7 Crucial Answers to Get You Prepared for AS400 Systems Modernization

In this blog, we will take a step ahead to address questions and answers that will prepare you for AS400 system modernization.

But before that, are you at sea about whether you should stick to the classic or consider a modern approach?

With our 20+ years of AS400 development experience, we say consider the modern approach. Because AS400 legacy systems take you far, IBM i modernization takes you as far as you want to go.

So, buckle up. We have prepared 7 questions and answers that’ll prepare you for AS400 systems modernization.

Let’s get rolling.

What’s the AS400 system landscape for informed modernization?

AS400 is an old yet reliable and scalable system used to develop heavy-loaded business applications.

Here are some interesting facts about the AS400 system software:

AS/400 IBM i claims the highest market share of 36.03%, as per Enlyft.

Despite its age, the majority of enterprises continue to rely 75–100% of their workload on the AS400 i Series, as per a survey conducted by IBM

The statistics echo the uncompromising importance of the IBM iSeries.

Here’s an overview of the AS400 / i-series landscape:

– AS400 hardware and operating system lies at the foundation of the system.

– Db2, or Database 2 is the data management system product offered by IBM to store and manage the data, effectively.

– RPG, CL, COBOL, and Java are the top programming languages used to build, develop, and maintain AS400 system applications.

– The developers widely use WebSphere Application Server to deploy the web-based application.

– Additionally, there are multiple technologies to create user-friendly web and mobile access to the legacy system application.

– Businesses can integrate multiple third-party applications and software with AS400 system software such as AS400-based ERP systems.

Overall, the AS/400 is a wholesome and versatile system to build and maintain critical operations in large and small enterprises.

What are the different approaches to AS400 modernization? How to pick the suitable approach?

You may be scratching your head over the best strategy to modernize AS400.

Each strategy has unique features. Let’s see how CEOs, CTOs, and decision-makers assess the best strategy for their business.

Speed of Execution: Study the urgency of the modernization and select the suitable fix.

Costs: Select the approach that fits best with your modernization budget.

Correspond with Organizational Objectives: Evaluate each approach’s alignment with your business objectives, vision, and long-term results.

Improving the Business Operations: Pick the approach that maximizes the improvements and boosts competitiveness.

What is the comprehensive plan for IBM AS400 modernization?

Do you want to modernize faster, better, and seamlessly?

Here’s an all-in-one plan that will prepare you to embrace iSeries modernization.

1. Emphasize the need for modernization.

2. Validate it with the users and stakeholders.

3. Set your vision of the future and modernization objectives.

4. Hire an AS400 systems modernization service provider with 15–20 years of experience.

4. Identify your AS400 system’s strong and weak points with the expert’s help.

5. Select the best modernization approach depending on your business needs.

6. Implement the phased modernization plan.

7. Identify risks and mitigate them with expert assistance.

8. Implement employee training for seamless user adoption.

9. Establish KPIs to measure the project’s success.

10. Make improvements and enhancements with the latest IBM i update.

How to make the best partner selection for IBM i modernization?

Landing on the wrong vendor is a costly misstep. Choose wisely.

Here are 5 tips to assess the potential vendors for AS400 system modernization.

Assessing Relevant Experience and Expertise

Check for the vendor’s previous projects, skill set, domain knowledge, and relevance to your project. You should talk to their previous customers, and check online reviews, awards, and certifications to get a sense of their customer satisfaction.

Evaluating Specialized Skill Sets

Evaluate the service provider’s proficiency in relevant languages such as RPG, Java, and COBOL, a prerequisite for AS400 modernization. Along with it, check their experience with integration tools such as IBM WebSphere MQ. Moreover, ensure their resources possess expertise in modern UI/UX technologies and implement robust security measures.

Transparent Discussions on Costs, Support, and Governance

Before selecting an AS400 modernization service provider, encourage open dialogue regarding the governance mechanisms, cost structure, contract agreement, and SLAs. Discuss your budgetary constraints, and specific concerns to avoid misunderstandings and enjoy the partnership.

How to balance short-term costs and long-term benefits in AS400 modernization?

It’s possible for you to meet the middle ground the following way:

1. Initiate the process with the Cost-Benefit Analysis by measuring the long-term benefits against the upfront cost.

2. Next, implement the phased modernization approach for immediate improvements and immediate gains.

3. Moving on, regularly engage with the users, and stakeholders and incorporate their feedback throughout the modernization process to optimize long-term and short-term outcomes.

4. Finally, the thoughtfully set key performance indicators measure the progress of your AS400 modernization at each phase. Define KPIs to be tracked and analyse the data to optimize the modernization strategy.

How to ensure successful user adoption of modernized AS400?

You have successfully modernized your AS400 Systems.

What’s next?

You, now have to ensure successful user adoption of the modernized AS400.

It’s not as overwhelming as it sounds.

Here are the key points to ensure successful user adoption.

– Prefer user-centered designs and create an intuitive interface to boost user satisfaction and employee productivity.

– Give customized training to your workforce to arm them with the required skills and knowledge and make the most of the AS400 modernized system effectively.

– Establish a seamless change management facility to exchange the benefits, concerns, and experiences with each other.

– Set up a dedicated support team to assist the users during and after the adoption to answer their questions and make them feel passionate.

– Additionally, give rewards and recognize the early system adopters to motivate and create a sense of accomplishment among other users.

This way, you ensure the successful user adoption of modernized AS400 systems and make the most of your investment.

How to address employee resistance during AS400 modernization

Although you have realized the significance of the AS400 modernization, your employees may continue to find the legacy system reliable and resist during the modernization.

How do you address the employee resistance?

Here are the tried and tested practices to make users feel welcomed in the new system.

– Involve employees in the decision-making, consider their insights, and pain points, and address them satisfactorily.

– Conduct awareness and educational programs before and after the implementation to beat the fears they might have.

– Celebrate their achievements and progress to motivate others.

– Implement pilot programs to enable them to test and provide feedback on the modern system and instil confidence.

Looking for a reliable partner to help with AS400 system software modernization?

We, at Integrative Systems, are reliable global partners offering AS400 services, having served many top companies. We are a 22-year-old US-based company helping SMBs, startups, and Fortune 500 companies with our impeccable expertise, knowledge, and dedication.

Final thoughts

AS400 modernization is a much-needed move in itself.

Considering your reliance on a legacy system, it can be frightening to think of a change.

But, considering the value that AS400 modernization brings, it is a step to take for your own betterment.

Hiring an AS400 systems modernization partner such as Integrative to take off the load and fight the AS400 battles while you focus on your core business, is a better choice.

Got any questions for us? Drop us a line at contact@integrativesystem.com and our AS400 experts will be happy to help you out.