If you are using AS400 systems in your organization – Integrative Systems would like to congratulate you!
It is the most robust, scalable, and secure system that newer technologies cannot match up to yet.
AS400 systems/applications/software are legacy – and we agree!
However, if you make it right and tweak or modify it to suit your exact needs – nothing can beat this monster.
And we say this out of our 20+ years of providing custom AS400 services and solutions to AS400 shops and companies worldwide.
What is IBM’s AS400 ERP System?
The IBM AS400 ERP was designed as an integrated product consisting of hardware and software. The hardware is the AS400, and the software is the operating system called OS400.
While AS400 ERP was originally released in 1988, it did not become obsolete because IBM kept on upgrading both the hardware and the software over the years.
Not just that, IBM also worked on their branding to rename the product to align it with the latest market needs.
Currently called Power Systems, the hardware now runs on the operating system IBM i.
One of the greatest features of AS400 ERP system is that it works well with a variety of applications.
While some say that the system is almost antique, its compatibility remains seamless with several applications, including AS400 inventory management and accounting software.
This implies that you can run a program designed for the first version of AS400 on the latest Power Systems server without making any changes.
As we already mentioned above, various companies use it to date as the compatibility is seamless. This is because of the consistent upgrade that happens every two-three year.
Updates on the AS400 Software System
In 1988, the AS400 system was created with the operating system OS400. The previously written programs on System/34 and System/36 could be relocated to the newly devised AS400. Both the systems were part of the initial line of minicomputers launched in 1979.
- In 2000, IBM changed the name of AS400 to iSeries.
- In 2006, IBM again changed the name of iSeries to IBM System i.
- In 2008, IBM combined System I and System P to brand it as IBM Power System. This served as a merged product offering.
Still Relevant Benefits of AS400 ERP System
With numerous benefits keeping it from becoming obsolete, iSeries ERP or AS400 ERP system services is what you need to upgrade and maintain your years of investment.
Let us see why –
- AS400 ERP offers scalability. You can purchase the core server at an affordable rate and then upgrade it to 256-core later.
- iSeries ERP has good reliability as it can offer up to 100 percent uptime which is better than its other counterparts.
- AS400 ERP is highly secure if the configuration is done properly.
- We can say that the AS400 ERP is sophisticated software as the server is updated timely. It is modern enough to support most programming languages, including RPG, JAVA, and many more.
- The compatibility of the iSeries ERP is wonderful as it allows easy transitions and integrations.
AS400 ERP Software – Some Beliefs
While the benefits are plentiful, there are also a few belief systems that come with the usage of AS400 ERP.
These are:
- Some believe that the AS400 ERP is outdated. They think it is better to invest in newer technologies as they think are modern.
- This perception is not entirely correct because AS400 is modern enough and offers good compatibility. This is why it is used extensively within companies globally.
- It might be somewhat difficult to find people who have expertise in IBMi because the proficient professionals have already retired.
- This is kind of true because with a complex internal architecture, finding developers and programmers who are knowledgeable about AS400 software is difficult.
However, we can clearly see that the benefits outweigh the beliefs. This is why retaining your AS400 based ERP is a good idea, while an upgrade to the ERP cloud can be cost effective.
Why Upgrade to the AS400 ERP Cloud
Modernizing your AS400 ERP through AS400 ERP cloud poses plenty of advantages that can help optimize your business’s processes.
Let us see how:
The security on the cloud is high. Cloud services offer automatic encryption of the stored data. This takes the stress off the IT department.
The feature of the cloud’s data scalability can ensure the storage easily scales based on changing demands of your business.
The cloud is always functioning. You can instantly access the AS400 applications and data in the cloud. Your users can also access it via any device.
The updates and software installations also occur with minimal intrusion into your team’s workflows.
In terms of data migration also, the AS400 ERP cloud offers a simple process.
With cloud, the cloud technology partner is responsible for the full maintenance. The data hosting is handled well, and they also maintain back up options to run the applications up and running.
With the AS400 ERP on cloud, downtimes rarely happen. This is due to the intricate architecture of the cloud and its perpetual on-capability feature. Yet, if the cloud goes down at some point, local servers are used as a backup.
All these benefits make IT easy for your company’s core IT team.
What are AS400 ERP Upgrade Benefits?
For those who use Legacy AS400 based ERP systems, it is crucial to upgrade them to avail the benefits at par to those who use AS400 cloud-based ERP.
The upgrade is prime because it helps receive updates, new features, service packs, and much more. All of this is in real-time.
A system that is up to date will be optimized. Through this, your teams do not have to stress about the downtime.
An upgrade of AS400 ERP will ensure you get the most out of cloud benefits.
Revisiting the difference between legacy and modern one last time for your perusal – because we want to help you break out of your legacy AS400 systems…
What is the difference between Legacy AS400 Software and the Next Generation ERP?
Legacy AS400 software are typically offline ERPs. They are also called on-premises ERP systems. On the contrary, the next generation of ERP is nothing but a cloud-based ERP.
Let us analyse the difference between the two further:
The cloud AS400 ERP offers greater ease of access compared to the Legacy AS400 ERP systems.
Using the Legacy ERPs, you will have to maintain the ERPs on your server or computer. Only the members who have the authority to use the ERP can gain access through the machine.
Since the Next Generation ERPs are present on an internet server that you own or lease, you require a web browser to access it. You can access it using any web browser like Chrome, Safari, and Edge.
The Next Generation AS400 based ERP on cloud will be futuristic. It incorporates technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, big-data analytics, machine learning, and cloud computing.
It is easier to update and customize your Next Generation ERP AS400 compared to your legacy software. The changes can be made easily.
On the contrary, Legacy AS400 based ERPs might be tough to change with limited knowledge. You require a robust IT team for this.
You can use any device with the internet to access the systems. Your only requirement is a web browser.
For legacy ERP on AS400, you will need a server and machines with the software enabled.
How to Choose an AS400 ERP Consultant?
Projects on ERP are done once every several years; you must do it in with utmost care and diligence.
For the same, hiring an AS400 ERP consultant can be beneficial.
What questions you should ask before you hire an AS400 ERP consultant:
- How long have they been in business?
- What is the prowess/strengths of the AS400 service provider?
- What recommendations have they received from credible sources?
- Does the AS400 consultant specialize in your business niche?
- Is the consultant a good fit for your company’s culture? Do you see a long-term relationship?
Once you are done asking these questions, you can see vividly if a particular AS400 consultant aligns well with you and your business needs.
Alternatively, you approach Integrative Systems.
With over 20 years of expertise in providing AS400 application services, Integrative Systems can help you with all your projects and tasks.
You experience the best AS400 ERP services near you with the finest standard operating procedures.
Connect with us at – [email protected]
We prioritize your success ahead of ours!
AS400 ERP Frequently Asked Questions
1. How can lightweight APIs help in AS400 ERP?
With the help of lightweight APIs, easy communication between modules can happen. A seamless integration process occurs through microservices while switching from an on-premises ERP to cloud ERP.
2. How do ERP consultants help in the easy migration of ERP?
From evaluating the present state of the ERP system to find a way to migrate with
no data loss and least intrusion, expert consultants can help optimize
the migration process for ERPs.
3. Why are most distributors migrating AS400 ERP to Cloud ERP?
While AS400 ERP is a good one; it poses the issue of being on-premises. You cannot update it when moving around and use it via remote access. This is why most businesses wish to switch to Cloud ERP.
