AS400 Cloud Hosting

The digital age has brought about advanced methods and technologies that have transformed businesses’ operations. One such innovation that has molded the landscape of IT is AS400 cloud hosting, also known as migrating AS400 to cloud-based infrastructure.

Designed to be a solution to the critical need for secure, cost-effective, and efficient data management, AS400 cloud hosting offers an excellent alternative to traditional on-premise hosting. But what exactly is AS400? 

IBM’s AS400, also known as AS/400, is a reliable multi-user computer system designed by IBM for business operations. Since their introduction in 1988, AS400 systems have offered robust performance with exceptional security features, making the AS400 extremely popular among organizations throughout the world. It’s primarily used for running critical business workloads like ERP systems that demand high levels of availability and reliability. 

AS400 modernization has been a significant talking point in the IT sector. Modernizing an AS400 system results in improved efficiency, reduced costs, and better business processes. It involves upgrading the system or the software to ameliorate performance and functionality. It can also involve migrating the system to cloud infrastructure, such as Azure, to gain new benefits.

Migrating AS400 environments and adopting AS400 cloud hosting provides numerous benefits:

• Increased agility through faster software development cycles
• Enhanced scalability by tapping into limitless computing resources
• Improved security measures provided by advanced encryption methods
• Cost savings achieved by eliminating capital expenditures on outdated hardware
• Better access control through centralized identity management

AS400 Migration To Cloud

A highly pertinent issue for many enterprises that still operate using the AS400 system is the upgrade to cloud infrastructure, which brings about enhanced capabilities, security, flexibility, and scalability. The process involves proficiency in the use of AS400 modernization tools and an in-depth understanding of the potential benefits of IBM Power in the cloud. 

The AS400 system, pioneered by IBM, is an integrated operating system, and its associated databases are known for their robustness. However, age and the pressing demands of contemporary technological advancement mean this formerly state-of-the-art technology necessitates a handover to the cloud. 

AS400 modernization tools play an essential role in this process. These tools are invaluable in helping companies transform legacy applications into cloud-ready applications without risking crucial data or disrupting business continuity. Moreover, they also foster a more straightforward setup, enhanced manageability, and fewer complexities during the migration itself. 

IBM Power in cloud signifies a new era of technology, enabling businesses to leverage the potential of IBM power system architecture within a cloud-based environment. This development offers businesses a unique blend of the old AS400 reliability with modernized, cloud-based advancements, delivering unmatched performance, reliability, and security. 

IBM Power in the cloud provides an agile and reliable platform for all emerging and existing business applications. The AS400 to cloud migration signifies an upgrade not only in software but also in the entire IT infrastructure. This shift to a cloud system is advantageous as it provides cost scalability, flexibility, security, and even the ability for a company to diversify its geographic location without hindrance. 

A significant addition is the IBM Power on Azure. Azure is Microsoft’s cloud computing platform, offering a range of cloud services, including analytics, storage, and networking. Businesses can choose and configure these services according to their needs, creating a comprehensive, tailored IT environment. 

Skytap makes it possible to migrate and run IBM AS400 workloads natively in Azure without refactoring or replatforming applications. IBM Power to Azure shows the expansion and diversification in cloud solutions, providing new capabilities and choices for businesses. Workload migration to the cloud is the transfer of an organization’s onsite digital operations onto the cloud; it is undeniably a crucial aspect of cloud technology. 

This pivotal move is more than just data relocation; it’s a strategic initiative that involves moving data, applications, and IT processes to cloud infrastructure, thereby promising expanded capabilities and growth. AS400 cloud hosting symbolizes not only the journey of a company’s digital transformation, but also the continuous progression in technology. 

Workload Migration

Workload migration unravels complexities transcending the IT environment, with the shifting landscape of modern digital business requiring companies to move their operations and data from on-premises infrastructure to the cloud. 

The challenge lies not only in moving the data itself, but also in ensuring its seamless integration with new, cloud-based applications. Furthermore, the inherent risk of data loss during migration calls for a strategic approach. One such strategy involves the use of high-quality software tools and services capable of transferring large volumes of data quickly, securely, and accurately. 

With Azure, businesses can tap into advanced analytics, substantial storage, and powerful computing capabilities, effectively revolutionizing their operations. Transferring processes from an on-premise system to the cloud isn’t an easy task. Application migration to Azure is a complex process involving planning, execution, and subsequent support. 

However, the fabric of Azure makes this migration manageable and worthwhile. With features like scalability, redundancy, security, and comprehensive application support, Azure leads the way in modernizing business applications. A cloud modernization strategy is an essential element that can profoundly impact business operations. It involves decisions regarding the replacement, refactoring, rehosting, or redevelopment of legacy systems. 

This strategy should consider factors like cost, time, and the impact on business operations, with the goal being to increase efficiency, speed, and agility while reducing operational expenditure. Skytap on Azure delivers a unique solution that allows businesses to run traditional enterprise applications in the cloud without modification. Enterprises with essential legacy applications, which have been refractory to the change, can leverage Skytap to continue running their systems while reaping the benefits of Azure. 

With Skytap on Azure, businesses can execute their cloud migration strategy more easily and efficiently. Legacy application migration is a delicate process that needs a carefully designed strategy. The main focus should be preserving the value of the legacy system while facilitating its smooth transition. Given the inherent complexities and significant risks, organizations often turn to experienced service providers who offer dedicated solutions. 

A cloud migration strategy plays a critical role in efficiently transferring workloads to the cloud. It involves careful planning, selecting the right cloud service provider, and overseeing the execution of the migration process. It’s essential to consider a variety of parameters, such as the organization’s strategic objectives, the nature of the workloads, required resources, and potential risks. 

To conclude, migration services and strategic partners play a crucial role in enabling a smooth transition from AS400 on-premises to the cloud. However, the success of this transition depends heavily on using the right tools and strategies, keeping business objectives at the forefront, and coordinating all the aspects of complex processes like legacy data migration and application migration to Azure. A well-thought-out cloud modernization strategy, thereupon, forms the cornerstone of successful workload migration.

Learn more about Skytap on Azure here and how it can support your AS400 cloud hosting strategy.