What is AS400?

The AS400 is a midrange server system developed by IBM, designed to provide businesses with a reliable and efficient platform for managing and processing data.

AS400 is a combination of hardware, operating system (IBM i), database (DB2 for i) and middleware. This leads to better management of the system and performance without having complexities. It is for this reason AS400 is an ideal choice of enterprises dependent on robust IT infrastructure.

AS400 is a very stable and reliable system and is widely used in mission-critical applications in manufacturing, retail, finance, and healthcare. Its architecture supports multiple programming languages (like RPG, COBOL, Java, and PHP), which provides enterprises with the flexibility of modern development with legacy systems.

History of IBM i AS400 Systems

IBM's AS400 system, launched in June 1988, revolutionized midrange computing among enterprises. Originally designed to replace IBM's System/36 and System/38 platforms, the AS400 delivered ease of use and performance without complexity.

AS400 also established the ability for corporations to implement computer networks without having to run complex training programs in computing.

The core of the AS400 was the OS/400 operating system which was released with backward compatibility and a flexible design to fit different applications. This also permitted smooth migrations for businesses moving from older IBM systems.

The AS400 allowed organizations to connect workstations, printers, and networks at speeds that was considered to be unattainable back in the day. This laid the groundwork for the innovative digital workplace we have today.

As the technology progressed, the AS400 was rebranded multiple times. By the early 2000s, it was re-branded to IBM iSeries, then to IBM System i. The AS-400 matured into IBM Power Systems, known as IBM Power since 2021. IBM i is the current operating system that supports all IBM Power systems.

But through every iteration of its name, it retained its core architecture and principles behind the platform that have led to AS400 still being relevant in enterprise computing today.

Important Characteristics of IBM i AS400 Systems

The IBM i AS400 platform is a robust and versatile system known for its integrated design and enterprise-level performance. Below are its key characteristics:

Integrated Architecture

AS400 comprises hardware, an operating system, and application support. It covers a robust database (Db2), programming languages (RPG, COBOL, Java) and middleware. This all-in-one architecture makes it easier to develop, deploy, and manage applications.

Reliability and High Availability

Known for its uptime and stability, AS400 systems provide data integrity through journaling and commitment control. It is these characteristics that make it right for mission-critical applications.

Robust Security

The platform has inbuilt security precautions, including object-level security, user authentication, encryption, and role-based access control. Its object-based structure and single-level storage make security and stability a priority by protecting enterprise data.

Scalability and Workload Support

Workloads ranging from transaction processing to web services can be supported by AS400 systems. They seamlessly and easily scale to serve both small businesses and large enterprises.

Virtualization and Partitioning

Logical partitioning (LPAR) is supported in IBM i as part of its PowerVM integration whereby customers can have multiple LPARs on a single server. This virtualization is built on firmware, delivering top performance without unnecessary hardware and energy expenditure.

Legacy and Modernization Support

IBM i is backwards compatible, meaning that legacy applications can continue to run on newer systems. This allows you to easily integrate with modern technologies such as RESTful APIs, web services, and modern standards such as contemporary development frameworks.

Ease of Use and Administration

AS400 has easy management via intuitive tools such as IBM Navigator for i and autonomic technologies for automating routine tasks and decreasing administrative overhead.

Advanced Query and Reporting

Query/400 and integrated database tools enable efficient data extraction, analysis, and reporting, streamlining decision-making processes.

Advantages of AS400 Systems

The AS400 systems are renowned for their stability, efficiency, and reliability, making them a preferred choice across industries. Below are some key advantages:

Enhanced Productivity and Performance

AS400 can efficiently handle large data volumes and cumbersome calculations to provide quicker data-driven outcomes. As a result, developers can quickly implement design concepts across multiple projects, improving fluidity in the workflow and increasing productivity.

Cost-Efficiency with Minimal Staffing

This system is designed for low cost of ownership, making it suitable for use by startups or small businesses. It needs little administrative support (frequently managed by a single administrator) which minimizes operational costs.

It requires minimal maintenance and boasts excellent reliability, which translates to less downtime and lower costs. Also, scalability is a plus point which helps businesses to grow without the need to upgrade frequently, making it a cost-efficient and long-term solution.

Exceptional Stability

AS400 is highly stable and can run for long periods without rebooting. Its long-lasting and low-maintenance nature ensures long-term, dependable performance, even in demanding operating conditions.

Robust Security Features

AS400 has an object-based architecture where data and file systems are treated as objects. This provides better immunity to viruses and breaches. It offers secure data handling with its single-level storage which makes it a reliable solution for handling sensitive enterprise information.

