What All IT Leaders Need to Know About AS400/IBM i Today.
For modern day CIOs, CTOs, and IT Decision Makers, juggling legacy systems is more than just simple upkeep. It entails more critical evaluation and strategic decision making. Whether steering company-wide modernization initiatives, evaluating infrastructure spend, or trying to make sense of an organization’s IT landscape, the IBM I – formerly known as AS400 or iSeries- still holds considerable relevance in numerous enterprises.
Despite being called as “legacy,” the IBM i platform is still very relevant. It powers some of the world’s most critical business applications across industries where security, reliability, and performance are non-negotiable. Yet, it’s often misunderstood or underestimated especially by teams that have not worked directly with it.
To help cut through the noise & bring clarity to your decision-making; we’ve compiled answers to the Top 25 Most Frequently Asked Questions about AS400/IBM i – from technical insights to business impact.
Whether you are looking to modernize, integrate, or optimize your systems, these insights will help you make informed, future-ready decisions.
Let’s begin our discussion with some questions people also ask.
What is as400 / i-series?
Ans – AS/400, also branded as iSeries or IBM i, is a mid-range computer system developed by IBM, it was first introduced in 1988 & is designed to run business-critical applications with a focus on reliability, security, & scalability. It combines hardware & software, with an operating system (initially OS/400, now IBM i), & a built-in database. While originally called AS/400, it has gone through several name changes & hardware iterations, evolving into today’s IBM Power Systems running IBM i.
What operating system runs on AS400?
Ans – The AS400 at first ran an operating system called OS/400, which is now branded as IBM i. IBM i is a modern, integrated operating system with a built-in database, designed to run business applications efficiently. It still powers several critical systems nowadays on IBM Power hardware, the successor to the original AS/400.
What is the AS400 used for?
Ans – The AS400 (Application System/400) is used to run business-critical applications, manage data, inventory management, order processing & support systems alike ERP. Known for its reliability, security, & scalability, it is widely used in industries like finance, manufacturing, logistics, warehouses/Transportation& retail.
Is AS400 still used today?
Ans – Yes, AS400 is still used today, especially in industries that require dependable, secure, and high-performance business systems. However, most systems referred to as AS400 are actually modern IBM Power Systems running IBM i – the latest evolution of the original AS400 platform.
What is the difference between IBM AS400 and iSeries?
Ans – IBM AS400 & iSeries refer to diverse generations of the same family of midrange computer systems. AS400 was the original system introduced in 1988, while iSeries, introduced in 2000, is its rebranded and upgraded successor with enhanced hardware and modern software capabilities. Both run versions of the IBM i operating system and are widely used in enterprise environments.
Is AS400 considered an ERP system?
Ans – No, the AS400 is not an ERP system itself. It’s the name of an IBM hardware & software platform now called IBM i, that can host several applications, including ERP software alike JD Edwards or SAP. Businesses use the AS400/IBM i platform to run ERP systems that manage core functions like finance, inventory, and HR, taking benefit of its stability, security, & scalability.
What kind of system is AS400?
Ans – The AS400 is a midrange computer system developed by IBM for businesses. It was designed to handle a varied range of tasks like running applications, managing databases, & supporting multiple users at once. Various people still refer to it as AS400. It’s widely used in industries like banking, manufacturing, and retail.
Is the AS400 outdated?
Ans – Today, many experts consider the AS/400 system to be dead. However, we cannot agree with this – it is not outdated. It is still widely used by several companies for its reliability, security, & ability to handle large business applications. While the technology is older, IBM continues to update and support it with modern features. Many businesses trust AS400 for critical operations, making it a solid choice even today.
What is the difference between AS400 and iSeries?
Ans – AS400 is the original IBM midrange system launched in 1988, while iSeries is its evolved version introduced in 2000 with upgraded hardware, expanded capabilities, and support for modern applications. Both are part of IBM’s legacy systems, now rebranded as IBM Power Systems that run IBM i.
What is AS400 software?
Ans – The AS400 software is a system created for small & medium businesses. It constantly updates & provides the necessary functionality for businesses. IBM first renamed AS400 as iSeries and then – as System i. The latest version of this system is known as IBM Power Systems.
What is AS400 software used for?
Ans – We can use the AS400 software to develop any application. However, it is most relevant for industries with high data processing requirements, such as manufacturing, finance, applications for creating and processing orders, etc.
Is AS400 an accounting software?
Ans – No, AS400 is not accounting software. It is a powerful & reliable computer system developed by IBM, mainly used for running business applications. Many companies use AS400 to host several types of software, including accounting programs, but AS400 itself is just the hardware & operating system. Think of it as a platform that supports different business software rather than an accounting tool on its own.
What is AS400 called now?
Ans – The AS400 is now branded as IBM i, it runs on modern IBM Power Systems hardware. Over the years, IBM has rebranded the platform a few times – from AS/400 to iSeries, then to System i, & lastly to IBM i. While the name has changed, several businesses still refer to it as “AS400” out of habit, even though the technology has evolved significantly. Today’s IBM i supports modern applications, cloud integration, and better security features, making it much more capable than the original system.
Does AS400 have a database?
Ans – Yes, AS400 includes a built-in database named DB2 for i. It is an integrated, reliable database that stores & manages data directly on the AS400 system. This makes it easy for applications running on AS400 to access & work with data efficiently.
Is IBM iSeries obsolete?
