IT decision makers are under constant pressure to innovate, reduce costs, and ensure the reliability of mission-critical workloads. For organisations running on the IBM i platform, the question often arises: should we migrate to a new environment or modernise what we already have?
While migration might seem like a path to modernisation, it often introduces unnecessary complexity, risk, and cost. Instead, modernising on IBM i offers a future-proof strategy that leverages the platform’s unmatched strengths in data processing, security, reliability, and sustainability.
Unmatched Data Processing Power
IBM i is built for high-volume, high-performance data processing. Whether you’re running ERP systems, financial applications, or logistics platforms, IBM i handles massive workloads with ease. Its tightly integrated architecture ensures optimal performance, reducing latency and improving throughput, critical for over 25,000 businesses worldwide actively use IBM i for mission-critical operations, and the cherry on the top, Companies report up to 30% lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to alternative platforms.
Enterprise-Grade Security
Security is baked into the DNA of IBM i. With features like object-level security, integrated auditing, and role-based access controls, IBM i provides a robust defence against internal and external threats. Unlike many modern platforms that require third-party tools to achieve similar security postures, IBM i delivers it out of the box and has one of the lowest reported rates of security breaches among enterprise platforms.
Legendary Reliability and Uptime
IBM i systems are renowned for their reliability. Downtime is not just costly, it’s disruptive. IBM i’s architecture is designed for continuous availability, with many organisations reporting uptimes measured in years, not days. This reliability makes it ideal for mission-critical workloads that simply cannot afford interruptions.
Sustainability Through IBM Power Hardware
Modern IBM Power Systems are engineered for energy efficiency and long-term sustainability. They deliver up to 3x performance per watt compared to x86 alternatives, helping organisations reduce their carbon footprint from reduced energy consumption and lower cooling requirements, while maintaining top-tier performance. Staying on IBM i means aligning with a hardware ecosystem that supports green IT initiatives.
Cost-Effective Modernisation
Modernising on IBM i doesn’t mean sticking with legacy interfaces. With tools and frameworks available for web-enablement, API integration, and cloud connectivity, IBM i applications can be transformed to meet modern user expectations including modern languages like Python, Node.js, and Java, along with Web services, REST APIs, and SQL enhancements, enabling seamless integration with cloud and mobile platforms —without the cost and risk of a full migration. You retain your business logic, data integrity, and operational continuity while evolving your technology stack.
A Platform Built to Evolve
IBM continues to invest in the IBM i ecosystem, ensuring it remains relevant and powerful in the hybrid cloud era. With support for open-source technologies, containerisation, and modern development languages, IBM i is not a legacy platform, it’s a living, evolving foundation for digital transformation.
Stay on IBM i. Modernise with confidence.
Migrating away from IBM i might seem like a shortcut to modernisation, but it often leads to longer timelines, higher costs, and greater risk. By choosing to modernise on IBM i, organisations can preserve their investments, enhance their capabilities, and position themselves for long-term success.
If you have any questions about modernising your business’s IBM i environment, please get in touch, one of our IBM i experts will be happy to discuss your requirements.
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