IBM i: Still Strong in a Fast-Changing Tech World

You might be surprised to learn just how many major companies still rely on IBM i, better known to some as AS400. We’re talking about huge organizations—Walmart, FedEx, Office Depot, and others—still running essential parts of their business on this system. And there’s a good reason for it: the platform works. It’s dependable, secure, and built to last.

That doesn’t mean these companies are stuck in the past. Quite the opposite. With the help of modern IBM AS400 support and smart IBM i (AS400) consulting, businesses are finding new ways to make this trusted system do even more. Add in the right automation solutions for IBM i, and you get a powerful mix of reliability and innovation that’s hard to beat.

Big Companies, Big Systems: Who’s Still Using IBM i?

IBM i (AS400) may not make headlines like newer platforms, but it continues to power the day-to-day operations of some of the country’s largest and most recognized companies. These aren’t small businesses running simple systems. Large enterprises handle massive data volumes, supply chains, and customer transactions around the clock.

Take a look at a few of the major organizations that still rely on IBM i:

Big companies still count on IBM i every day. It helps them handle the heavy lifting of data processing, inventory management, and enterprise resource planning. With the right kind of IBM AS400 support, they’re getting more done and securing their systems.

Why IBM i Continues to Be a Trusted Choice

Over the decades, IBM i has become a reliable platform for companies in different industries. Its credibility for stability, cost-effectiveness, and capacity to host contemporary solutions make it a favored option for organizations requiring solid IT infrastructure.

1. Reliability and Performance You Can Count On

One of the main reasons companies still stick to IBM i is its unmatched reliability. Industries like retail, healthcare, and finance are counting on it to support mission-critical operations. Retailing giants like Walmart employ IBM i to support inventory systems and real-time transaction processing. Healthcare organizations like LifePoint Health rely on it to manage patient records securely and address compliance with regulations.

With a strong record of stable performance, IBM i support guarantees that companies can keep running smoothly and securely. Whether running day-to-day operations or processing complex procedures, IBM i keeps systems up and running with outstanding uptime and data integrity.

2. Cost-Effectiveness for Long-Term Success

One other exceptional benefit of IBM i is that it can save companies money. By bringing together several systems—such as operating systems, databases, and security—under one umbrella, IBM i reduces the cost and complexity of IT infrastructure. With this simplified solution, both upfront setup costs and maintenance costs are reduced, presenting companies with an affordable option.

Rather than handling individual systems, businesses can use IBM i to integrate operations, reducing maintenance expenses and possible downtimes. With adequate IBM i support, organizations can make the most of their current systems, without breaking the bank with upgrades or overhauls.

To firms looking for more customized solutions, IBM i (AS400) consulting services can fine-tune their configuration, ensuring their system runs at maximum capacity without the weight of extraneous expenditures.

3. Modern Tech Integration Without Replacing the Core

Businesses aren’t rushing to scrap their existing IBM i setups. Instead, they’re finding smart ways to connect these trusted systems with newer technologies. With IBM i support, teams link their core applications to cloud services, mobile apps, and web-based dashboards.

This kind of integration helps companies stay competitive without starting from scratch. APIs, microservices, and cloud backups can all work alongside IBM i—creating a hybrid system that feels modern, but still runs on a solid foundation. Through IBM i (AS400) consulting, businesses can design solutions that bridge the gap between long-standing systems and today’s fast-moving tech.

4. Application Modernization That Makes Sense

Rather than tearing down what already works, many teams are refreshing the look and feel of their IBM i applications. It could be as simple as improving user interfaces or as involved as refactoring old RPG code to align with current development frameworks.

Tools like Infohub, InfoCDC or LANSA let companies update mobile and web users’ screens while keeping the logic that powers them intact. In the background, automation technologies for IBM i can automate tedious work, increase efficiency, and remove human errors. If executed with a plan and appropriate assistance, these enhancements can revive vintage applications—without interrupting normal business activity.

5. Hybrid Environments Are Gaining Ground

Many companies are combining the strength of their IBM i systems with the flexibility of the cloud. It’s a practical move: IBM i keeps doing what it does best—handling core operations—while cloud services add scalability, storage, and modern analytics tools.

This approach gives teams more freedom without losing the reliability they trust. For instance, companies using IBM i (AS400) are usually walked through the process of safely extending IBM i to platforms such as AWS or Azure. This configuration enables smarter backups, improved data access, and simpler collaboration between departments—all without sacrificing the power of their original system.

6. Tools That Actually Work With IBM i

The IBM i ecosystem has grown over the years to include tools designed specifically to support and modernize the platform. These aren’t generic workarounds—they’re purpose-built to enhance what IBM i already does well.

From real-time API connectors to visual development tools, businesses have more choices than ever to streamline operations and improve workflows. For instance, teams leveraging automation solutions IBM i can reduce repetitive tasks, improve reporting, and free up time for strategic work. When paired with the right IBM AS400 support, these tools help keep systems efficient, modern, and fully aligned with today’s business goals.

7. Building the Right Skills to Keep Systems Moving

IBM i systems are still active in many organizations, but the people managing them are changing. Some employees have worked with the platform for years, while others are learning it from scratch. Businesses are putting real effort into making sure their teams can handle both the old and the new.

Instead of phasing things out, many are turning to IBM i (AS400) consulting firms that help bridge the knowledge gap. These partners work alongside in-house teams, making training easier and helping new hires get up to speed faster. It’s not about replacing experience—it’s about growing it.

