IBM i Services Modernization

The IBM i is one of the most powerful and modern systems on the market.
But it's still often used as a system from the last century, leading users to say that it's a Minitel!

Dominique GAYTE

Current state analysis Background information

Business applications hosted on IBM i systems often date from the last century, and no longer correspond to current user requirements.
General Management (or young CIOs!) often consider making a clean break by switching the business application to another system, often based on an ERP.
This is not without risks, and there have been countless resounding failures, sometimes costing tens or even hundreds of millions of Euros.
This scenario is only interesting if the company's business has evolved, and the existing system no longer functionally meets business needs.
In this case, disruption is inevitable.

Modernization strategy

With the rise of digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and advanced data analysis, IBM i-based information systems need to be modernized to meet today's market demands.
This modernization is not just a matter of adopting new technologies; it represents a strategic transformation that enables companies to become more agile, improve operational efficiency, reduce costs and guarantee a better customer experience.
By integrating modern solutions, companies can also meet the growing challenges of data security and regulatory compliance, while exploiting the opportunities offered by new digital services.
Modernizing IBM I systems is not a luxury, but a strategic imperative for any company wishing to remain relevant and successful in today's digital economy.

Benefits of modernization VS ERPs

While the idea of switching to an ERP system may seem attractive at first glance, the risks associated with this sudden organizational change are numerous.

Big bang on change day versus smooth, planned evolution adapted to organizational constraints
Significant, ongoing investment versus modernization costs spread over time

Dependence on one vendor and the rigidity of ERP versus an ecosystem of IBM partners to guarantee a solution tailored to the company's business and organization.

Custom solutions

By focusing on improving user experience, systems integration, automation, security, and adopting modern development practices, companies can achieve a successful digital transformation of their legacy systems.
Depending on the company's needs, modernization can involve many aspects:

Interface modernization

The idea is to replace the old "green screens" with graphical interfaces, often web-based.

Enhanced User Interface

Redesigning user interfaces (UIs) to make IBM i applications more intuitive and accessible is fundamental.
Adopting modern web technologies to create rich, interactive interfaces enhances the user experience, facilitating user adoption and increasing productivity.

Code modernization

Old RPG 2, RPG/400 or COBOL programs are difficult to maintain, especially for younger generations of developers.
They need to evolve into RPG IV Free, for example, to integrate SQL, modularity, documentation...

Modernization of application architecture

Modularity, service programs, stored procedures, web services... all help define an organization that communicates with the IBM i, seen as a data and business rules server.
Existing applications are exposed and consumed by remote clients on all types of systems and in all contexts.

Modernization of hardware architectures

IBM POWER Systems are state-of-the-art hardware solutions for hosting IBM i systems on modern architectures (including external disks in IBM Storage FlashSystems, offering a wide range of functions, particularly in terms of security).

Database modernization

Enjoy the full power of SQL on IBM i.

Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Automating business processes through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning can transform operations by reducing repetitive manual tasks and increasing efficiency.
This includes data entry automation, real-time reporting and predictive analytics to support decision-making.

Agile development and DevOps

Adopting agile methodologies and DevOps practices for the development and deployment of new features enables faster, more reliable delivery of updates.
This fosters a culture of continuous improvement, where user feedback is rapidly integrated into the development cycle.

System integration

Strengthening the ability of IBM i systems to integrate with other applications and services is crucial.
This includes integration with modern customer relationship management (CRM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and other SaaS platforms.
The aim is to create a coherent technological ecosystem that optimizes workflows and improves data sharing.

Safety & compliance

Modernization must also take into account improved security and regulatory compliance.
This involves updating authentication mechanisms, strengthening data protection and implementing security policies that comply with current standards such as GDPR.

Cloud & Web Services

Leveraging cloud computing to extend or migrate certain functionalities from IBM i systems to the cloud can offer increased flexibility, scale and efficiency.
Web services and APIs play a key role in this transition, enabling seamless interaction between on-premise systems and cloud-based resources.

Human resources skills

Internal teams need to be trained to make effective use of modernized technologies: development languages, software, methodologies, hardware...

Modernization process

Assessment and planning

Current state analysis: Examine existing systems to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities for improvement, and potential risks.

Setting objectives: Establish clear objectives for modernization, based on organizational needs, regulatory requirements and market trends.

Strategic planning: Develop a detailed plan that includes the technologies to be adopted, the resources required, the timetable and the budget.

Choice of Technology Solutions

Options evaluation: Compare different technological solutions (software, platforms, infrastructure) to find the one that best meets the identified needs.

Compatibility validation: Ensuring that new solutions can integrate seamlessly with existing systems, or replace them effectively.

Design and Development

System architecture: Define the architecture of the new system, including aspects of security, scalability and interoperability.

Development or Customization: Develop new applications or customize existing solutions to meet the organization's specific needs.

Technical team training: Train developers in new languages and methodologies.

Implementation and Deployment

Tests: Carry out in-depth tests to ensure the reliability, performance and security of new solutions.

User training: Prepare staff to use the new systems effectively, with appropriate training and support.

Phased deployment: Implement new solutions in stages, starting with pilot deployments, to minimize disruption.

Monitoring and optimization

Continuous monitoring: Track the performance of new systems to quickly detect and resolve problems.

Regular updates: Apply updates and improvements based on user feedback and technological developments.