In
today’s fast-paced, technology-driven environment, many companies face a crucial decision: upgrade to modern systems or continue relying on legacy platforms. One such legacy system that has proven remarkably resilient is the IBM AS400, now known as IBM iSeries or IBM i. Despite being over three decades old, AS400 is still widely used in industries like finance, retail, manufacturing, and insurance. But what makes this system so enduring, and how can AS400 development unlock the potential of these legacy systems in today’s market?
A Brief History of AS400
Introduced by IBM in 1988, the AS400 (Application System/400) was designed to provide small and medium-sized businesses with an integrated system that could handle multiple computing tasks. It combined the benefits of a hardware platform with a robust operating system (OS/400), making it easy for businesses to manage databases, run applications, and handle business-critical operations all on one machine.
Over the years, AS400 evolved into IBM iSeries, and later IBM i, as IBM integrated new hardware technologies and software enhancements. However, the core functionality, the RPG (Report Program Generator) programming language, and the platform’s ability to run mission-critical applications without significant downtime remained largely unchanged.
Why Do Companies Continue to Use AS400?
There are several reasons why companies still rely on AS400:
- Stability and Reliability: AS400 systems are renowned for their uptime and stability. In industries where system downtime could mean millions of dollars in lost revenue, AS400’s reliability is a significant advantage. The platform has a proven track record of running for years without failure, making it a safe choice for business-critical operations.
- Performance: AS400 was built to handle large volumes of transactions and data processing with minimal latency. In many organizations, these systems continue to outperform more modern alternatives in terms of raw computational power and efficiency, particularly for back-office operations and database management.
- Security: With built-in security features, AS400 systems offer a high level of protection against unauthorized access and data breaches. The platform has a reputation for being less vulnerable to modern cyberattacks than some other systems, thanks in part to its proprietary architecture and robust design.
- Integration: The AS400 was designed as an all-in-one solution, with an integrated database (DB2), operating system, and application runtime environment. This integration makes it easier for businesses to run complex processes without needing to juggle multiple separate systems. AS400 systems are also flexible enough to integrate with newer technologies through APIs and web services.
- Cost Efficiency: While the initial cost of an AS400 system may have been high, companies that invested in the platform decades ago are often able to continue using it without the need for significant ongoing costs. The longevity of the hardware and software, along with its low maintenance requirements, make AS400 a cost-effective solution over time.
Challenges with AS400 Development
Despite these advantages, there are several challenges associated with AS400 development in the modern market:
- Aging Workforce: One of the most significant challenges facing companies that rely on AS400 is the shrinking pool of developers familiar with RPG and COBOL, the primary languages used on the platform. Many of the original developers who built and maintained AS400 applications are nearing retirement, and fewer younger developers are trained in these languages.
- Integration with Modern Systems: As businesses adopt more cloud-based and modern IT solutions, integrating AS400 systems with newer technologies can become a challenge. Legacy systems like AS400 are often not built to interface seamlessly with modern applications, leading to compatibility issues and bottlenecks.
- User Interface: The user interface (UI) of many AS400 applications tends to be text-based, which is less intuitive and user-friendly compared to modern graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This can create friction for new employees or external partners who are accustomed to more modern systems.
- Innovation Gap: While AS400 systems are reliable and powerful, they often lack the innovation and adaptability found in newer platforms. For example, companies may struggle to implement modern AI, machine learning, or advanced analytics solutions on AS400 without significant customization.
Unlocking the Potential of AS400 in Today’s Market
Despite these challenges, many businesses have found ways to modernize and extend the life of their AS400 systems. Here are several strategies to unlock the potential of AS400 development in today’s market:
1. Modernizing the UI
One of the quickest wins for AS400 development is to modernize the user interface. By leveraging modern web technologies like HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, and frameworks like React or Angular, developers can create a more intuitive and user-friendly interface while maintaining the core functionality of the underlying system. Several third-party tools also exist that can help automate the modernization of AS400 applications, translating green-screen interfaces into web-based applications without the need for extensive redevelopment.
2. Extending AS400 with APIs
Another way to unlock the potential of AS400 systems is to integrate them with newer platforms through APIs. IBM has made it easier to develop RESTful APIs for AS400, enabling businesses to connect their legacy systems with modern applications, cloud services, or mobile devices. By leveraging APIs, companies can extend the functionality of their AS400 applications without the need for a complete system overhaul.
3. Embracing Hybrid Cloud Models
Rather than completely replacing their AS400 systems, many businesses are adopting hybrid cloud models where AS400 continues to run mission-critical operations on-premises, while other applications and services are migrated to the cloud. This allows businesses to take advantage of the scalability and flexibility of the cloud, while still benefiting from the reliability of their AS400 systems. IBM’s Cloud offerings, including IBM Power Systems Virtual Servers, offer cloud-based environments that are fully compatible with AS400 workloads, allowing businesses to extend their infrastructure without losing the benefits of their legacy systems.
4. Training the Next Generation of Developers
As the AS400 developer workforce ages, it’s crucial to invest in training and education for younger developers. IBM offers various resources and certifications to help developers learn RPG, COBOL, and the IBM i platform. Additionally, many businesses are partnering with universities and technical schools to create programs that teach students how to work with legacy systems like AS400. By cultivating a new generation of developers skilled in both legacy and modern development practices, businesses can ensure the longevity of their AS400 investments.
5. Implementing DevOps Practices
DevOps practices, which promote continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD), can also be applied to AS400 development. By automating the testing, deployment, and monitoring of AS400 applications, businesses can accelerate the development process, reduce errors, and improve the overall quality of their applications. Tools like Git, Jenkins, and other DevOps platforms can be integrated with AS400 to enable a more agile and efficient development process.
Conclusion
AS400 systems may be decades old, but they remain an essential part of many organizations’ IT infrastructures. By modernizing the user interface, leveraging APIs, adopting hybrid cloud models, training the next generation of developers, and implementing DevOps practices, businesses can unlock the full potential of AS400 development in today’s market. Rather than viewing legacy systems as a hindrance, companies that embrace modernization strategies for AS400 can continue to benefit from the stability, performance, and security that this platform has to offer, while also adapting to the demands of modern business environments.
In doing so, they will not only preserve the value of their existing investments but also position themselves for continued success in the future.