IBM i (formerly known as AS/400 and iSeries) remains a vital part of enterprise IT. Industries such as finance, healthcare, and manufacturing prefer IBM i (AS/400) for nonstop, secure systems. Even as cloud and AI reshape the technology, IBM i, continues to stand out for its security, stability, and scalability.
According to the 2025 IBM i Marketplace Survey by Fortra, 43% of respondents run over 75% of their core business applications on IBM i. This shows a strong user loyalty to the platform. With proven reliability and performance, IBM i remains a trusted choice for companies that balance modernization with dependable, mission-critical operations.
Why IBM i (AS/400) Stands Out for Its Unmatched Security?
For the past eight years, security has consistently been the number one priority for IBM i users. In response, the latest release, IBM i 7.6, introduces even more enhancements designed to enhance system protection and help businesses stay ahead.
Moreover, IBM i’s integrated Db2 for i database eliminates the need for external DB management, ensuring data integrity and high-performance access within the same environment.
- Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
IBM i 7.6 introduces a built-in multi-factor authentication (MFA) feature that utilizes time-based one-time password (TOTP) codes. This provides an additional layer of protection beyond standard usernames and passwords.
This was a much-awaited enhancement, requested by numerous user groups and industry councils. This feature of the AS/400 operating system enables organizations to strengthen their compliance requirements and significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Integrated Security Frameworks
IBM i (AS/400) stands out because its security features are built right into the operating system. It utilises tools such as object-level security, role-based access control (RBAC), and audit journaling to provide precise control over who can access data and applications.
The system automatically records user activity and provides strong authority management tools, making it easier to track events, monitor usage, and meet compliance requirements.
- Advanced Encryption
Every new version of the AS/400 system brings stronger encryption and security updates. In IBM i 7.6, Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) and Data Encryption Standard (DES) are now the default encryption standards for network connections. Transport Layer Security (TLS) secures data as it moves across networks.
The system also includes tools to track security patch status, ensuring that both stored and transmitted data remain protected from modern cyber threats.
- Compliance and Policy Enforcement
IBM i (AS/400) now makes regulatory compliance easier for organizations in highly regulated sectors, such as banking and healthcare. Its built-in tools help businesses meet standards such as HIPAA and SOX more efficiently.
The improved audit journaling features also offer greater transparency and quick access to essential compliance records.
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Why the AS/400 System Is Known for Its Unbeatable Stability?
Stability is a top reason why both large enterprises and SMBs continue to rely on IBM i. Here’s why:
- Exceptional Uptime
IBM i (AS/400) is designed for high availability, which consistently delivers over 99.9% uptime. This reliability is crucial for essential operations, such as transaction processing, ERP, and logistics. Its self-healing architecture and minimal need for reboots help prevent operational interruptions.
- Unified System Architecture
By combining computing, storage, and networking into a single platform, IBM i reduces risks associated with hardware failures and simplifies management. This is especially valuable for small or lean IT teams.
- Built-In Data Protection
Features like journaling, commitment control, and automated backups safeguard data and enable rapid recovery. The system’s architecture also makes rollback and restoration straightforward, which is crucial for industries where downtime can be costly.
- Low Maintenance Requirements
Routine tasks, such as security patching and performance monitoring, are mostly automated, thereby reducing the administrative workload. Maintenance windows are short, and updates are typically fast and predictable.
- Continuous IBM Investment
Despite being viewed as a legacy system, IBM continues to invest in the AS/400 system, adding modern features while maintaining its strong reputation for reliability.
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How the AS/400 Operating System Ensures Future Scalability
Flexibility and adaptability are key reasons companies continue to invest in IBM i.
- Flexible Architecture
IBM i (AS/400) can handle everything from small departmental apps to extensive, global-scale data processing. Using logical partitioning (LPAR) via PowerVM, multiple independent environments can run on a single server.
This optimizes resources, allowing businesses to scale efficiently without incurring unnecessary hardware costs.
- Cloud and Hybrid Ready
Modern IBM i works well with cloud and hybrid setups, including platforms like IBM Power Virtual Server.
This enables businesses to allocate computing power as needed, supporting growth and the integration of AI, analytics, and web technologies into traditional IBM i systems.
- Support for Modern Development
IBM i now supports popular languages such as Node.js, PHP, and Java, as well as API-driven architectures, making it easier to connect with web and mobile applications.
This extends the life of existing applications and enables the faster delivery of new features, which is crucial for companies competing in digital markets.
- Industry Leadership and Innovation
Studies of CEOs and CIOs show that IBM i continues to serve as a foundation for API enablement, cloud adoption, and AI integration, giving businesses a stable platform to drive the next generation of IT innovation.
With Saamsha Technologies’ expertise, organizations can implement low-code modernization techniques to enhance IBM i application agility while maintaining security and governance.
Final Thoughts
IBM i (AS/400) delivers robust security, reliable stability, and strong scalability. Each new release enhances compliance, encryption, and cloud/hybrid readiness.
Across industries, IBM i proves that legacy systems can remain flexible, secure, and future-ready. With Saamsha Technologies’ modernization and integration services, enterprises can continue leveraging their IBM i investments while adopting modern digital strategies.
For IT leaders, the message is clear – IBM i (AS 400) remains a smart, dependable choice for both today’s operations and tomorrow’s growth.
