What is IBM i?
Often referred to by its original name — AS/400 — the IBM i integrated operating system was introduced in 1988 running on IBM Power Systems. System i is often mistakenly labeled a "legacy" platform. Yet with over 110,000 organizations worldwide relying on it, IBM i remains a powerhouse for mission-critical workloads in industries like banking, manufacturing, and retail.
Why IBM i is a Rockstar
IBM i combines an operating system, a robust database (Db2 for i), and middleware into a single, cohesive platform. Here’s where we shine:
- Unmatched Reliability: Known for near-zero downtime, IBM i systems can run 24/7 for decades. A recent survey revealed that 98% of users praise its stability, making it ideal for environments where interruptions aren’t an option.
- Top-Tier Security: Its object-based security model, encryption, and auditing features make IBM i one of the most secure platforms available. It’s a top choice for industries like finance and healthcare where business requirements involve handling sensitive data.
- Cost Efficiency: Despite high initial costs, IBM i’s low maintenance, minimal hardware needs, and streamlined licensing typically deliver a 30-50% lower cost of ownership (TCO) compared to x86 systems.
- ERP Excellence: IBM i powers enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like Infor, SAP, and others supporting thousands of concurrent users with ease. It’s a backbone for retail, logistics, and distribution.
- Backward Compatibility: Customers can run homegrown decades-old RPG applications alongside modern Python or Java code, enabling innovation without abandoning legacy investments.
The Future
Far from fading, IBM i is evolving to meet modern demands. For example, on the modernization front, IBM is integrating open-source tools, hybrid cloud capabilities, and API-driven architectures. Support for Python, R, and containers ensures IBM i stays relevant in cloud-native environments. Regarding AI and analytics, IBM plans to launch a generative AI code assistant for RPG in 2025 which should streamline development. Db2 for i now supports AI-driven analytics, empowering data-driven decisions.
These high-level developments come with corresponding advances in the state of IBM hardware. Power10 processors significantly boost performance for AI and transactional workloads, and this is expected to improve with Power11 when it arrives later in 2025. The Spyre Accelerator will further enhance AI capabilities.
Growing the IBM i community is an important part of the platform's long-term success. While skills shortages remain a challenge (60% of users cite this in surveys), the IBM i community is attracting younger developers through education and modern tools. Community events are also on the rise.
IBM’s Commitment
IBM’s roadmap guarantees support for IBM i through at least 2032, with releases like “IBM i Next +1” slated for 2025. Rumblings of a potential rebranding could reposition it as a forward-looking platform, blending its reliable core with AI, quantum computing, and hybrid cloud technologies.
In Summary
IBM i is a proven, secure, and cost-effective platform that’s adapting to the future. For businesses needing rock-solid reliability with modern flexibility, it’s a strategic asset. Whether you’re running ERP systems, exploring AI, or one of the multitudes of available business applications, IBM i is ready to power your enterprise for the next decade.