typically business-critical, as they are a major revenue generator.

However, advanced technologies have developed over time, rendering the AS400’s monolithic architecture obsolete. As a result, it is essential to modernize AS400 or IBM i software applications.

4. Why is AS/400 still used by Thousands of Companies?

Ans- There are easily over 100,000 companies using the AS/400 server hardware technology alongside iSeries Cobol business-critical applications running on newer hardware. AS/400 systems often co-exist with IBM i server series platform technologies. Banks, hospitals, distribution centres, retailers, government agencies, and manufacturing plants use AS/400 and AS400 iSeries systems despite procuring the newer IBM iSeries platforms.

AS/400 systems have a reputation within the organizations having heavy requirements, often making it the default choice for health information systems, ERP, and banking use cases. IBM conducted a recent survey, in which it was found that almost half of IBM i users relied on IBM i/AS400 infrastructure to run a majority of the iSeries Cobol business applications and information technology workload.

5. Why are IBM i and AS/400 so Popular than Ever?

Ans- Simply put, IBM iSeries is a forward-integrated, upgrade-ready modernization platform. Its well-thought architecture ensures that it is future proof. Even down the road, a century from now, with artificial intelligence literally taking over the day-to-day activities of humankind, IBM Power Systems and iSeries Cobol or RPG business apps of today would provide at least base support to such future technologies.

6. What does Application Outsourcing Means?

Ans- Application outsourcing is a general term for outsourcing business processes. The process involves many phases like – software life cycle development, consulting and maintenance related services. Application outsourcing services also includes design, testing, or production-related services.

For AS400 i Series outsourcing services mean, businesses rely on a third-party company to get their work done to avoid the burden of doing the work in-house. Recent advancements in cloud computing services have made application outsourcing possible at remote locations.

And this single revolution has given many businesses the option to outsource the work to a range of third-party i Series AS400 services providers.

7. Why IBM iSeries AS400 Need Modernization?

Ans- Large organizations often run mission-critical workloads on AS400 software that are older, expensive to maintain, and difficult to operate. Today, many organizations want to modernize their existing AS400 applications to gain higher scalability and cost benefits. Still, not every organization has the needful resources and experienced in-house team to complete the task. In such a scenario, application outsourcing is the best option.