A Registered IBM Business Partner for IBM i/AS400 Application GUI Modernization

5250 green screens in AS400 refer to the traditional text-based interfaces used to interact with IBM i (AS400) systems. These screens display text and commands in a grid format, with a green-on-black color scheme, and are often seen as outdated and difficult to use compared to modern graphical interfaces.

In AS400, GUI (Graphical User Interface) refers to user-friendly, visually appealing interfaces with graphics, icons, and easier navigation. This makes it simpler for users to interact with AS400 applications, improving usability and efficiency.

IBM i/AS400 application GUI modernization is the process of transforming the traditional 5250 green screen interfaces into modern, graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This involves updating the look and feel of the application to be more visually appealing and user-friendly, using icons, buttons, and improved navigation.

No. GUI modernization does not involve rewriting applications from scratch. Instead, it focuses on enhancing the user interface of existing IBM i/AS400 applications. The core logic and functionality remain the same, but the frontend is upgraded to provide a more modern and user-friendly experience. This allows you to retain the reliability and power of the original system while improving usability.

The challenges of IBM i/AS400 green screen modernization include:

• Compatibility issues: Ensuring the new GUI integrates seamlessly with the existing backend without disrupting functionality.
• Skill gaps: Modernization requires developers with expertise in both legacy systems and modern technologies, which can be hard to find.
• Cost and time: While modernization is less costly than a full rewrite, it still requires investment in tools, expertise, and testing.
• User resistance: Long-term users might resist changes, requiring additional training to adapt to the new interface.
• Data security: Ensuring the updated interface maintains the same security standards as the legacy system.

These can be managed with the right strategy and expertise.

Before starting IBM i/AS400 application GUI modernization, consider the following:

• Business needs and objectives: Define clear objectives such as reducing maintenance costs, gaining a competitive edge, enhancing user experience, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
• System assessment: Evaluate your current system’s performance and identify pain points like user feedback, security challenges, and scalability limitations that may affect future growth.
• Cost and budget: Understand the costs involved in modernization, including tools, resources, and long-term maintenance.
• Build vs. Buy: Decide whether to build a custom solution or buy an existing tool or platform that can integrate with your IBM i/AS400 system.
• Modernization timeline: Establish a clear timeline for the modernization process, keeping in mind that rushing the project could impact quality.
• Scalability: Ensure that the modernized system can scale with future business needs and handle increased workloads efficiently.
• Security: Ensure modernization does not compromise security standards, especially if you are integrating new technologies.
• User training: Plan for training users on the new interface to ensure smooth adoption.
• Partner expertise: Choose a reliable partner with a deep understanding of IBM i/AS400 systems and modernization to minimize risks.

By considering these factors, you can ensure that your modernization project aligns with your long-term business strategy and runs smoothly.

There are several techniques for IBM i/AS400 application GUI modernization, each with varying levels of complexity and benefits. These include:

• API integration: Exposes AS400 business logic via APIs to build custom frontends and integrate with modern apps, offering flexibility but requiring technical expertise.
• Full application rewrite: Rebuilds the application with modern technology while retaining business logic, providing full control but at a higher cost and complexity.
• Low-code/No-code platforms: Uses visual development tools for rapid modernization with minimal coding, ideal for quick updates but with limited complexity handling.
• Refacing: Modernizes the interface by adding GUI elements like buttons and drop-downs while keeping the backend intact, improving usability without major disruption.
• Screen scraping: Converts 5250 green screens into a graphical interface without changing the core code, offering a quick, low-cost solution but limited customization.
• Web-enabling: Transforms AS400 applications into web-based interfaces, enabling remote access and modern user experience, but requires security and performance updates.

The choice of modernization approach depends on your needs. You can modernize the GUI all at once, but for complex, mission-critical applications, an incremental approach is recommended. This allows you to prioritize and migrate applications gradually, reducing disruption and operational friction.

The duration of IBM i/AS400 GUI modernization can vary widely depending on several factors, including application size, complexity and scope, customization needs, resource availability, testing, and training. Programmers.io provides an estimated timeline by assessing solutions and business requirements. Contact us today to know the timeframe of your IBM i/AS400 application GUI modernization project.

The cost of IBM i/AS400 GUI modernization varies based on several factors. These factors include application size, complexity and scope, customization requirements, consultation fees, and development costs. To get an estimated quote for your project, contact us today. Programmers.io provides competitive pricing without quality compromise. Reach out to us and get an accurate valuation of your project.

Of course. We let you hire IBM i/AS400 application GUI modernization experts on-demand at competitive hourly rates. Contact us today to learn about our pricing structure in detail.

We provide complete visibility into your project progress ensuring that you get real-time updates. We provide access to robust project management tools like Asana, Basecamp, Jira, and Teamwork, allowing you to check progress, delegate tasks, and provide feedback. We also assign an experienced project manager who becomes the center point of contact between you and your remote team. The project manager provides project updates and comprehensive demonstrations and ensures feedback implementation. We also offer access to effective communication tools that allow you to connect with the team directly, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.

Definitely. At Programmers.io we are committed to the security of your intellectual property. Therefore, before taking up any project, we sign a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).