Top 20 AS400 Modernization Tools in 2024

Modernizing AS400 (IBM iSeries) systems is crucial for businesses aiming to stay competitive in today's fast-paced technological landscape. In 2024, a variety of tools are available to help organizations update their legacy systems efficiently and effectively. This guide explores the top 20 AS400 modernization tools in detail, providing comprehensive information on their features, benefits, and how they can help transform your legacy applications.

1. Rocket Software

Rocket Software offers a comprehensive suite of modernization tools for AS400 systems. Their solutions are designed to extend and improve the capabilities of AS400, making it easier to integrate with modern technologies.

Rocket API

This tool allows AS400 applications to communicate with modern web services using RESTful APIs. By creating these APIs, Rocket API helps integrate AS400 systems with other enterprise applications, cloud services, and mobile apps, enhancing interoperability and extending the system's functionality.

Rocket LegaSuite

A low-code platform that enables the transformation of AS400 green-screen applications into modern web, mobile, and cloud applications. LegaSuite includes tools for designing user interfaces, creating workflows, and integrating with other systems, which accelerates the modernization process while minimizing disruption.

Rocket Aldon

An application lifecycle management (ALM) tool that supports DevOps practices, including version control, deployment automation, and change management. Aldon helps streamline the development and deployment processes, making it easier to maintain and update AS400 applications.

Benefits

• Integration: Facilitates seamless communication between AS400 and modern systems.
• Modern UI: Enhances user interfaces for better user experience.
• DevOps Support: Improves efficiency in development and deployment processes.

2. Fresche Solutions

Fresche Solutions specializes in AS400 modernization, offering a suite of tools and services that cover various aspects of the modernization process.

X-Analysis

An advanced tool for application analysis, documentation, and understanding. It helps organizations analyze their existing codebase, identify dependencies, and document their applications. This deep understanding is crucial for planning effective modernization strategies.

Newlook

Transforms traditional green-screen applications into modern web and mobile interfaces without requiring changes to the underlying code. Newlook uses a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, allowing developers to design modern interfaces quickly and easily.

Fresche View

Facilitates the transition from legacy programming languages to modern ones such as RPG, Java, and .NET. This tool provides automated code conversion, helping businesses adopt modern development practices while preserving existing business logic.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Analysis: Provides deep insights into existing applications, aiding in modernization planning.
• Modern UI Transformation: Simplifies the process of updating user interfaces.
• Code Conversion: Supports transition to modern programming languages, enhancing development capabilities.

3. LANSA

LANSA provides a powerful integrated development environment (IDE) for AS400 modernization, focusing on reducing the complexity and time required for development.

Visual LANSA

A low-code platform that enables developers to create modern web and mobile applications while leveraging existing AS400 logic. Visual LANSA's drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to design and develop applications, reducing the need for extensive coding.

RAMP

Integrates and modernizes multiple AS400 applications into a single user interface. This unified approach improves usability and streamlines operations by bringing together various applications into one coherent interface.

Benefits

• Low-Code Development: Accelerates application development with minimal coding.
• Unified Interface: Enhances usability by integrating multiple applications into a single UI.
• Seamless Integration: Facilitates integration with modern technologies.

Also read: Top 10 areas for AS400 Modernization

4. Profound Logic

Profound Logic offers a suite of tools designed to modernize AS400 applications, focusing on user interface enhancement and integration with modern technologies.

Profound UI

Transforms green-screen applications into rich web interfaces using a drag-and-drop interface builder. This tool allows developers to create modern, responsive interfaces that enhance user experience without changing the underlying business logic.

Profound API

Simplifies the creation of RESTful APIs for AS400 applications, enabling integration with modern platforms and services. This tool helps extend the functionality of AS400 systems, making them more versatile and connected.

Profound.js

Combines Node.js with AS400, allowing developers to build scalable, high-performance applications using modern JavaScript. Profound.js provides a bridge between traditional AS400 development and modern web development practices.

Benefits

• Modern UI: Enhances user interfaces, improving user experience.
• API Integration: Facilitates seamless integration with modern platforms.
• Node.js Support: Leverages modern JavaScript for scalable application development.

