AS400 Services – How They Contribute to Operational Resilience?

If you are a small or medium-sized business owner or manager, you must know the scope and benefits of modern technology within the organizations.

Technology enables SMBs to compete with big market players exceptionally. In the field of IBM i, most SMB fear implementing technology in their business operations as it needs constant upgrades.

And the truth is – technology will need regular updates as the demands of consumers are continuously rising. Also, your desire for your IT infrastructure to run faster is the reason that technologies always come with an update.

So, to say, out of all the iSeries services, opt for an upgrade for your iSeries setup.

The significant benefit of an upgrade is that it addresses security vulnerabilities, fixes bugs, and enhances functionalities.

But it would be best for you to consider some factors before going for an upgrade for your existing setup.

Let’s go through the blog to understand the necessity of timely AS400 upgrades.

Why Should You go for an AS400 System Upgrade?

IBM’s hardware and software products are robust, and organizations are relying on old iSeries services do not even think of replacing them because they are familiar with the system, and they are easy to maintain.

They do not see any reason in the upcoming future to remove or upgrade their mission-critical infrastructure.

Some clients are die-hard fans of the IBM iSeries services and still refer to the latest technology with an older name like IBM AS400.

Undoubtedly, IBM iSeries services have done a great job building reliable and scalable systems that are astonishing in today’s modern business environment.

But you can’t forget that technology always needs an upgrade, and in this competitive era, you can’t stick with a philosophical line like – “If it isn’t broken, don’t fix it.”

“Why spend time and money to upgrade our existing setup to the latest version when it’s working fine?”

This is the most common question frequently heard from IBM iSeries service users satisfied with their existing solution and do not want to upgrade to the latest version of IBM iSeries operating systems.

However, there are various reasons to upgrade their current AS400 set up to the most recent version.
Let’s look at them, one-by-one!

Inclining Cost of Maintenance

Maintaining an aging AS400 infrastructure is an expensive process.

Older hardware components require more maintenance, while replacement parts are hard to come by.

In addition, legacy iSeries services take up more IT resources, which means higher labor costs. By investing in IBM iSeries managed services, your system will be brought up to date, reducing the costs of operations in the long run.

Instead of operating with reactive maintenance, you can leverage the services of a reliable AS400 services provider for dependable performance, proactive monitoring, and efficient support while eliminating wasteful maintenance costs.

Shooting Costs of Power & Cooling

Having an old IBM iSeries operating system comes with a heavy power load and cooling.

The older systems are power inefficient and always require cooling, which translates to a significant amount of money in the power bills.

With the shift to the most up-to-date AS400 services, you can reap the benefits of power optimization, leading to decreased operating costs.

New iSeries web services and hardware upgrades are designed with increased power efficiency, which reduces the load on data centers and infrastructure.

The transition helps you accomplish the green initiatives while lowering power costs.

Make Your Tech Environment-Friendly

IBM i platforms today use advanced energy-saving technology with smaller carbon footprints.

With organizations embracing green IT initiatives, the shift to iSeries services ensures compliance with global standards for green initiatives.

Compared to the energy-intensive legacy systems, the new iSeries support services use energy-saving processing units, resulting in an environmentally friendly IT setup.

By adopting IBM i/AS400 developers’ best practices, you can significantly minimize wastage while complying with corporate responsibility programs for reducing ecological footprint.

Mitigate the Risk of Failure

The older your IBM iSeries installation, the higher the risk of breakdown.

Legacy systems are at risk for hardware failures, compatibility issues, and security attacks, leading to costly downtime.

The lack of easily found replacement parts for older systems makes disaster recovery more difficult.

iSeries security in later versions of IBM i provides more protection for computer threats as well as for system crashes.

Conversion to an updated system ensures uninterrupted operations, increased stability, and robust recovery choices, reducing risks for business continuity and data integrity.

Got clarity on why should you upgrade your AS400 systems timely?

Next, let’s understand how AS400 services provider helps you keep up with the upgrades.

How AS400 Services Providers Helps Upkeep with Upgrades?

Answer this simple question for us – “Why do you still trust IBM AS400 systems?”

Let us guess it – Reliability. Performance. Security.

It’s been more than 3 decades, and AS400 is still boasted for its unmatched capabilities for – performance, reliability, and security.

There’s nothing wrong with that belief. But, what most of the CTOs miss out on is – the way businesses operated has also evolved over the years.

The disconnect between – technology and business needs is leading to chaos.

Bottom line? Your AS400 systems will thrive with the same sort of performance, reliability, and security provisions – it just needs timely upgrades.

And, a reliable AS400 services provider will help you seize the gap between legacy technology and evolving business needs, effectively.

