Is IBM I something you’ve heard of but you’re not quite sure what it is, does your business need it? What exactly can it do?
Need to know the basics, we’ve got you covered with this basic guide.
In today’s world of fast paced business technology, stability, security, and scalability are key. That’s where IBM i comes in, a powerful reliable platform that’s been quietly running critical business systems for decades. But what exactly is IBM i, and why should your business care?
What is IBM i?
IBM i is an integrated operating system developed by IBM, designed to run on IBM Power Systems. It’s the modern evolution of what used to be known as AS/400 or iSeries.
Here’s what makes it unique:
- All-in-one architecture: IBM i combines the operating system, database (Db2), security, and middleware into a single, integrated platform.
- Rock-solid reliability: It’s known for its legendary uptime, some businesses run IBM i systems for years without a reboot.
- Built-in security: With advanced security features out of the box, IBM i helps protect your data and applications.
- Backward compatibility: Applications written decades ago can still run on today’s IBM i systems with little or no modification.
Why Would Your Business Need IBM i?
- You Need a Stable, Secure Platform
- IBM i is trusted by banks, retailers, manufacturers, and governments for mission-critical workloads.
- It’s designed to minimise downtime and protect against cyber threats.
- You Want to Simplify IT Management
- With everything integrated, you don’t need to manage separate systems for OS, database, and security.
- This reduces complexity and lowers total cost of ownership.
- You Have Legacy Applications That Still Work
- If your business relies on older applications, IBM i allows you to modernise gradually without a full rewrite.
- You’re Planning for the Future
- IBM i supports modern programming languages and tools like Python, Node.js, and REST APIs.
- It’s cloud-ready and can be part of a hybrid cloud strategy.
The future
Next-Gen Hardware: Power11
IBM is set to release Power11 hardware, bringing more speed, efficiency, and built-in AI capabilities. This means businesses can expect even better performance and energy savings, all in a smaller footprint.
IBM i Version 7.6
The latest version of the IBM i operating system, V7.6, introduces new tools for developers and system admins, making it easier to manage, secure, and modernise applications without disrupting existing systems.
Conclusion- IBM i might not make headlines, but it’s the quiet powerhouse behind many successful businesses. Whether you’re looking for reliability, security, or a path to modernisation, IBM i offers a proven foundation for growth.
