Give traditional systems new life in the cloud

Migrate entire IBM Power estates, including applications, data, and networking configurations to the cloud without rewriting or refactoring using Skytap on Azure.

IBM iSeries Cloud

IBM iSeries is a highly robust, reliable, and secure platform widely used for running a wide range of business applications. However, new technologies can strengthen its performance, resulting in better business operations. IBM iSeries cloud is one of those innovations. It enhances the scalability of iSeries while offering on-demand service provisions, reduced time-to-market, and the freedom that the cloud offers. 

In delving further into the IBM iSeries, it is crucial to explain the reasons for the frequent IBM AS400 vs iSeries debates many IT professionals find themselves involved in. Primarily, AS400 and iSeries are two versions of an integrated system designed for business processing. The AS400, or Applications System/400, is a computer system from IBM designed for small and mid-sized businesses. In 2000, IBM rebranded it as iSeries – an integrated system capable of running various enterprise applications. However, it’s worth mentioning that, despite technical advancements, the core operating system and architecture remain similar for both systems. 

IBM i vs AIX is another common comparison. As part of the IBM operating system list, both of these systems hold unique functionalities: 

  • IBM i is developed for IBM Power Systems and IBM iSeries servers. It is a unified, highly scalable, and secure system that offers an integrated database and supports numerous applications. 
  • On the other hand, AIX stands for Advanced Interactive Executive, an open operating system that runs on the IBM Power architecture, providing a robust, multitasking environment that gives users the capability to perform various tasks concurrently. 

The IBM iSeries server is the hardware used to deploy the IBM i operating system. This multifunctional server fully encapsulates the IBM Power architecture, is highly scalable, and requires lesser manual input, reducing the risk of manual errors. The primary use of IBM iSeries lies in its ability to host and manage business applications efficiently. Its database integration, security robustness, and backward compatibility make it a favorite for many businesses across industries. 

Further consideration of the IBM operating system name reveals the operational advantages offered by IBM i. IBM i operating system is a robust operating system that hosts the IBM iSeries system. It provides an integrated environment for developing and running applications with an emphasis on business processing, customer management, and similar strategic operations. Its integrated nature means that it includes all necessary middleware components, reducing the need for additional application assembly. 

IBM iSeries cloud hosting allows users to host their IBM iSeries in the cloud. That not only increases accessibility but also allows companies to leverage the flexibility of cloud hosting to manage their operations more effectively. As such, the IBM System i offers users the opportunity to host and manage business applications in an integrated, secure environment. 

In summary, IBM iSeries, whether used for hosting on an IBM i server, IBM iSeries cloud, or applied in its various other forms and applications, stays relevant and superior among constant technological evolution. Its integration capabilities, security robustness, flexible hosting, and backward compatibility prove its effectiveness in diverse industries. It continues to play a critical role in facilitating business process integration, management, and operations performance.

IBM Cloud Migration

IBM cloud migration has emerged as an increasingly robust and viable solution for companies seeking to harness the power of cloud computing while benefiting from the rich history and reliability of IBM’s infrastructure. An example of the effectiveness of this cloud migration is the transition of the IBM iSeries to the cloud. No longer is the IBM iSeries only a standalone, on-premise solution. It has demonstrated its adaptability and resilience as a robust component of enterprise cloud strategy. 

One of the most significant factors in the decision to move IBM iSeries to the cloud is the ability to benefit from IBM’s innovative technology. Migrating IBMi series to Azure with Skytap, for instance, offers users the convenience and scalability of Microsoft’s Azure cloud services while retaining the performance and reliability for which IBM’s systems are known for. With this, Skytap has bridged the gap between traditional on-premises infrastructure and modern cloud-based systems, proving its adaptability to the demands and expectations of the ever-evolving tech landscape. 

Migrating the iSeries to the cloud requires a certain degree of strategic planning. Considerations of storage concerns, modifications of existing data architectures, and impact on business continuity should not be taken lightly. Nevertheless, the benefits are numerous: 

  • Increased operational efficiency
  • Cost-effectiveness
  • Flexibility
  • Access to more sophisticated technology that can propel businesses into the digital era

Increased scalability and adaptability are also significant benefits when it’s time to migrate IBM to the cloud. You can easily accommodate changes to your business environment due to the cloud’s inherently adaptable structure. Strains on resources due to sudden, unexpected business growth, for example, can be smoothed over with the cloud’s scalability. 

IBM Power Systems sets itself apart from other cloud technologies. Originally designed as IBM’s on-premise server line, it provides robust, reliable, and secure architecture. Migrating IBM Power to the cloud allows businesses to leverage their cloud-native applications and services while maintaining hardware control over their resources. With this, companies may tap into the strengths of both traditional and cloud systems. 

The journey from IBM i to cloud is not one to be undertaken lightly. It’s a process that can prove to be very rewarding.

The advantages of moving IBM i to the cloud are numerous. Scalability, flexibility, potential cost savings, accessibility, and future-proofing infrastructure are just some of the significant gains for businesses opting to migrate. IBM Power in the cloud gives businesses the ability to harness the cloud’s potential while leveraging the performance that IBM’s servers are renowned for. It synergizes the power of IBM’s legacy systems with the limitless possibilities of cloud computing, signaling a new paradigm shift in how businesses view their IT infrastructure.

Workload Migration

Workload migration is a critical aspect of business processes and is pivotal in enhancing operational efficiency and optimizing system resources. This concept is becoming more popular, particularly in the context of modernizing legacy IT systems such as the IBM AS/400. This system has been a stalwart of the enterprise IT landscape for years, supporting vast amounts of workloads. However, as businesses evolve and begin to adopt cloud technologies, the downsides of keeping legacy systems become apparent, leading to a dire need for workload migration. 

One way to improve workload migration is to invest in AS400 modernization. That means upgrading the IBM AS400 or iSeries systems to more contemporary technologies. The idea behind AS400 modernization isn’t just about replacing the old with the new but also leveraging new technologies as part of an over-arching cloud modernization strategy. This approach helps businesses stay relevant and competitive in today’s highly digitized business landscape. 

Companies now aspire to migrate their workloads to advanced platforms without compromising security and efficiency. IBM modernization tools play a vital role in this migration process, offering seamless transition with minimal disruption to existing functionalities. They support the migration of legacy applications and data, ensuring a smooth shift to the new platform. 

Legacy application migration and legacy data migration are the two key components of any workload migration process. They involve transferring business applications and data from older technologies to modern platforms, like the cloud, to enhance:

  • Agility
  • Scalability
  • Business continuity

Cloud adoption has skyrocketed in recent years as companies reduce their reliance on traditional data centers. Data center exit is a strategy that involves moving workloads and IT assets out of on-premise data centers and into the cloud. A successful data center exit can result in substantial cost savings, improved scalability, and higher efficiency, making it a critical component of a cloud modernization strategy. However, moving from a traditional IT infrastructure like the IBM AS/400 to the cloud is not a simple task. The intricate process requires expertise and the right technology partner. 

IBM iSeries Cloud with Skytap on Azure

Modernizing legacy IBM Power workloads and applications including IBM iSeries and moving them to the cloud can be a complex process, but with the right tools and expertise, businesses can successfully optimize their IT infrastructures to remain efficient and competitive even as technology rapidly advances. Learn more about Skytap on Azure for running your IBM Power workloads in the cloud.

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