Introduction
The IBM AS/400 (Application System/400) is a legendary midrange server known for its robustness and exceptional reliability, introduced by IBM in 1988. Throughout its history, the AS/400 has been highly regarded for its integration of a variety of business applications onto a single platform. The system was designed to replace older systems and consolidate a variety of business applications into one unified platform. It features a unique architecture with a Technology Independent Machine Interface (TIMI) which allows applications to run independently of the underlying hardware.
The IBM AS/400 operates on an object-based operating system called IBM i, which includes an integrated database optimized for business data. It employs a single-level storage model that treats all memory as a single continuum, simplifying management and enhancing performance. Its secure, integrated environment makes it a preferred choice for industries requiring reliable data processing, such as finance, insurance, and manufacturing. Despite being introduced over three decades ago, the AS/400 has evolved through various iterations and remains in use today due to its reliability, security, and the capability to integrate with modern technologies such as web services and cloud computing. Modernization tools allow it to support contemporary interfaces and applications, ensuring its continued relevance in today’s IT landscapes.
This article by Multisoft Systems delves into the evolution, architecture, and enduring relevance of the IBM AS/400 online training, examining its impact on business computing and how it continues to support businesses around the world today.
The Origins and Evolution of IBM AS/400
The IBM AS/400, short for Application System/400, was introduced by IBM on June 21, 1988. It was designed to consolidate the diverse midrange computer systems under a single, more versatile architecture. The AS/400 was a successor to IBM's System/36 and System/38, aiming to address the computing needs of small to medium-sized businesses with a focus on backward compatibility and ease of use.
Origins
The AS/400 was part of IBM's strategic move to unify its midrange systems into a single family that would share common hardware and software components. This unification was intended to reduce costs and simplify the product line. The AS/400 system was built from the ground up to support business applications. It incorporated IBM’s advanced 48-bit CISC architecture, which later evolved into the 64-bit PowerPC-based RS64.
Key Features from Inception
- Integrated System: The AS/400 was designed as an all-in-one system, integrating hardware and an advanced operating system, OS/400, with built-in database capabilities.
- Single-Level Storage: It introduced a revolutionary single-level storage concept that treated disk and memory storage as a single addressable entity, making system management easier and more intuitive.
- Object-Based Operating System: OS/400 was an object-oriented operating system from the start, which differentiated it from file-based systems and enhanced security and data integrity.
Evolution
Over the years, the AS/400 system underwent several significant transformations:
The IBM AS/400 underwent several key transformations after its 1988 debut, evolving to meet changing technology demands. In 1994, the AS/400 Advanced Series introduced more powerful processors. By 2000, it was rebranded as the iSeries, aligning with IBM's eServer strategy to standardize server offerings. In 2004, the eServer i5 launched, supporting multiple operating environments. The system was renamed System i in 2006, integrating with System p products. In 2008, System i was absorbed into the IBM Power Systems line, expanding its capabilities to support UNIX (AIX), Linux, and IBM i.
Today, the legacy of the AS/400 lives on in the IBM Power Systems series, which supports the IBM i operating system—a direct descendant of the original OS/400. IBM continues to develop and enhance this platform, emphasizing modern capabilities such as cloud integration, AI, and robust security features. Despite its age, the platform remains highly valued for its reliability, security, and uniquely integrated architecture, which has been continuously modernized to meet the demands of current and future business computing environments.
The IBM AS/400’s certification evolution reflects IBM’s commitment to legacy integration while promoting technological advancement, ensuring that it remains a vital and dynamic part of the global IT infrastructure.
Architecture and Key Features
- Technology Independent Machine Interface (TIMI): TIMI is a layer of abstraction between the operating system and the hardware, ensuring that older applications continue to run on newer hardware without modification.
- Integrated Operating System (IBM i): IBM i includes an integrated database that is highly optimized for business data processing.
- Single-Level Storage: This unique feature treats all memory (RAM and disk) as a single continuous space, simplifying data management and processing.
- Object-Based System: Unlike traditional file-based systems, IBM AS/400 is object-based, enhancing security and system integrity.
Applications and Uses
- Business Applications: The AS/400 is celebrated for its ability to run business applications efficiently, particularly in industries like manufacturing, finance, and insurance.
- Modernization: Despite its age, many organizations modernize their AS/400 systems instead of replacing them, using tools that allow web interfaces and mobile access to AS/400 applications.
- Cloud and Virtualization: The AS/400’s capability for virtualization has been expanded with support for modern cloud environments, providing more flexibility for deployment.
The AS/400 in Modern IT Infrastructure
The IBM AS/400, known today as IBM i on Power Systems, remains a significant component in modern IT infrastructure. Despite its age, the platform’s reliability, robust security, and integration capabilities make it indispensable for industries like finance, manufacturing, and logistics. Companies continue to rely on IBM i for critical applications due to its seamless integration of hardware, operating system, and database management.
In today’s IT environment, IBM i has adapted to support modern needs, including cloud computing, virtualization, and enhanced connectivity with web services, mobile applications, and IoT devices. Integration tools enable IBM i systems to connect with cutting-edge technologies, extending their life and maintaining operational efficiency. Additionally, many organizations use modernization tools to create web interfaces and mobile-friendly applications on the AS/400, enabling legacy systems to meet today’s digital standards.
With IBM’s ongoing support and updates, the AS/400 training platform continues to evolve, allowing businesses to balance legacy reliability with the flexibility to innovate. By adapting to newer technologies, IBM i on Power Systems bridges the gap between traditional business-critical applications and modern IT advancements, ensuring its continued relevance in the fast-evolving digital landscape.
Future Prospects and Continuations
- IBM’s Commitment: IBM’s continued support for the platform with regular updates and new features.
- Market Trends: Analysis of trends affecting legacy systems like the AS/400, including the shift to cloud computing and as-a-service models.
- Advocacy and Community: The vibrant community of developers and IT professionals dedicated to the AS/400, and their efforts to keep the system relevant.
Conclusion
The IBM AS/400 online training stands as a testament to enduring engineering excellence, adapting to changing technological landscapes while maintaining its core values of reliability and security. As businesses continue to evolve, the AS/400, or IBM i, remains a vital part of many organizations' IT strategies, proving that good technology can stand the test of time.
This article, by providing an in-depth look at the IBM AS/400 from inception to its current iteration, highlights how this system has not just survived but thrived by embracing innovation and adapting to meet the needs of modern computing. Enroll in Multisoft Systems now!