However, with evolving business needs and technological advancements, organizations must adapt their iSeries services to maintain efficiency and security.

From IBM iSeries managed services to iSeries security services, modern day businesses require AS400 experts who can optimize, secure, and integrate these legacy systems.

Integrative Systems, as an IBM partner, specializes in offering comprehensive AS400 services, ensuring businesses stay ahead in a competitive market.

IBM iSeries Managed Services

iSeries managed services are designed to help you manage, monitor, and optimize your AS400 environments.

We provide end-to-end IBM iSeries managed services, ensuring maximum uptime and security while allowing businesses to focus on their core operations.

AS400 Modernization Services

Some CTOs/companies still prefer to run on legacy AS400 systems and outdated applications.

Realize, that without modernization, you may incur higher maintenance costs, integration hurdles, and security setbacks!

Thinking, “What key AS400 modernization services include?”

Our seasoned team of AS400 modernization experts helps you integrate legacy applications with modern-day solutions, enabling agility and scalability.

iSeries Web Services & RPG Integration

Modern-day business demands seamless connectivity among AS400 applications and modern-day solutions.

iSeries web services and RPG-based solutions pivot this integration, effortlessly.

Thinking, “What do iSeries web services have to offer?”

Our iSeries web services experts specialize in RPG integration and development. They ensure that your IBM i applications integrate effortlessly with modern-day business solutions.

AS400 Support & Maintenance Services

IBM i systems are known for their stability and longevity – hands down!

But, you can’t deny the fact that these systems need timely maintenance to run efficiently and offer peak performance, like any other system on the back of the earth.

Thinking, “What difference will an investment in AS400 support & maintenance services make?”

With a reliable iSeries support services partner in place, you can operate seamlessly with strengthened security stature and elevated system performance.

iSeries Security Services

Cyber threats continue to evolve, and you must prioritize IBM i security to safeguard your sensitive business data and timely compliance.

Still thinking, “What would I gain from investing in iSeries security services?”

Our seasoned team of IBM i/AS400 security experts help implement tailored security solutions to protect your sensitive business data from data breaches, ransomware, and unauthorized access.

Next, let’s understand the factors you must consider before going for an upgrade.

What Factors to Consider before You Upgrade?

It’s not easy to make changes, but if you compare the benefits of upgrading IBM iSeries services to advanced technology platforms, the difference is easily justified.

When it comes to deciding which services you need in an updated version, various factors like dependencies and features are considered.

Have a look at few factors

1. Identify which Versions of IBM iSeries Managed Services your System Needs

Before you go for an upgrade, you must verify the version of IBM iSeries operating systems your hardware can support.

There are pre-defined limits between the hardware you are running and the OS versions it can support.

If your hardware has limited up-gradation capabilities, then you do not have many choices.

But we suggest you upgrade your setup to the highest level, as per compatibility.

2. Look for Compatibility between Existing Business Applications and IBM iSeries Services

After hardware, things fall to the software of IBM iSeries services.

It’s important to know which version of software your existing infrastructure can support.

Furthermore, you may need to look at your application’s software dependencies by considering additional solutions like Java and WebSphere.

3. Watch for Features that Offer Value

Once you have sorted the hardware and software-related issues and identified their compatibility, now it’s time to consider the upgraded version’s available features, if they can be beneficial for your business.

IBM iSeries services are constantly changing with new features, and that too in general technology refreshers.

The most significant capability of IBM iSeries services is that you get various modern features after every major update, and you can get specific features as per requirement.

Still indecisive if you should go for an upgrade or not?

Next, let’s look at some technological gains you make with timely upgrades.

What are the Key Technological Gains of Timely AS400 Upgrades?

We understand from a CTOs perspective it’s a difficult call to make.

Now, where your tech is operating well, keeping the operational friction and integration issues aside – what could be the motivator for an upgrade?

Why would you put in some extra IT budget toward an AS400 software/hardware upgrade when you can use it somewhere else?

Because – this single timely investment can save you many that your tech might demand in the near future.

A stitch in time saves nine – relatable?

Let’s understand about some immediate technological gains you make with timely AS400 software/hardware upgrades.

1. Reduced Security Vulnerabilities

Security updates can be the most significant reason to keep your IBM iSeries software updated.

As the technology is exposed to the internet, your company database is more exposed to hackers, so it’s essential not to neglect any significant technical update.

Using an outdated version of the software is like living in a house with no door locks.

And, if you choose to ignore regular updates on your system, you are inviting unwanted intruders.

So, it’s best to stay updated with the latest technology and minimize the risk of exposure.

2. An Opportunity to Fix Bugs and Errors

Software crashing issues, bugs, and other problems in your IBM iSeries services could go away if you chose to stay updated.

