The IBM i platform, formerly known as the AS/400 system, continues to be a trusted platform for running critical business operations. Even in 2025, more than 60,000 companies worldwide depend on the AS/400 for its trusted reliability and strong performance.
With its proven 99.9% uptime, organizations in sectors like manufacturing and finance depend on AS/400 software to keep operations running without disruption. Combining legacy stability with modern innovation, IBM i delivers unmatched value for businesses that cannot afford to be down.
Let us proceed with this blog, as it highlights how IBM i (AS/400) supports mission-critical workloads in these sectors.
5 Key Features of IBM i Supporting Mission-Critical Workloads
- Reliability
IBM i systems are trusted for their strong reliability. Businesses run their core applications on it with confidence, as downtime is very rare.
The platform combines hardware, operating system and database in one system. This reduces compatibility issues and ensures smooth operations.
- Security
Security is one of the strongest features of IBM i. The system uses QSECURITY to enforce strict rules. In 2025, Level 40 is the default setting, which protects against unauthorized access.
Its object-based design allows administrators to control who can view or use specific files and programs. The platform also provides encryption and auditing as part of the setup.
- Scalability
Scalability is another big reason for the demand for IBM i. The latest IBM Power E1080 hardware provides a significant speed boost. It offers up to 2.5x more power per core than older systems.
This helps businesses support more users, larger data, and heavier workloads as they expand.
For industries such as manufacturing and finance, where transaction volumes and data are extremely high, this flexibility is especially crucial.
- Durability and Value for Money
Companies continue to rely on AS/400 software for its long lifespan and cost efficiency. Strong engineering and support for updates enable it to run for decades without requiring major hardware changes.
Its ability to modernize through software reduces the need for expensive migrations. Even the investments made years ago still deliver value. It makes AS400 a reliable, low-maintenance, and budget-friendly choice for businesses.
- Compatibility with Older Systems
The AS/400 system remains popular in 2025 for its strong backwards compatibility. Older applications continue to run smoothly on modern IBM Power Systems without requiring major rewrites. Therefore, it saves both time and cost.
Businesses with customized software benefit from gradual upgrades rather than risky overhauls. Its flexibility also supports hybrid setups, blending legacy systems with modern apps for a stable yet future-ready infrastructure.
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How IBM i (AS/400) Powers Manufacturing Workloads
Manufacturing companies require platforms that guarantee uptime, ensure quality, and adapt to fluctuating market demands. IBM i delivers all of this with proven reliability.
- ERP Integration
IBM i (AS/400) seamlessly integrates with manufacturing ERP systems, consolidating production planning, inventory control, and financial operations into a unified platform for end-to-end visibility.
- Real-Time Production Monitoring
Manufacturers can continuously track equipment health, production schedules, and quality metrics, enabling them to respond quickly to issues and maintain smoother operations.
- Inventory and Supply Chain Management
IBM i (AS/400) system integrates with sales, warehouses, raw materials, barcode, and POS systems. This ensures adaptive production planning that aligns with changing customer demands.
- Predictive Maintenance
Using machine learning, IBM i processes real-time sensor data from machines to forecast maintenance needs. This reduces unplanned downtime and extends the life of equipment.
- Quality Control and Compliance
Features like role-based access control and audit trails ensure complete transparency and traceability. These tools help businesses meet industry-specific standards and regulatory requirements.
- Demand Forecasting
IBM i (AS/400) leverages predictive analytics and time-series analysis to process historical sales data and market trends, producing accurate demand forecasts for better planning.
- Multi-Location Management
With centralized management of multiple warehouses and distribution centres, businesses can standardize reporting, coordinate resources, and manage inventory consistently across all sites.
- Workflow Automation
Routine tasks such as invoice processing, reordering alerts, and system-to-system data transfers are automated. This lowers operational costs and improves delivery timelines.
How IBM i (AS/400) Supports Finance Workloads
The financial sector relies on IBM i to power its core operations, where security, transaction speed, and compliance are critical.
- Core Banking on IBM i
IBM i is a trusted platform for global financial institutions, running core banking systems with 99.9% uptime and strong security.
It handles critical tasks such as account management, customer data, and secure transactions. It is constantly evolving to support modern digital banking needs in 2025 and even beyond.
- High-Performance Transaction Processing
IBM i features a scalable design that enables banks to process millions of transactions daily. It provides secure operations, steady performance, and reliable results.
The platform supports API integration, cloud deployment, and strong transaction processing. This helps financial institutions manage heavy workloads quickly and with very little delay.
- Multi-Channel Banking Integration
IBM i (AS/400) offers unified integration across all service channels, including branches, ATMs, online banking, and mobile banking. It ensures a consistent and responsive customer experience with greater intelligence across touchpoints.
- Real-Time Fraud Detection and Security
The platform supports advanced security through real-time data replication pipelines that process more than 1,000 records per second. This enables instant fraud detection, AI-driven analytics, and enhanced protection against financial risks.
- Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
IBM i strengthens compliance with banking regulations through built-in encryption, role-based access controls, and comprehensive audit trails. These features enable institutions to meet stringent regulatory requirements and effectively manage operational risks.
- Optimized Payment Systems
From check clearing and card transactions to wholesale payments, IBM i (AS/400) streamlines payment infrastructures. It eliminates redundancies, reduces operational costs, and drives efficiency across financial enterprises.
- Customer Relationship Management
By consolidating customer data from multiple banking channels, IBM i enables the delivery of personalized banking services, targeted marketing campaigns, and intelligent segmentation strategies to enhance customer engagement.
Final Thoughts
The IBM i (AS/400) remains a trusted platform for mission-critical workloads, ensuring reliability, security, and scalability. Manufacturers gain efficiency through ERP integration and predictive maintenance, while financial institutions benefit from secure transactions and compliance. With backwards compatibility, modernization, and cost efficiency, the AS/400 system drives long-term digital transformation.
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