Seamless Integration

AS400 simplifies the integration of databases, operating systems, and security protocols, without having to worry about compatibility issues. There is no dependency between software and hardware upgrade so that updates can be made without multiple deployment.

User-Friendly Design

AS400 is very intuitive to use even with its advanced capabilities. Its integrated design of hardware, software, and databases makes operations simpler for businesses of any scale.

Integration Methods Available in AS400 Systems

AS400 integrates very well to other systems in organizations and even applications and technologies external to organizations, creating a unified IT ecosystem. The integration methods available include:

APIs and Web Services:

Both REST and SOAP-based APIs are supported by AS400 which enables modern applications to communicate with IBM i systems. These APIs allow for real-time communication and the ability to exchange data between IBM i and third-party systems.

ODBC/JDBC Connectivity:

DB2 for i supports Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) and Java Database Connectivity (JDBC), which allow applications to access and manipulate data located in DB2 for i from an external system or application.

File-Based Integration:

Data can be exchanged using flat files or CSV files through FTP, SFTP, or file-sharing mechanisms. This method is simple and widely used in batch processing scenarios.

Message Queues:

With message queue systems like IBM MQ, IBM i facilitates asynchronous communication between applications, ensuring end-to-end reliability of data transfer.

Enterprise Integration Tools:

Integration tools such as MuleSoft, Dell Boomi, and IBM Integration Bus support integration by offering prebuilt connectors for the IBM i platform.

Cloud Integration:

APIs, connectors or hybrid integration platforms allow modern IBM i systems to connect with cloud services, allowing businesses to benefit from cloud capabilities even while retaining and maintaining on-prem systems.

Custom Scripting:

You can also integrate with your enterprise system using your own scripts developed in the RPG, Java, or Python, providing added flexibility for special business needs.

Modernizing AS400: Strategies, Approaches, and Pathways

With advances in technology, organizations must consider modernizing their AS400 systems to remain competitive. AS400 is a legacy system, hence modernization can range from minor upgrades to revamping entirely, based on business needs and the available resources. Here are the different methods, strategies and pathways for AS400 modernization.

Core Modernization Approaches

Complete Modernization

Complete modernization is a holistic transformation approach that seeks to transform every layer of the IBM i environment, including the infrastructure, applications and processes.

It is the right approach for companies that want to accelerate and move entirely into contemporary architecture, and it is often necessary if an organization has legacy applications or systems incapable of keeping pace with business needs.

Steady Modernization

Steady modernization, which is often called incremental modernization, focuses on a gradual transformation of the IBM i environment. Instead of revamping the entire system in one go, this approach updates applications and processes in phases allowing businesses to adopt newer technologies without massive disruptions. It also minimizes the risk due to sudden changes in technology and processes.

Agile Modernization

Agile modernization is an adaptable and iterative approach that blends aspects of both complete and steady modernization methods. Using agile principles, it transforms the IBM i environment in small increments or sprints with immediate feedback and constant delivery of enhancements. Agile modernization is particularly useful for organizations that need to adapt swiftly to shifting circumstances or client needs.

Technical Strategies for Modernizing AS400 Applications

There are various approaches to modernizing AS400 applications, depending on the specific needs and constraints of the business. 

Here are some common modernization strategies:

Replatforming

Re-platforming involves migrating AS400 applications to a more modern and scalable platform, such as cloud infrastructure or newer hardware. 

This approach preserves the core functionality of the applications while taking advantage of technologies and infrastructure.

Refactoring

Refactoring focuses on improving the structure and codebase of AS400 applications without changing their core functionality. 

This approach enhances maintainability, extensibility, and performance while reducing technical debt.

Rehosting

Rehosting, also known as “lift and shift,” involves moving AS400 applications to a different hosting environment, such as virtual machines or containerized platforms.

 

This approach offers benefits like hardware independence, cost savings, and increased scalability.

Rebuilding

Rebuilding entails redesigning and rebuilding AS400 applications using modern development frameworks, architectures, and languages. 

This approach provides the most flexibility and allows organizations to take full advantage of modern technologies.

Pathways to Modernise AS400 Green Screen 

API & UI Framework 

By using APIs and UI frameworks, businesses can make modern, flexible user interfaces that can interact with AS400 systems through REST APIs. This method separates the appearance layer from the application code underneath. This involves separating how the application looks (presentation) from how it works (logic), which in turn enables developers to can change how the application looks without affecting how it functions. 

RPG Open Access to AS400 Green Screen

RPG Open Access (OA) makes it possible to integrate current technologies with RPG codebases that are already on AS400 systems. By making use of OA, it is possible for businesses to make legacy applications more useful without having to rewrite big chunks of code.