Ans – No, IBM iSeries (now known as IBM Power Systems running IBM i OS) is not obsolete. While it has a long history and strong legacy roots, IBM actively supports and updates the platform with modern features, security enhancements, and performance improvements.
Many companies continue to rely on it for critical business applications like finance, manufacturing, and supply chain management because it offers high reliability, integrated security, and efficient database management. IBM iSeries remains a powerful and stable choice for businesses that value continuity and robust enterprise computing.
What language is used in AS400?
Ans – The AS400 largely uses a language named RPG, which was designed for business applications. Over the years, it’s also come to support other languages alike COBOL, CL, Java, and even modern ones like Python. Many businesses still use RPG today because their systems have run on it for decades, and it gets the job done.
What is AS400 in warehouse management?
Ans – AS400 is a platform some warehouses use to run their management software. It benefits track inventory, process orders, & manage shipping and receiving. Even though it’s older technology, various businesses still use it because it’s reliable & works well with custom warehouse systems. IBM endures to support & update the platform under its modern name.
Is AS400 an inventory management system?
Ans – No, AS400 is not an inventory management system by itself. It’s a powerful IBM platform that runs several business applications, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) used for tracking inventory, processing orders, and managing shipping. Now, AS400 is known as IBM Power Systems running the IBM i operating system and supports various custom warehouse and inventory solutions.
What is an AS400 developer?
Ans – An AS400 developer is an IT professional who specializes in developing applications for the IBM iSeries (also known as AS400) platform. They write & update software that helps businesses manage data, processes, & operations. AS400 developers make custom applications to help businesses automate tasks and modernize workflows.
What is an RPG developer?
Ans – An RPG developer is a programmer who writes software using the RPG (Report Program Generator) language, mainly for IBM i (formerly AS400) systems. They create and maintain business applications that help companies manage data and operations. Despite being an older language, RPG is still widely used and supported in many industries today.
Is AS400 a WMS system?
Ans – No, AS400 is not a WMS (Warehouse Management System). AS400, now branded as IBM i, is a computer platform that runs various types of business software. Some WMS solutions can operate on the AS400 platform, but AS400 itself is not a warehouse management system.
What is AS400 support?
Ans – AS400 support refers to technical help & maintenance for IBM’s AS/400 systems, now known as IBM i. These are powerful business computers used for running core applications, especially in industries like banking & finance, retail, and manufacturing.
AS400 support includes a wide range of services such as software updates, hardware maintenance, system monitoring, troubleshooting, & performance optimization. Even though the name has changed to IBM i, many people still call it AS400. Support helps keep these systems running smoothly and securely.
Why Modernize IBM i?
Ans – Modernizing IBM i helps businesses stay competitive by improving speed, customer experience and increasing the security and reliability of systems and applications. It allows companies to use modern tools, connect with new technologies, and reduce long-term costs. Updating old applications also makes it easier to find skilled developers. Overall, modernization helps extend the value of IBM i while keeping up with today’s business requirements.
What type of integration does AS400 have?
Ans – AS400 offers various ways to integrate with modern systems & technologies. It supports both traditional & modern approaches, allowing businesses to extend functionality without replacing their core systems. Common integration possibilities include –
- APIs and web services (REST, SOAP)
- Data exchange using JSON, XML, CSV, or flat files.
- ODBC/JDBC connections for accessing data from external apps.
- Database integration with DB2 and SQL-based systems.
- Middleware tools like IBM MQ or third-party solutions.
- Cloud integration with AWS, Azure, or IBM Cloud.
- EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) for B2B transactions.
- FTP/SFTP for file transfers.
- Message queues for asynchronous communication.
- Custom scripts and batch jobs for task automation
These integration methods benefit IBM i systems stay compatible with today’s IT environments.
Is AS400 a green screen?
Ans – No, the AS400 itself is not a green screen. It’s a type of computer system developed by IBM, now known as IBM i. The AS400 Green Screen, also known as the IBM i green screen or 5250 terminal. The green screen refers to the traditional text-based interface used to access the AS400 system. While various customer still use this interface, modern AS400 systems also support graphical user interfaces & web-based access. So, the green screen is just one way to interact with the AS400, not the system itself.
Who is the AS400 service provider?
Ans – Integrative Systems is a leading AS400 consulting services company that offers end-to-end IBM I (AS400) solutions. They help businesses get the most from their IBM I investments by providing support, modernization, & managed services. The iSeries services make it easy to update legacy applications with little to no disruption to daily operations. This helps businesses stay efficient, secure, and ready for the future.
Integrative Systems – Your Reliable AS400/IBM i Solutions Provider
We are Integrative Systems, your dedicated AS400 solutions partner and IBM Silver Partner with 24+ years of IBM i experience.
Our AS/400 solutions include-
- IBM i/AS400 Services
- IBM i/AS400 Modernization
- IBM i/AS400 Application GUI Modernization
- IBM i/AS400 Support Services
- IBM i/AS400 Consulting Services
- IBM i/AS400 Integration
- IBM i/AS400 Cloud Migration
- IBM i/AS400 Automation Services
- Hire IBM i/AS400 Developers
- AS400 RPG support
- EDI Services
If you are looking for a technology partner to help you out with your IBM i initiative, feel free to reach out to us at contact@integrativesystems.com and our team experts shall get back to you within 2 business days to guide you on the right path.
