Embracing 8 AS400 Modernization Strategies for Modern World Success

As a technology leader, are stuck with the riddle – to modernize AS400 or not?

Well, you are not alone.

Great! You are among the 59% of IBM i organizations that have a modernization and optimization “go-forward” strategy.

However, not all organizations have been able to achieve success. Multiple businesses fail to complete modernization plans for legacy systems due to insufficient time and resources, according to Azurite Research for Rocket Software.

AS400/iSeries modernization holds the key to streamlining manual operations, reducing errors, increasing agility, improving security, enhancing customer experience, boosting employee efficiency, and overall a better future.

Before we dive into the various modernization strategies, let's see

what is IBM i modernization?

What Is IBM i Modernization?

IBM i modernization is the process of modernizing IBM i applications to leverage modern technologies in the software world. It includes new technologies, new elements, new methodologies, and new architectures.

Why Is Modernization Important for Your IBM i Applications?

Ask yourself these 6 questions to understand the importance of IBM i application modernization -

• Are you unsure whether the current system will support the scalability metric?

• Are you worried about losing the competitive edge in the current market?

• Does your current development team/partner lack technical expertise?

• Is your current system inefficient in data control and management?

• Does your system extend the pathetic customer experience?

• Is your system exposed to security threats?

Could you relate?

If yes, here are 8 tried and tested IBM i modernization strategies.

Different Strategies for IBM i Modernization

There are different strategies to keep your critical applications relevant, efficient, and up to date with modern business needs while leveraging modern technology advancements.

Here are the strategies for IBM i modernization with their benefits and the time required.

Let's dive in.

Application Re-architecture

Application re-architecture is the method of redesigning and restructuring an existing IBM i application from the core to adapt it to modern industry standards, technology trends, and business needs.

This type of approach is necessary for IBMi modernization as to the growing challenges posed by the legacy system.

By adopting this strategy, businesses can enjoy multiple benefits such as they can leverage modern technology, reduce expenses, increase agility, and enhance security features.

The timeline for re-architecting generally takes several months, depending on the complexity of the application.

Web Enablement

Web enablement is a process for converting old IBMi applications into robust web-based solutions. One of the best features of this approach is, the users can leverage modern web technology while embracing the existing IBM i infrastructure.

This strategy comes with multiple advantages including, enhanced user accessibility, improved scalability, and enriched user experience.

If you are wondering about its implementation time, it differs from the application. Notably, the recent developments in the tool have greatly reduced the deployment time. You can leverage this approach to remain competitive, adapt to the evolving market, and deliver a smooth experience.

Does your current partner lack the technical expertise for IBM AS400 modernization?

It is best to hire experienced professionals who specialize in AS400 system modernization.

It increases the success rate of the IBM i modernization initiative while mitigating the risk and positioning your organization toward innovation and success.

Mobile Enablement

Like web enablement, mobile enablement is a proven approach to managing the evolving needs for mobility in modern businesses.

By taking this approach for IBM i modernization, decision-makers can contribute to the enhancement of user experiences, increase productivity, and stay ahead of the competition. In addition to it, the team can experience real-time information access and streamlined workflows.

Like any other approach, the time for implementation depends on the intricacies of the project and the expected level of mobile integration.

Cloud Migration

Cloud migration is one of the popular approaches to address the growing challenges of traditional systems. By choosing the AS00 workloads for the cloud, your business can experience enhanced scalability, cost efficiency, and great flexibility.

There are various benefits to taking this approach, such as flawless integration with contemporary technology, reducing maintenance costs, enhancing disaster recovery capabilities, and enriching security.

With careful planning & execution, it usually takes a few months to a year for long-term benefits.

Data Integration

Data integration is one of the most preferred IBM i modernization strategies. The challenge is in dispersed data silos, hampering collaboration and efficiency.

Its implementation may take long but its unified data and long-term benefits will remove data redundancy, improve decision-making, create a one-stop environment, and enhance the overall experience.

In addition to the aforementioned benefits, businesses experience benefits like data monotony, data accuracy, and productivity boost along with improved data accuracy, reduced redundancy, and increased productivity among the teams.

API Enablement

API (Application Programming Interfaces) enablement in IBM i modernization is the process of uncovering the functionalities and data of IBM i, as APIs.

These APIs facilitate other apps, services, and systems interaction with the other AS400 System platform and access its resources in a standardized way.

It covers the gap between legacy IBM i applications and current IT settings, opening the door to new possibilities for business growth.

Its duration depends on multiple factors such as the number of APIs, tools, and frameworks, testing and validation, customization, scope, and complexity.

Are you looking to modernize your IBM i smartly and on a budget?

Choose to go with AS400 software experts to modernize your AS400 applications to be future-ready.

It has several advantages such as technical expertise, faster time to market, faster implementation, resource efficiency, and change management, while you focus on your core business.

Still not convinced?

What if we told you, hiring AS400 iSeries experts for application modernization can have a direct impact on your ROI?

DevOps Adoption

AS400's legacy nature often delays the development cycle. By embracing the DevOps method, businesses, big and small can streamline development, testing, and deployment processes.

It enables organizations to automate manual tasks, reduce time-to-market, boost collaboration, etc.

Its timeline differs from project to project but once established, DevOps can prove beneficial within a few months, resulting in reduced errors, better customer experience, and boosted efficiency in the IBM i modernization process.

Hybrid IT Architecture

One of the main constraints in modernizing IBM i Systems is its legacy system. As a solution, a Hybrid IT architecture seamlessly meets the on-premises and cloud solutions.

This strategy ensures cost-effectiveness, scalability, and flexibility which addresses the legacy limitations while maintaining the critical functions. Its benefits include enhanced performance, reduced downtime, and streamlined operations.

Its implementation may take up to months to a year which future-proofs businesses, enabling not drastic but gradual changes while preserving the core functionality.

Final thoughts

In summation, embracing the IBM i modernization is not just a choice but a necessity. It is a pathway toward success that secures you a competitive place in the challenging business environment.

As the majority of businesses have realized the importance of IBM iSeries modernization, it is time for you to embrace the technology transformation for everyday success.

Feel free to reach out to us at [email protected] and get immediate expert assistance about IBM i Modernization.