Screen Scraping 

Screen scraping is the process of taking content shown on an IBM i 5250 green screen and putting it in a more appealing manner. Instead of those old screens, it gives a new look, usually on a web browser. It doesn't change how the old system works, instead just makes it look better on the outside. 

The underlying code or functions of the current app are not changed by this method. Instead, it makes the experience better for users by giving them a new way to work with old systems.

Screen Re-facing in AS400 Green Screen

Screen Re-facing gives old AS400 applications a new look by creating brand-new webpages using modern web design tools like HTML and CSS. These new web pages are hosted on a server. Unlike screen scraping, which captures and displays the original screen content, screen re-facing creates entirely new interfaces that interact with the old AS400 system's underlying data and business logic.

Languages Supported by AS/400 (IBM i)

AS400 offers a rich programming environment, and a variety of languages which can be utilized for developing both legacy systems and new applications. Here's a detailed look at the key languages supported:

Core Business Application Languages

RPG (Report Program Generator):

For business applications, RPG is the primary programming language in AS400. RPG III and RPG IV (ILE RPG) are some of the supported versions in IBM i which provide tools for effectively managing complex business processes.

COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language):

A common language for business, finance, and administrative applications, COBOL still powers many legacy systems, especially in the banking and government sectors.

Modern Development Languages

Java:

IBM i integrates a Java Virtual Machine (JVM), that allows applications to be written in Java for APIs, modern web solutions, and platform-independent tools.

SQL (Structured Query Language):

SQL is an essential language for database operations on IBM i, used extensively with the platform's Db2 for i relational database for querying, management, and data processing.

ILE C/C++:

The platform supports C and C++ under the Integrated Language Environment and is used for system-level programming and resource-intensive application development.

PHP:

support for PHP on enterprise-grade IBM i allows for the creation of dynamic web applications, wiring together business logic and data, while offering organizations modern tools for server-side scripting.

Python:

Python is available on IBM i for scripting, automation, and data analytics, bringing it on par with modern programming needs.

System Management and Automation

CL (Control Language):

CL is IBM i's proprietary scripting language and is critical for automating process management, job scheduling, and function control.

Challenges and Limitations with AS/400

Despite its reliability and robust capabilities, the AS400 (IBM i) system presents several challenges and limitations that organizations must address to maximize its value.

Talent Shortage

One of the major issues with AS400 is the shrinking pool of trained people to handle it. While veteran developers are retiring, younger developers typically like modern platforms. As a result, organizations are facing difficulties to find the right talent to maintain and modernize it.

Outdated User Interface

AS400 systems have a traditional “green screen” interface, which is text-based and not as user-friendly as modern graphical interfaces. And this can make it difficult for new users and hurt productivity. However, the conventional green screen UI can be significantly improved in its usability by web-based frameworks like Angular or React.

Integration Challenges

AS400 poses a great challenge to integrate it with modern applications and cloud environments. The legacy design of the platform often does not play into new ways of working, making integration painstaking and resource-consuming. However, API-based modernisation can be helpful in overcoming this limitation and enabling seamless interaction with modern applications.

Maintenance and Support

AS400 systems can be difficult to maintain because there is a dearth of professionals with the skill and knowledge to handle AS400's specialised hardware. Additionally, technical support often uses automated systems which reduce the availability of hands-on assistance which many organizations prefer when it comes to dealing with AS400 systems.

Modernization Barriers

Legacy applications and their workflows are challenging to migrate when incorporating modern technologies. Modernization efforts, especially in the case of AS400, are often viewed as expensive and complex, causing companies to shy away from modernization initiatives.

Security and Competition

AS400 has a strong security foundation, but addressing the changing technological landscape, especially with cyber threats, requires ongoing updates and attention. Moreover, the system must contend with a highly competitive environment of cloud-based solutions that provide flexibility, scalability, and faster deployment.

Community and Awareness

IBM i has a smaller ecosystem and thus fewer helping hands compared to platforms that have an active open-source community. This limits companies from developing new tools and frameworks.

In addition, the lack of knowledge about its contemporary features and advantages among younger developers and decision-makers impacts its adoption.

Security Features of AS/400 (IBM i)

It is widely known that AS400 has a robust, multi-layered security mechanism, which makes it a reliable solution for handling sensitive data within organizations. Its security framework is designed to protect system integrity, data integrity, and application availability with even modern technology.

Comprehensive Security Framework

AS400 uses a multi-layered security model to protect data, applications, and the system infrastructure.

By implementing role-based access control (RBAC), admins can fine tune permission levels so that users only can access the data they require.

This ensures that security is enabled on both the object and field levels, reducing the potential risk of internal breaches and unauthorized access.

