IBM Power Systems have come a long way. Its a family of server computers, Power Systems, that was previously named AS400/iSeries. Formed from the merging of two hardware lines called iSeries and pSeries, the new Power Systems is based on the IBM Power processor.
Currently, IBM runs of the iSeries hardware line. The CPU architecture of AS/400 was based on IBM PowerPC-AS, and the OS was OS/400. pSeries is the other hardware line that was merged to form IBM Power Systems.
This hardware line used PowerPC and IBM Power processors and was based on Linux on Power and IBM AIX operating systems. AS/400 was later renamed to iSeries and then again renamed to System i.
OS/400 was renamed to i5/OS, and then to IBMi. So IBM has changed the name continuously, whenever they released an updated version, so when someone refers to IBMi platform, they could be referring to System i, iSeries.
Although IBM Power Systems is the current server family, thousands of companies are still using AS/400 and iSeries and are looking for cost-effective iSeries consulting services.
Today, businesses hire IBM i consulting services to bridge critical skills gaps, modernize legacy infrastructure safely, and optimize operational costs. Specialized experts help future-proof core systems without disrupting daily business.
“We don’t just manage IBM i environments – we reimagine them for performance, scalability, and modern business needs,” says Stephanie Rabbani, with 25+ years in IBM i technology.
Why Your Business Needs IBM i Consulting Services?
IBM i consulting services help companies maintain, update, and secure their core AS/400 and Power Systems environments. Expert consultants provide specialized skills to bridge the talent gap, optimize system performance, ensure regulatory compliance, and safely integrate legacy applications with modern cloud and AI architectures.
An application that runs on AS/400 can also run on a non AS400 server computer. But if you ask an iSeries consulting services provider firm to compare the application performance between the systems, you will choose to run the application on the former.
The reason being that AS/400 was built to accommodate technology disruptions and can run applications of any complexity with minimum effort relative to other systems.
For users, AS400 is easy to use, and thanks to application modernization initiatives from iSeries consulting services providing firms such as Integrative System, this aspect is becoming increasingly established.
An AS/400 system may have a very intuitive user interface, but overall it’s a complex system. Software, hardware, database, security, and several other components are integrated to adapt to changes.
Architecture and System Design
The AS/400’s internal architecture is based on hardware and software separation despite the tight integration. This aspect enables independence, where changes to one do not affect the other.
The software and hardware separation is achieved through the Machine Interface, which applications hardware, and operating systems utilize to communicate. The machine interface runs on OS400 operating system, and it separates the OS from the underlying hardware.
The robust architecture ensure that IBM iSeries support and services were never constrained to enhance an AS/400 or iSeries system because of architectural limitations.
Operating System and Internal Code
The OS of AS/400 is not like any other typical operating system and has a standard set of functions. Some of them are I/O management, process, memory management, and program control.
But in AS400, all OS functions are managed by the Licensed Internal Code or LIC. The LIC sits below the machine interface, and the operating system sits above the machine interface.
Integrated File Systems
AS400 iSeries server computers use an integrated file system. Applications written on UNIX or PC can be run on AS/400 and can access the file system of AS/400.
The integrated file system provides a single interface and similar protocols so that any application program can access an AS/400 file system. AS/400 also provides the flexibility for developers to create a single root and place all other file systems under this root file system. The IBM iOS also uses an integrated file system that supports several file systems, including UNIX, PC filesystems, apart from providing support for OS400 libraries.
This flexible architecture should be leveraged effectively. Only an experienced iSeries consulting services provider understands such complex architecture and can offer best-in-class modernization services.
This is why IBM i still focused by various businesses.
See why 1 out of 4 companies are focusing on IBM i/AS400?
Why is AS/400 Still Being Used?
The IBM AS/400 remains in use because it offers unmatched stability, near-zero downtime, and powerful built-in security. Replacing these core enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems is exceptionally expensive, risky, and time-consuming, making retention far more practical than migrating.
Most of the organizations continue to use AS/400 to Power their business applications. Some of them have upgraded to iSeries, and IBM Power Systems. Still, many companies continue to use the older AS/400 system as they don’t see the need of upgrading. But whenever they want to modernize their applications, they can connect with iSeries consulting service provider firm like Integrative Systems.
Whether it’s about new installations on IBM Power Systems or minor modification to the existing system, Integrative Systems provides 360 degrees iSeries consulting services on all generations of systems.
AS/400 was in demand and will continue to be, and there are several reasons for it. Have a look at some of them:
AS/400 is High Performing
AS400 CPU provide double processing power when compared to competitors. Moreover, organizations don’t feel the need to change their AS400 portfolio. For a migration or transition to the cloud, they would rather build an equivalent cloud application. They invoke custom software application development services and iSeries consulting services companies such as Integrative Systems for this purpose.
Flexibility and Upward Compatibility
An application created in the 1980s can run on today’s IBM Power Systems. This type of upward compatibility is crucial for businesses that do not want to reinvest in rebuilding software applications. AS/400 systems are reliable assets that organizations are not willing to relinquish for any other system. AS/400 systems are flexible, too. They support native languages such as COBOL, RPG, and C++ and support newer languages such as Python, Perl, SQL, JavaScript, and Java, which can be used for AS/400 application development by iSeries consulting services firms.
Key Capabilities of the IBM i Platform You Can Leverage
AS400, iSeries and, IBM Power Systems, are developed by keeping future in mind and efficiently fulfil current technology needs.
Following are some of the critical characteristics of iSeries systems that iSeries consulting services companies such as Integrative System will fully leverage.
These features are often the mainstay of IBM iSeries server computer technology products.