5. IBM Rational Developer for i (RDi)

IBM Rational Developer for i is an integrated development environment (IDE) that provides advanced tools for modernizing AS400 applications, focusing on improving developer productivity and code quality.

Code Analysis and Refactoring

Offers tools for analyzing and refactoring existing codebases, helping developers understand and improve their applications. These tools identify code dependencies, potential issues, and optimization opportunities.

Integrated Debugging

Provides robust debugging capabilities, allowing developers to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly. The integrated debugger supports both legacy and modern languages, making it easier to maintain complex applications.

Support for Modern Languages

Enables development in modern languages such as Java, SQL, and XML, in addition to traditional AS400 languages like RPG and COBOL. This support helps businesses adopt modern development practices and integrate with contemporary technologies.

Benefits

• Comprehensive Development Tools: Enhances developer productivity with advanced tools.
• Improved Code Quality: Supports code analysis and refactoring for better code quality.
• Modern Language Support: Facilitates development in modern languages, expanding development capabilities.

6. Remain Software

Remain Software focuses on application lifecycle management for AS400 systems, offering tools that support development, deployment, and change management.

TD/OMS

An end-to-end solution for version control, deployment, and change management. TD/OMS supports DevOps practices, enabling continuous integration and delivery. It helps manage the entire application lifecycle, from development to deployment, ensuring consistency and reliability.

Gravity

A project management tool that integrates seamlessly with TD/OMS, enhancing collaboration and efficiency. Gravity supports agile methodologies, helping teams manage projects, track progress, and collaborate effectively.

Benefits

• Lifecycle Management: Streamlines application lifecycle management with comprehensive tools.
• DevOps Support: Enables continuous integration and delivery, improving efficiency.
• Project Management: Enhances collaboration and project tracking with integrated tools.

7. ARCAD Software

ARCAD Software provides a range of tools for AS400 modernization, focusing on automation and efficiency.

ARCAD Transformer RPG

Automates the conversion of RPG code to modern free-form syntax. This tool simplifies the process of updating legacy RPG code, making it easier to maintain and enhance.

ARCAD Verifier

Automates testing processes, ensuring the reliability of modernized applications. Verifier supports both functional and regression testing, helping businesses maintain high-quality standards.

ARCAD Observer

Offers comprehensive application analysis and documentation. Observer provides insights into code dependencies, data flows, and business logic, aiding in planning and executing modernization projects.

Benefits

• Code Conversion: Automates RPG code conversion, simplifying modernization.
• Automated Testing: Enhances testing efficiency and reliability.
• Comprehensive Analysis: Provides in-depth insights for effective modernization planning.

8. Surround Technologies

Surround Technologies offers a modern development platform for AS400 systems, focusing on integrating legacy logic with contemporary technologies.

Accelerator for .NET

Facilitates the development of modern .NET applications using existing AS400 logic. This tool allows businesses to leverage their AS400 investment while adopting modern development practices and technologies.

Surround 360

Provides tools for integrating and modernizing AS400 applications with cloud and mobile technologies. Surround 360 helps extend the reach of AS400 applications, making them accessible on modern platforms.

Benefits

• .NET Development: Leverages existing AS400 logic for .NET application development.
• Cloud and Mobile Integration: Extends AS400 applications to modern platforms.
• Robust Development Tools: Accelerates development with comprehensive tools.

9. Cozystream

Cozystream focuses on user interface modernization for AS400 applications, offering tools that enhance user experience and facilitate integration.

Cozystream Designer

A low-code platform for transforming green-screen interfaces into modern web and mobile applications. Cozystream Designer uses a drag-and-drop interface, making it easy to create responsive, user-friendly interfaces.

Cozystream API

Enables the creation of RESTful APIs, facilitating integration with modern systems and platforms. This tool helps extend the functionality of AS400 applications, making them more versatile and connected.

Benefits

• Low-Code UI Development: Simplifies the process of updating user interfaces.
• Enhanced User Experience: Improves usability with modern, responsive designs.
• API Integration: Supports seamless integration with modern systems.

