Windows 10 And IBM i Access for Windows …And Why IBM SWMA Is So Important

IBM does not plan to support IBM i Access for Windows on operating systems beyond Windows 8.1. This IBM announcement is particularly important to IBM i(AS400) users who may plan […]

Disclaimer: IBM i is an operating system. iSeries and AS400 are servers. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easy for folks to find this kind of information on the web.

IBM does not plan to support IBM i Access for Windows on operating systems beyond Windows 8.1.

This IBM announcement is particularly important to IBM i(AS400) users who may plan to add Windows 10 and do NOT have IBM SWMA to get access to the replacement product, IBM i Access Client Solutions, which includes 5250 emulation, data transfer, printer output, console support, and more. For information regarding IBM i Access Client Solutions, refer to:

http://www.ibm.com/systems/power/software/i/access/solutions.html

IBM i Access Client Solutions is the newest member of the IBM i Access family. It provides a Java based, platform-independent interface that runs on most operating systems that support Java, including Linux, Mac, and Windows.

IBM i Access Client Solutions consolidates the most commonly used tasks for managing your IBM i into one simplified location.

The latest version of IBM i Access Client Solutions is available to customers with an IBM i software maintenance contract. If you have been using the technology preview, you will need to obtain and deploy the latest version from Entitled Software Support (ESS) in order to maintain uninterrupted connectivity to your IBM i. It can be downloaded from the Entitled Software Support (ESS) website under 5761-SS1 (feature codes 5817, 5818, 5819) or 5770-SS1 (feature codes 5817, 5818, or 5819).

Features include:

5250 display and printer emulation based on IBM’s Host-on-Demand
5250 Session Manager support modeled after IBM Personal Communications Session Manager
Multiple language support for concurrent 5250 emulation sessions on the same client
Data Transfer similar to IBM i Access for Windows Data Transfer plus support for OpenDocument spreadsheet (*.ods), Excel Workbook (*.xlsx), and other file formats
Data Transfer integration with Excel and OpenOffice
Simplified SSL Configuration
Download and viewing of spool files
IBM i Virtual Control Panel for LAN and HMC consoles
5250 emulation for LAN and HMC consoles
Consolidation of hardware management interface configurations, including ASMI, IVM, and HMC

You must have IBM Software Support (SWMA) to access IBM i Access Client Solutions from ESS.

I frequently talk to IBM i users that think about discontinuing IBM SWMA to cut costs. Sure, their system may be stable with few changes anticipated. They feel the pressure to cut cost.

However, if you expect to add Windows 10 (or a new printer with new drivers, for that matter), it is essential to have IBM SWMA to have access to the software you will need to interface new devices.

We would like to hear from you.

Please share your thoughts.

GET THIS SERVICE SOLUTION

Get System Recovery in Minutes, Not Days.

Cloud400 DR Is 30% to 70% Less Expensive Than An On Premise Or Hosted DR Solution Without Sacrificing Top-Seasoned IBM i Expertise, Security, And Performance

Get a Quote (714)593-0387

Providing IBM i Customers with Solutions & Expertise Since 1979.

Source Data Products offers reliable, cost-effective solutions for IBM i, AS400, and iSeries systems. With over four decades of experience, we deliver expert cloud hosting, upgrades, and disaster recovery.