Kernel is Object-based
Every device or file is considered an object by the operating system. The virtue of everything being an object allows independence from the implementation techniques used by the machine.
An object has metadata that describes the object and methods to access the object. The architecture also supports objects to be extended – a powerful feature that can be used by iSeries consulting services firms to implement extensions.
Single Level Storage
Objects or pages can be on primary storage or RAM or reside on the secondary storage or disk. A process that is accessing an entity need not be concerned with the location of the object. It accesses the object by way of its object name.
The operating system takes responsibility for locating the object and provide a way to process. If a thing is available on the RAM, it is immediately made public. Else, it is moved to the RAM from the disk to be accessed by the calling program.
Integrated Features
IBMi has integrated features that cover a variety of computational tasks. Ranging from database management, networking to storage and security, all these features are available out-of-the-box. The integrated database is named DB2.
IBMi provides the IBM Systems Network Architecture that supports TCP/IP networking. Product analysis can be made via the IBM Navigator web-based console.
IBMi supports multiple open-source technologies. All open-source packages are installed via the YUM package manager and are available in the RPG package format. The support for open-source technologies allows iSeries consulting services companies to build modern-day applications using the latest technologies.
Some popular open-source technologies supported are Java, Git, Open SSL, Node JS, Python, MongoDB, nginx, PHP, R, Lua, Perl, Redis, Ruby, etc.
PowerVM Virtualization
This server virtualization technology allows iSeries consulting services firms to implement workload consolidation and enhanced server utilization.
Being a scalable and secure virtualization technology for IBM, PowerVM features an industry-leading hypervisor that can manage enterprise environment workload efficiently.
We have the experience of using the features of PowerVM to help organizations eliminate expenditure.
In this way, by working as an extension of customer’s in-house team, we bring unparallel knowledge, modern technology stack, and unmatched experience to gain measurable outcomes.
What Modern IBM i Consulting Services We Provide?
Modern IBM i (AS/400) consulting transition legacy core systems into agile, secure, and integrated IBM i environment.
Our IBM i consulting services can be categorized into 6 types – Database, code, user interface, infrastructure, hardware, AI.
See our modernization efforts for each of these elements.
Database
- We provide out-of-the-box synchronization of IBM i data to another database or application layer.
- We leverage ODBC connectivity, enabling integration with tools like Power BI, SQL-based transformations, and APIs.
- We selectively extract specific data sets or reports and synchronize them using ODBC connections or APIs for further processing and analysis.
Code
- We start by incrementally converting fixed-format code into free format, making it easier to read and maintain.
- We refactor the code by introducing modules and service programs to break down large monolithic structures into more modular components.
- This modular approach enables the code to be reused and accessed by APIs and other interfaces, allowing business logic to be integrated with modern languages and systems.
User Interface
- We build a web front-end over your RPG back-end using RPG APIs that call refactored modules; PHP and Python can also access the same business logic.
- We connect directly to DB2 and use modern front-end frameworks like React (or others) to create interactive user experiences.
- We implement incrementally, modernizing one page at a time – for example, enhancing order search with flexible filters, large data views, and detailed pop-ups.
Infrastructure
- We use disaster recovery cloud solutions to maintain a backup system that can be quickly activated during outages, helping future-proof your infrastructure.
- We implement change management practices, as many organizations still lack structured processes to track and control system changes.
- We leverage Git for version control along with CI/CD pipelines to maintain change history, improve collaboration, and streamline deployments.
Hardware
- We keep hardware up to date, as newer systems like Power 11 offer significantly improved performance and older Power levels are being deprecated.
- We leverage advanced capabilities such as AI acceleration (e.g., IBM Spyre AI Accelerator) to run AI workloads efficiently on modern Power systems.
- Benefit from enhanced reliability features, with near zero-downtime becoming increasingly achievable on Power 11 infrastructure.
AI
- We leverage advanced AI technology stacks, including AI pipelines and orchestration, prompt engineering, AI agents, and LLM-powered development.
See how Integrative Systems Enabled 5x Increase in Item Creation for a Large Retail Enterprise Through IBM i Automation.
Why Choose Integrative Systems for IBM i Consulting?
At Integrative Systems, we start by helping you succeed first.
We have over 25 years of experience in AS/400 and iSeries customization, development, integration, migration, and modernization, by working as an extension of your in-house team.
We believe in customer-first approach and form lasting strategic partnerships to foster unique business plans – right from modernization and support to consulting and implementation – we do everything while working as an extension of your team.
contact@integrative-systems.com to discuss your queries or if you have any project in mind.
Frequently Asked Questions on IBM i Consulting Services
1. What Are the Benefits of Hiring IBM i Consulting Companies for Infrastructure Support?
Ans – Hiring IBM i consulting companies provides expert technical help, stronger system security, and lower operating costs. These partners fix complex problems fast, keep your data safe from threats, and save you money on full-time staff.
2. Best Consulting Firms for Legacy System Modernization in the US
Ans – The top consulting firms for legacy system modernization in the US include Integrative Systems, known for handling complex enterprise transformations, cloud migrations, and core infrastructure overhauls.
3. How Do AS400 Consultants Help Reduce Modernization Risks?
Ans – AS400 (IBM i) consultants reduce modernization risks by providing a thorough portfolio discovery, executing phased, incremental roadmaps, and ensuring core business logic is preserved safely. They prevent catastrophic operational failure by utilizing automated code analysis and rigorous testing.
With over 20 years of experience in IBM i (AS/400) development, modernization, and integration, Stephanie brings a unique combination of technical expertise, leadership, and customer partnership to the team.
She has led multiple modernization projects across global customers – helping them transform legacy systems into agile, cloud-ready, and future-focused environments.
