Ever since its arrival over three decades ago, IBM i/AS400 has been synonymous with performance and reliability. It’s not without reason that major corporations around the world continue to bet on it for hosting mission-critical tasks of their organizations. However, as with all good things, IBM i users have their reasons to worry, causes of concern, and areas of improvement.
IBM i boasts of a solid core that’s capable of handling complex and heavy workloads but when viewed from the user’s lens, there is a desperate need for enhancement of the user experience to maintain the expected productivity levels. 30 years ago, concepts such as user interface and graphical user interface were alien to the majority of the users, with core functionality as the primary factor driving usage. Today, besides functionality, users are obsessed with the look and feel of the applications (or anything for that matter) they use. Serving the purpose is only half of the engagement equation, aesthetic value makes up for the other half.
With modern users pushing hard for the user experience of digital applications, organizations on AS400 find themselves in a desperate state of affairs to switch from the traditional green screens to GUI while retaining the sturdiness. Users no longer wish to encounter the 5250 screens which they consider archaic, bland, and even a pain to work on. They are happy with what the application can do but not with the way it looks. Also, with the experienced lot of IBM i users already retired or approaching retirement, the technology leadership is left with no choice other than embracing IBM i modernization.
Modernization might mean creating a user interface, refactoring the database, changing existing codes, and/or integrating new applications. Respecting the limitations of the blog, here we stick to green screen re-facing (for others, the website’s resources tab should help you navigate).
Due to the scarcity of IBM i/RPG specialists these days, modernizing the system is complex, inconvenient, and resource-hungry. Besides planning and budget, a major concern for businesses seeking AS400 modernization is the identification of the right AS400 modernization tool.
IBM i modernization tools are used by industry experts to align RPG applications in line with the expectations of the modern user. Among the most widely-used ones, LongRange and RAMP from LANSA and Profound UI from Profound Logic top the list. Depending on the requirements of the user, whether they wish to continue with RPG or explore something like .NET, whether they want just Web tools or mobile, they can make an informed choice.
IBM i modernization tools are leveraged by IBM i experts to transform existing RPG applications into web applications as well as build new web and mobile, GUI-based applications for IBM i/AS400 users. A reliable modernization tool helps users in
An all-encompassing tool for the modernization of IBM i applications is a user’s delight.
At Nalashaa, we boast of seasoned IBM solutions specialists who are helping clients across industries to keep their IBM i/AS400/i Series applications current and future-ready. We help clients with modernization, migration, and long-term support of IBM applications and keep them ready to take on modern business challenges.
Anjan Barman is a technology enthusiast with primary interests in the applications and possibilities of Cloud, RPA, AI, CRM, and the like in modern businesses. He loves exploring how innovations help organizations improve their efficiency while reducing operating costs and presents the same in an atypical way.