In 1988, IBM’s Application System/400 (AS/400) revolutionised the digital workplace. It allowed small and medium-sized businesses, city governments, and others to create powerful, easy-to-manage computer networks. [1]
Nowadays, a common question is: “Is IBM i just an old server?” The answer is no.
Still in 2025, IBM i (AS/400) remains one of the most reliable, secure, and modernisable enterprise platforms in use today.
It should be viewed not as a legacy burden but as a strategic launchpad for business growth and digital transformation.
Breaking 5 Common Myths on IBM i (AS/400)
Before going deeper into any other discussion, we will break the myth about IBM i among companies:
- Myth Number 1: IBM i is outdated and must be replaced.
Verdict: False ->Despite its origins in the 1980s, IBM i is not obsolete. Evolving through System/38, AS/400, and IBM i, it continues to receive updates and support, with a roadmap extending beyond 2030. With over 100,000 businesses still relying on it, running on powerful IBM Power hardware, it remains a robust, modern platform fully capable of supporting JD Edwards.
- Myth Number 2: IBM i cannot connect or work with cloud solutions.
Verdict: False -> Although IBM i features an integrated OS and database and is often called a legacy system, this does not limit its cloud compatibility. While major clouds like AWS and Azure do not usually host IBM i, third-party partners enable its deployment. Additionally, IBM i runs directly on IBM Cloud.
- Myth Number 3: IBM i cost more than modern alternatives.
Verdict: False -> The total cost of ownership for IBM i includes hardware, licensing, labour, and maintenance, just like any other system. However, IBM i stands out for its powerful Power processors, which use fewer cores and offer lower software licensing costs. Additionally, by integrating the database with the operating system, IBM i eliminates the need for a separate DBA.
- Myth Number 4: JD Edwards does not run efficiently or securely on IBM i
Verdict: False -> IBM i provides the ideal environment for running JD Edwards EnterpriseOne (E1), delivering exceptional stability, performance, and security. Its reliability surpasses other platforms, and advanced security features like row-level access control are built in. Thus, it ensures the protection of your sensitive data.
- Myth Number 5: It is difficult to find IBM i expertise, making it a risky platform
Verdict: False -> It is true that the workforce that originally specialised in IBM i is retiring. However, new talent can step in, especially since IBM i now supports modern languages like Python. While RPG is less commonly taught, programmers can adapt easily.
For administration, growing demand is met by training initiatives and managed service providers such as ERP Suites, ensuring continued skilled support for IBM i environments.
Why IBM i (AS/400) Remains a Strategic Enterprise Platform in 2025 and Beyond
The 2025 IBM i Marketplace Survey highlights the platform’s continued importance in enterprise IT. 43% of businesses run more than 75% of their core applications on IBM i, with another 28% running between 50% to 75%.
Notably, 96% of respondents still view IBM i as a sound investment, citing its proven reliability, security, and performance. Adoption is not declining; in fact, 20% of organisations plan to expand their IBM i usage, up from 12% the previous year.
While cloud adoption is progressing, only 10% are migrating IBM i workloads to the cloud, indicating a strategic shift toward hybrid models rather than full replacement.
How to Make IBM i Your Strategic Asset Using Modernization?
IBM i can evolve from a legacy system into a strategic business enabler through smart modernisation. By aligning it with current technologies, your organisation can unlock greater agility, scalability, and cost efficiency.
IBM i (AS/400) Modernisation Approaches and Their Benefits
| Modernisation Approach | Description | Code Changes | Benefits |
| Rehosting | Moves applications to modern infrastructure (cloud, virtual). | No changes to code or features | Quick migration, lower initial effort. |
| Refactoring | Improves code structure and performance without changing functionality. | Code structure improved, no functional changes | Better maintainability, reduced technical expertise. |
| Replatforming | Migrates to a new platform with minimal code changes. | Minimal code changes | Enhanced scalability, performance, and security. |
| Rearchitecting | Complete redesign of application architecture. | Significant redesign | High agility, scalability, and modern features. |
| Replacing | Fully replaces legacy applications with new ones. | Full code rewrite | Modern systems address outdated/inefficient apps. |
How Saamsha Technologies Can Make IBM i a Launchpad?
At Saamsha Technologies, we empower businesses in legacy AS/400 modernisation.
With deep expertise in RPGLE Development (programming), COBOL, SQL, and IBM i environments, we deliver tailored modernisation and consulting services that align with every unique goal.
Our team ensures timely execution and provides ongoing support and help to evolve IBM i (AS/400) systems into modern, future-ready platforms.
Saamsha Technologies stands out as a trusted modernisation partner, and we enable you to fully leverage IBM i as a strategic asset and competitive advantage. Partner with us today to get a cost-effective solution!
Final Thoughts
The relevance of IBM i (AS/400) lies in its unique ability to combine legacy stability with modern capabilities. It offers robust security, scalability, and high availability, making it a trusted platform for businesses managing complex, high-volume workloads.
Despite its age, it remains a cost-effective and reliable IT solution. However, modernisation is essential for long-term viability. While the process can be complex, a clear, strategic approach enables a smooth transition to a modern IBM i environment.
Contact Saamsha Technologies today to future-proof your IBM i infrastructure with expert-led modernisation solutions. Let’s unlock the full potential of your legacy systems, securely, efficiently, and without disruption.
