Profound Logic Software, a leader in IBM i application modernization and development, announces the availability of a new study on the topic of legacy application systems and their impact on today’s businesses.
The ‘State of IBM i Modernization’ white paper contains the results of a survey that Profound Logic ran in December of 2015. The goal of the survey was to collect data to paint a picture of how the legacy IBM i (formerly known as AS/400 or iSeries) code and applications are currently being used, and what the future of IBM i development looks like for companies that use the platform.
The results of the survey show a marked trend toward modernization of the platform, as well as positive view of the platform by its technical users. Users stated that they believe the IBM i is a very stable, reliable, and cost-effective platform for their business applications.
The greatest challenges to the platform involve the concerns over an aging developer workforce, and the perception of the platform as “old” and outdated based on the use of legacy application interfaces.
“We found that the use of green screen application interfaces is the number one concern IBM i businesses have about the platform, and the greatest challenge they face to supporting their modern business,” states Amanda Blackburn, Marketing Manager at Profound Logic Software. “While the majority of the technical users have a very positive view of the platform, and many are using an up-to-date version of the OS (IBM i 7.2 TR3 was released in November of 2015), there is still a negative perception of the platform by a significant portion of decision-makers and upper management.”
Despite these challenges, Profound Logic views the results as “cautiously optimistic”
“By protecting their IBM i investment and updating those areas that need to be addressed – namely, converting to the use of modern, free-format RPG code; training a new generation of developers in this code; and developing modern Web and mobile applications – the IBM i can have a long life and continue to support some of the world’s largest and most successful companies,” states Blackburn.
The white paper with complete survey results can be requested here.
Business users want new applications now. Market and regulatory pressures require faster application updates and delivery into production. Your IBM i developers may be approaching retirement, and you see no sure way to fill their positions with experienced developers. In addition, you may be caught between maintaining your existing applications and the uncertainty of moving to something new.
IT managers hoping to find new IBM i talent are discovering that the pool of experienced RPG programmers and operators or administrators with intimate knowledge of the operating system and the applications that run on it is small. This begs the question: How will you manage the platform that supports such a big part of your business? This guide offers strategies and software suggestions to help you plan IT staffing and resources and smooth the transition after your AS/400 talent retires. Read on to learn:
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