10. MobiCheck

MobiCheck specializes in mobile-enabling AS400 applications, providing tools that ensure compatibility and security.

MobiCheck Mobile Suite

Offers tools for creating mobile versions of AS400 applications, ensuring compatibility with various devices and platforms. The suite includes a mobile development framework, device management tools, and security features.

MobiCheck API Gateway

Facilitates secure and scalable API integration for mobile applications. The API Gateway ensures that mobile apps can access AS400 data and functionality securely and efficiently.

Benefits

• Mobile Access: Enables mobile access to AS400 applications.
• Device Compatibility: Ensures compatibility across different devices and platforms.
• Secure Integration: Enhances security and scalability of mobile integrations.

11. HelpSystems

HelpSystems offers a variety of solutions for automating and securing AS400 systems, focusing on operational efficiency and data management.

Robot

A suite of tools that automate various operations, including job scheduling, system monitoring, and performance management. Robot helps reduce manual workload, improve system reliability, and ensure optimal performance.

Sequel Data Access

Provides advanced data access, analysis, and reporting capabilities. Sequel Data Access allows users to create custom reports, dashboards, and data visualizations, enhancing data-driven decision-making.

Benefits

• Operational Automation: Increases efficiency through automated operations.
• Enhanced Data Analysis: Improves data access and reporting capabilities.
• System Reliability: Enhances system performance and reliability.

12. Cognos

Cognos, an IBM company, offers powerful business intelligence (BI) and analytics tools for AS400 systems.

Cognos Analytics

Enables advanced data visualization, reporting, and predictive analytics. Cognos Analytics provides a comprehensive platform for analyzing and visualizing AS400 data, helping organizations gain insights and make informed decisions.

Cognos Integration Server

Integrates AS400 data with modern BI platforms, facilitating data consolidation and analysis. The Integration Server ensures that AS400 data can be easily accessed and analyzed using modern BI tools.

Benefits

• Advanced Analytics: Provides robust data analytics and visualization tools.
• Data Integration: Facilitates integration with modern BI systems.
• Predictive Analytics: Enhances decision-making with predictive analytics capabilities.

13. MobiAccess

MobiAccess focuses on mobile solutions for AS400 systems, providing tools that enable mobile access and integration.

MobiAccess SDK

Enables the development of mobile applications that interact with AS400 data. The SDK includes libraries, frameworks, and tools for creating mobile apps that can access and manipulate AS400 data.

MobiAccess Enterprise Server

Ensures secure and reliable communication between mobile devices and AS400 systems. The Enterprise Server provides features such as data synchronization, offline access, and security controls.

Benefits

• Mobile Development: Facilitates the development of mobile applications for AS400.
• Secure Communication: Ensures secure data communication between mobile devices and AS400.
• Offline Access: Provides offline access capabilities for mobile applications.

Also read: Our IBM iSeries Modernization Solution for an Arkansas based company

14. Zend Server

Zend Server offers a PHP-based platform for modernizing AS400 applications, focusing on performance, security, and scalability.

Zend PHP Toolkit

Provides tools and libraries for developing PHP applications on AS400. The toolkit includes APIs, libraries, and integration tools that simplify the development of PHP applications that interact with AS400 systems.

Zend Server for IBM i

Enhances the performance, security, and scalability of PHP applications running on AS400. Zend Server provides features such as application monitoring, performance tuning, and security controls.

Benefits

• PHP Development: Leverages PHP for modern application development.
• Enhanced Performance: Improves the performance of PHP applications on AS400.
• Scalability: Provides scalability for enterprise applications.

15. WebSmart

WebSmart by Fresche Solutions focuses on web development for AS400, providing tools that enable the creation of modern web applications.

WebSmart PHP

Enables the development of PHP-based web applications that interact with AS400 data. WebSmart PHP includes a development environment, libraries, and frameworks for building web applications.

WebSmart ILE

Provides tools for creating RPG-based web applications. WebSmart ILE allows developers to create web applications using RPG, leveraging their existing skills and knowledge.

Benefits

• Web Development: Facilitates the development of modern web applications.
• PHP and RPG Support: Supports both PHP and RPG languages, providing flexibility in development.
• Enhanced Web Interfaces: Improves the user experience with modern web interfaces.

