Technology has never stood still, and neither should the professionals who work with it.
In our very first Lunch With an Expert session, I had the opportunity to sit down with IBM i Champion and Programmers.io Practice Lead Simon Hutchinson to discuss a topic that impacts every developer, architect, leader, and organization operating in today’s technology landscape: How to stay current in a world that changes faster than ever before.
With more than 37 years of experience in IBM i development and enterprise systems, Simon brought a unique perspective to the conversation. While many discussions about modernization focus on applications, infrastructure, or emerging technologies, Simon challenged attendees to look at modernization through a different lens.
Are we modernizing ourselves?
Throughout the discussion, Simon emphasized that one of the greatest risks facing technology professionals isn’t obsolete hardware or outdated software. It’s allowing our skills, knowledge, and perspectives to become stagnant. As he pointed out, few of us would willingly use a smartphone from a decade ago, yet many professionals continue approaching their careers with the same tools, habits, and learning strategies they’ve relied on for years.
The conversation explored everything from IBM i modernization and evolving development practices to AI, security, user groups, career growth, and the importance of community involvement. Simon shared practical resources for both newcomers and seasoned professionals, stressing that staying relevant isn’t about knowing everything. It’s about remaining curious, staying connected, and committing to continuous learning.
The discussion also addressed the business side of modernization. Organizations that delay technology upgrades, software maintenance, or skills development expose themselves to unnecessary risk through security vulnerabilities, unsupported infrastructure, talent shortages, and missed opportunities for innovation.
Perhaps the most powerful takeaway from the session was this:
Continuous learning is no longer optional. It is a professional responsibility.
Whether you’re just beginning your IBM i journey, managing a development team, or leading modernization efforts across an enterprise, Simon’s message was clear:
The future belongs to those who stay curious, embrace change, and take ownership of their own growth.
P.S. If you’d rather listen than read, we’ve got you covered. You can watch the full session here
Key Takeaways from the Discussion
1. Modernization Starts with Your Skills
Many organizations invest heavily in application modernization, cloud initiatives, and infrastructure upgrades. However, Simon believes one of the most overlooked areas is personal development.
The IBM i platform has evolved significantly over the past decade, embracing open-source technologies, AI, modern development tools, APIs, SQL, and cross-platform integration. Professionals who fail to evolve alongside the platform risk falling behind both technologically and professionally.
Modernization isn’t just about systems. It’s about people.
2. IBM i Is More Than the “AS/400”
One of the recurring themes of the discussion was the importance of perception.
Simon explained that referring to today’s platform as the “AS/400” often reinforces the misconception that IBM i is outdated technology from the 1980s.
The reality is very different.
Today’s IBM i environment supports:
- Open-source development
- Modern IDEs such as Visual Studio Code
- Advanced SQL capabilities
- AI-assisted development
- API integrations
- Enterprise-grade security
- Modern modernization frameworks
Understanding that distinction helps both technical teams and business leaders view IBM i as the modern enterprise platform it is today.
3. Community Is One of the IBM i Platform’s Greatest Strengths
One of Simon’s strongest recommendations was simple:
Get involved.
Whether through local user groups, COMMON events, online communities, webinars, conferences, LinkedIn, Reddit, or industry forums, professionals can dramatically accelerate their growth by connecting with others in the community.
The value goes beyond technical knowledge. These relationships often help teams:
- Avoid costly mistakes
- Learn proven best practices
- Discover new tools and methodologies
- Build mentorship opportunities
- Expand professional networks
As Simon noted, everyone has a story, and often someone else has already solved the challenge you’re facing today.
4. Take Ownership of Your Learning
A powerful message throughout the session was that employers are not always going to drive your development. If you want to grow your skills, you must take ownership of that journey.
Recommended resources include:
IBM Resources
- IBM Knowledge Center
- IBM “What’s New” release documentation
Community Resources
- COMMON
- N2i (New to IBM i)
Websites
- RPGPGM.com
Social Platforms
- X
The professionals who continue learning are often the ones who create the most opportunities for themselves.
5. Stay Curious, Listen, Share, and Connect
When asked for his top recommendations on how to grow professionally, Simon boiled everything down to four simple principles:
Stay Curious
Always look for better ways of doing things.
Listen to Others
Learn from those who have faced similar challenges.
Build Connections
Engage with peers, mentors, and industry experts.
Share What You Know
Knowledge-sharing strengthens both individuals and communities.
These habits not only improve technical skills but also create long-term professional growth.
6. Businesses Must Modernize to Reduce Risk
The discussion wasn’t limited to individual careers. Simon also highlighted the risks organizations face when they postpone modernization efforts.
Those risks include:
- Unsupported hardware
- Expensive extended support agreements
- Security vulnerabilities
- Increased downtime
- Difficulty recruiting talent
- Aging infrastructure
Modernization isn’t about following trends or chasing the newest technology. It’s about protecting the business and positioning it for future success.
7. Security and Maintenance Cannot Be Ignored
A surprising takeaway was Simon’s emphasis on proactive maintenance. While IBM i is known for its security and reliability, no system is completely immune to threats.
Organizations should:
- Stay current on operating system releases
- Review Hyper PTFs regularly
- Apply cumulative updates
- Monitor security advisories
- Maintain a disciplined patching strategy
Being proactive is significantly less costly than responding to a preventable outage or security incident.
8. AI Is Becoming a Valuable Tool for IBM i Teams
Artificial intelligence was another popular topic during the Q&A session.
Simon encouraged professionals to experiment with multiple AI tools, including:
- IBM Watsonx Code Assistant (“Bob”)
- GitHub Copilot
- ChatGPT
- Claude
- Gemini
Rather than declaring a single winner, the overall recommendation was to test them, compare outputs, and determine which best fits your workflow and development practices.
The key is not whether AI will impact IBM i development.
The key is learning how to use it effectively and responsibly.
9. The Future of IBM i Remains Strong
For students, career changers, and newer developers, Simon offered an encouraging outlook.
IBM is continuing to invest in the platform, organizations are still running critical workloads on IBM Power systems, and a growing number of companies are modernizing rather than replacing their IBM i investments.
Combined with a significant wave of industry retirements expected over the coming years, there is a meaningful opportunity for the next generation of IBM i professionals to step into leadership roles and help shape the platform’s future.
Final Thoughts
If there was one theme that resonated throughout the entire conversation, it was this:
Staying current is not an event. It’s a habit.
The most successful professionals aren’t necessarily the ones who know everything today. They’re the ones who remain curious enough to keep learning tomorrow.
As the IBM i ecosystem continues to evolve through modernization, AI, open-source technologies, and changing business demands, the individuals and organizations that invest in continuous learning will be the ones best positioned to succeed.
And perhaps Simon said it best:
“It’s up to you to keep yourself current.”
Watch the Full Recording
Want to hear the complete conversation, audience Q&A, and Simon’s advice directly from the source?
Watch the full Lunch With an Expert session on YouTube:
If you have questions about IBM i modernization, professional development, or upcoming Lunch With an Expert sessions, we’d love to continue the conversation. Connect with our team and let us know what topics you’d like to see covered next.