But, if you decide not to upgrade your existing software, these problems will not go away.

Every software built to date has some room for improvement, and manufacturers try to fill this room by releasing updates.

If you lack in-house expertise to keep your systems up-do-date with the latest software version, you can always opt for a reliable AS400 services provider to help with the upgrades.

IBM iSeries managed services help you keep your systems updated and bug free.

3. Integrate with Newer Technologies

One of the biggest disadvantages of legacy IBM iSeries software is its incompatibility with modern technologies.

Legacy systems lack API capabilities, cloud integration, or automation features, which makes it difficult to scale operations.

A transition to the latest iSeries web services RPG solutions makes it simple to integrate with cloud applications, artificial intelligence, and IoT solutions.

With IBM i/AS400 developers for modernization, you can enjoy a competitive edge, streamlining the workflows with increased efficiency and adopting next-generation digital transformation solutions with minimal disruption.

4. Software Support

Older AS400 systems will no longer be supported with software in the future, leaving your AS400 environment open to security risks and compliance risks.

IBM discontinued support for older versions, so iSeries support for older systems becomes increasingly hard to find.

Without timely upgrades, you may face incompatibility with the latest software, security patches, and vendor support.

Working with a reliable IBM iSeries managed services provider ensures that your AS400 systems undergo regular upgrades of the software, security patches, and extended vendor support, keeping your infrastructure secure, in compliance, and in working order.

Why Choose Integrative Systems for AS400 Services?

With over two decades of expertise, Integrative Systems is a trusted IBM partner offering end-to-end AS400 services. Our approach focuses on:

• Tailored AS400 Modernization Solutions – Future-proof your IBM i applications.
• Seamless System Integration – Leverage iSeries web services for smooth interoperability.
• Reliable Support & Security – 24/7 monitoring, compliance, and expert assistance.
• Cost-Effective IT Management – Reduce operational costs while maximizing efficiency.

AS400 systems remain business-critical, but without modernization, integration, and security enhancements, organizations risk falling behind.

We hope you have understood the importance of upgrades for your IBM iSeries services, software, and hardware.

Don’t let lack of in-house expertise hold you back from completing the upgrades, and if you do, you may lag in conducting your regular business operations.

It’s always a wiser choice to partner with an AS400 services provider who helps you with the software/hardware upgrade for your AS400 systems, without hampering productivity.

We at Integrative Systems help you upgrade your existing IBM iSeries services and software.

For more than two decades, being in this field has given us the expertise needed to handle your upgrade projects in the most professional way and complete them on time as per business requirements.

Whether you need iSeries support services, RPG-based web integrations, or AS400 security solutions, Integrative Systems is your trusted IBM iSeries services provider.

Ready to optimize your AS400 environment? Feel free to connect with us at [email protected] with your requirements, and our team of experts will get back to you within 2 business days.

Frequently Asked Questions about AS400 Services

1. What are AS400 services?

Ans. AS400 services include a range of offerings designed to support, maintain, and upgrade IBM iSeries applications. These services include system administration, application development, modernization, upgrades, security enhancements, cloud migration, integration, and performance management.

2. What are IBM iSeries managed services?

Ans. IBM iSeries managed services are designed to help IBM i shops manage and maintain their IBM i systems. These services are offered by recognized IBM partners. These services include proactive monitoring of AS400 systems, system upgrades, performance optimization, and disaster recovery planning.

3. How do iSeries web services enhance system functionality?

Ans. iSeries web services allow IBM i applications to communicate with web applications and web services. This enablement is made using RPG. With RPG-enabled web services, you can expand the capabilities of your IBM i applications, integrate legacy applications with modern-day solutions, and boost interoperability.

4. What support services are available for iSeries systems?

Ans. iSeries support services are designed to offer technical assistance, system upgrade support, performance tuning, and user training. Your core team of IBM i users can focus on core business objectives with a reliable support services provider in place. These services ensure that your IBM i ecosystem operates efficiently with high availability, and evolves with business needs.

5. Why are iSeries security services crucial for businesses?

Ans. iSeries security services are pivotal in securing your business-critical data & applications against potential threats. They also ensure that compliance needs are met with industry regulations. The respective IBM i professionals help establish stringent security measures like user access control, encryption, and perform timely security audits to mark your IBM i environment safe against potential threats and vulnerabilities.

6. How can IBM i/AS400 developers assist in modernizing legacy systems?

Ans. IBM i/AS400 developers help you in updating and improving your legacy applications to meet your evolving business needs. They help revamp the existing codebase, integrate modern solutions, and establish compatibility with modern applications. In short, they help extend the lifespan of your AS400 investments and future-proof your legacy applications.