16. BCD Software

BCD Software offers a range of tools for AS400 modernization, focusing on user interface enhancement and report management.

Presto

Transforms green-screen applications into modern web interfaces. Presto uses a no-code approach, allowing developers to create responsive web interfaces quickly and easily.

Catapult

Automates the distribution and management of reports. Catapult ensures that reports are delivered to the right people at the right time, improving efficiency and reducing manual workload.

Clover

Provides a web-based integrated development environment (IDE) for developing modern AS400 applications. Clover supports multiple programming languages and includes tools for code editing, debugging, and deployment.

Benefits

• UI Modernization: Enhances user interfaces for better user experience.
• Report Automation: Automates report distribution and management.
• Web-Based IDE: Provides a modern development environment for AS400 applications.

17. Informatica

Informatica offers data integration and management tools for AS400, focusing on improving data accessibility and usability.

PowerCenter

Facilitates data integration from AS400 to modern platforms. PowerCenter provides ETL (extract, transform, load) capabilities, allowing businesses to consolidate and integrate data from AS400 with other systems.

Cloud Data Integration

Enables cloud-based data management and integration. Informatica's cloud solutions provide scalable and flexible data integration capabilities, making it easier to manage AS400 data in a cloud environment.

Benefits

• Data Integration: Enhances data integration capabilities, improving data accessibility.
• Cloud Management: Supports cloud-based data management, providing flexibility and scalability.
• ETL Capabilities: Streamlines data consolidation and transformation processes.

18. Syncsort

Syncsort focuses on data integration and optimization for AS400 systems, offering tools that enhance data quality and accessibility.

DMX-h

Provides data integration and ETL capabilities, allowing businesses to integrate AS400 data with modern platforms. DMX-h supports high-performance data processing, ensuring that data is integrated efficiently.

Assure Security

Enhances data security and compliance, providing tools for data encryption, access control, and auditing. Assure Security helps businesses protect sensitive data and comply with regulatory requirements.

Benefits

• Data Integration: Streamlines data integration and ETL processes.
• Enhanced Security: Improves data security and compliance.
• High-Performance Processing: Ensures efficient data processing and integration.

19. Appfire

Appfire offers tools for application development and management on AS400, focusing on enhancing development efficiency and application performance.

Appfire Framework

Provides a robust framework for developing and deploying modern AS400 applications. The framework includes libraries, tools, and best practices for building high-quality applications.

Appfire Orchestrator

Enhances application management and orchestration, providing tools for monitoring, scaling, and managing applications. Orchestrator helps ensure that applications run smoothly and efficiently.

Benefits

• Development Framework: Facilitates the development of modern applications.
• Application Management: Enhances management capabilities, ensuring efficient operation.
• Performance Optimization: Improves application performance and scalability.

20. Sparx Systems

Sparx Systems provides advanced modeling tools for AS400, focusing on enhancing application design and documentation.

Enterprise Architect

Offers tools for modeling, designing, and documenting AS400 applications. Enterprise Architect supports a wide range of modeling languages and standards, making it easy to create comprehensive models and diagrams.

Pro Cloud Server

Enables cloud-based collaboration and integration, providing tools for team collaboration, project management, and integration with other systems. Pro Cloud Server ensures that teams can work together effectively, regardless of location.

Benefits

• Advanced Modeling: Enhances application design with comprehensive modeling tools.
• Cloud Collaboration: Supports cloud-based collaboration, improving team efficiency.
• Documentation: Facilitates thorough documentation of applications, aiding in maintenance and modernization efforts.

Conclusion

Modernizing AS400 systems is essential for organizations looking to leverage the latest technologies and improve operational efficiency. The tools listed above represent the best options available in 2024, each offering unique features and benefits tailored to different aspects of the modernization process. By selecting the right tools, businesses can transform their legacy AS400 applications into modern, agile, and competitive solutions. Our team at Nalashaa comprises of a group of AS400 experts, well equipped to add new-age solutions to modern-day legacy problems. Get in touch with us today, by writing to info@nalashaa.com!