8. Security That Holds Up to Modern Demands

Keeping systems secure isn’t optional, especially when sensitive data is involved. Many companies count on IBM i for that reason. The platform has a long track record of protecting information, which is why industries like banking and healthcare continue using it.

But regulations are changing, and so are threats. That’s where updated tools and smarter practices come in. Teams are working with IBM AS400 support providers to strengthen access control, encrypt data, and build in extra protection. With the help of automation solutions IBM i, they’re also cutting down on manual errors that could lead to vulnerabilities.

IBM i (AS400) Consulting, Support & Integration: The Game Changers

Technology shifts fast, but IBM i is still part of the backbone for many businesses. What’s changed is how companies are managing and extending it. Instead of working in silos, they’re teaming up with experts who specialize in IBM i (AS400) consulting, IBM AS400 support, and smart integration strategies. These drive system upgrades, smoother workflows, and secure connections between IBM i and newer platforms.

1. Consultancy Services That Keep You Ahead

Modernizing IBM i systems can be tricky. You’re balancing legacy software with new expectations—from customers, regulators, and internal teams. That’s where specialized consultants step in. They help companies look at their setup from all angles and figure out what’s worth keeping, what needs to change, and how to connect everything.

For example, consultants may guide a company through moving from traditional green-screen applications to API-based platforms that can talk to web or mobile apps. Or they might help integrate IBM i into cloud environments and third-party tools—while making sure nothing slips through the cracks regarding security or compliance.

Real-world example: A financial services firm running a loan management system on IBM i wanted to connect it to a new mobile interface. A consulting team helped design a secure API-based connection that gave customers real-time access to their accounts without rebuilding the core system.

These consulting services save companies from costly trial-and-error and speed up modernization in a way that makes sense. Whether the focus is on daily operations, long-term growth, or new digital services, the right IBM i (AS400) consulting partner helps you make the right moves.

2. Integration Services – Connecting IBM i to the Modern Stack

IBM i might run the core of your business—but that doesn’t mean it has to stay isolated. Today’s integration services are all about making IBM i communicate with newer tools, apps, and cloud services without disrupting what already works.

Integration experts focus on creating smart connections between IBM i and modern platforms. That could mean building RESTful APIs using tools like MuleSoft or InfoConnect, syncing real-time data through Apache Kafka, or setting up cloud-based automation with services like AWS Lambda or IBM Cloud Pak. They also help with data replication across systems using IBM Db2 Mirror or Precisely Connect.

These services allow companies to keep IBM i in place as a powerful backend engine while giving teams access to modern features on the front end. In other words, it’s a way to stay competitive without tearing everything down and starting from scratch.

When paired with the right automation solutions IBM i can offer, integration services help bridge the gap between legacy reliability and future-ready capabilities.

3. Support Services – Staying Supported, Secure, and Online

Even the most stable systems need regular attention. That’s where IBM AS400 support services come in.

Support teams do more than just fix bugs. They help optimize system performance, apply critical security patches, maintain integrations, and ensure compliance standards are being met. Whether you’re running core apps in finance, healthcare, or retail, uptime and data protection are always on the priority list.

Many companies also turn to managed service providers who take over routine maintenance, backups, and monitoring—making sure your IBM i environment is always available and performing at its best. And when internal teams don’t have enough RPG or COBOL expertise, these providers often step in to fill the gap.

Reliable IBM i support means fewer surprises, better performance, and peace of mind knowing that someone always has an eye on your system.

Why These Services Are Critical

As more organizations rely on IBM i for their core operations, the demand for expert guidance and long-term system stability is rising fast. Here’s why consultancy, integration, and IBM AS400 support services matter more now than ever.

The Skills Gap Is Real

Fewer professionals are entering the workforce with experience in RPG, COBOL, or legacy system architecture. That makes it harder for companies to find in-house talent who understand how to maintain and modernize IBM i. Consulting and IBM i support services fill this gap by providing access to seasoned professionals who know the platform inside and out. Their insights help companies avoid costly mistakes and keep systems running efficiently.

Compliance Can’t Be Ignored

Sectors such as healthcare, banking, and insurance have severe data privacy and security regulations in place. IBM i has powerful inherent protections to start with, but without configuring them and supervising them effectively, all of those strengths get lost.

Fast Data, Real-Time Connections

In a fast-moving business environment, speed matters. Integration services that link IBM i with APIs, mobile platforms, and cloud apps make it possible to share information in real time. Whether it’s inventory updates, transaction alerts, or internal analytics, automation solutions IBM i experts provide help teams move quickly without bottlenecks.

Keeping a Reliable System Relevant

IBM i has a strong foundation. The key now is extending its value—without ripping it out. Modernization through consulting, integrations, and automation allows businesses to keep what works while adapting to new demands. These services make it possible to innovate confidently, knowing the backend can support future goals.

Final Thoughts: Moving Forward with Confidence

IBM i remains a trusted engine behind many business-critical operations. But keeping it sharp, secure, and integrated with modern tools takes more than legacy know-how — it takes the right people, the right approach, and consistent, forward-looking support.

That’s where we come in. At Programmers.io, we provide tailored IBM i (AS400) consulting, ongoing IBM AS400 support, and strategic automation solutions for IBM i environments. Whether you need help modernizing your applications, closing skill gaps, or integrating with the cloud, we’re ready to roll up our sleeves.