Secure Object Architecture

The platform's security model is object-based which is designed to protects files, programs and other resources by controlling access to each object. This design improves data integrity and confidentiality and decreases threats from external risks, including malware or hacking.

Integrated Cryptographic Support

AS400 provides hardware and software cryptographic services that can be used to encrypt data while it is at rest or in transit. Cryptographic integration ensures that sensitive information is protected from being intercepted or accessed by someone who is not an intended recipient.

Over and above, developers can easily add encryption protocols to their apps, offering an extra layer of security.

Identity and Access Management

AS400 provides Identity and Access Management system with which user roles can be created, adjusted and permissions allocated. It helps IT staff precisely delineate and tailor access levels for users, reinforcing tight controls on who can access what while limiting exposure to potential breaches.

Proactive Monitoring and Threat Detection

AS400 also has a facility which allows IT personnel to have preventive monitoring capabilities and enables them to react to suspicious activities in real time.

Notifications about changes to security settings or strange behaviors help to step in before attacks and vulnerabilities develop.

Furthermore, advanced threat detection solutions in AS400 proactively search for suspicious activity, facilitating instant alerts and enhancing system robustness.

Centralized Dashboard

AS400 also has centralized dashboard where administrators can manage and monitor user activity across the network.

This gives it a consolidated view of the organizational landscape in real-time and helps keep security policies enforced and to spot any deviations from normal patterns quickly.

Facts and Figures About AS400

Market Dominance

IBM AS/400 commands a 40.8% market share in the Server Hardware category, showcasing its widespread adoption.

Industry Presence

The Information Technology and Services sector (11%) and Computer Software industry (6%) form the largest user segments for IBM AS/400.

Business Size Breakdown

• 27% of AS/400 users are small businesses (<50 employees).
• 48% are medium-sized organizations.
• 25% are large enterprises (>1000 employees).

Revenue Distribution

• 46% of AS/400 users are small businesses (<$50M annual revenue).
• 21% are medium-sized businesses.
• 28% are large enterprises (>$1000M annual revenue).

These insights are derived from Enlyft's analysis of 47,000 companies, highlighting IBM AS/400's role in powering diverse businesses across various industries.

Is AS400 Still Relevant?

The AS400 is being used for over three decades and is still at the heart of IT infrastructure for many organizations because of its reliability, stability, and adaptability. It has evolved to support modern technologies and remains applicable even in the current business milieu.

Scalability and Performance

With its powerful processors and high efficiency, AS400 has the ability to manage resource-intensive workloads like ERP software, banking, and medical information systems. It is dynamic and scales with the needs of the business and it can handle large workloads without sacrificing performance.

Reliability and Security

Its strong security features and high reliability make it essential for industries such as healthcare, finance, and government — where data integrity and protection are vital. With its integrated database, it provides rapid transaction speeds, seamlessly supporting mission-critical operations.

Cost-Effectiveness

For many organizations, retaining AS400 systems is more cost-effective than migrating to alternative platforms or cloud solutions. The system can run legacy applications as-is on newer hardware, requiring minimal redevelopment costs, making it a cost-effective solution.

Modern Technology Integration

AS400 has adapted to modern-day technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud computing, and many more developments.

It is now possible for organizations to migrate AS400 applications to the cloud and get integrated with other cloud software. It also supports newer programming languages such as Java and C#, which allows it to integrate well with current development methods.

Longevity and Flexibility

A key feature of AS400 is that applications developed even decades ago can run on current hardware, ensuring operational longevity. Logical Partitioning (LPAR), for example, allows multiple copies of the same operating system to behave autonomously on the same machine to maximise resource usage and provide flexibility.

Industry Adoption

AS400 remains integral to the digital infrastructure of many global manufacturers, financial institutions, insurers, and healthcare providers. Its robust design and ability to support mission-critical applications make it a trusted solution that continues to thrive in modern enterprises.

Conclusion

AS400's ability to adapt is the reason it remains relevant amidst technological progress by seamlessly blending legacy compatibility with new-age features.

AS400 include its security, scalability, and high availability. Despite being over three decades old, AS400 (now IBM i) continues to be widely used and remains a popular choice for businesses seeking a secure, cost-effective, and long-lasting IT solution that can handle complex and large-scale workloads.

However, companies relying on AS400 will have to embrace modernization, at some point, which can be complex and not something that can happen overnight. However, with a well-defined strategy, enterprises can move to a modern IBM i environment seamlessly.

AS400's ability to deliver efficiency, reliability and flexibility is the reason why it is considered the best option for enterprises looking to maximize IT investment and ensure uninterrupted business operations.