IBM i Evolution – A GREAT Presentation By Steve Will.
I recently watched Chief Architect for IBM i Steve Will’s 60-minute webinar sponsored by HelpSystems.
If you are an IBM i user, this is an EXCELLENT presentation particularly because Steve so clearly explains the evolution of OS400 to IBM i.
This is a MUST watch webinar.
Steve explains how IBM has made amazing transformations to the underlying IBM i technology WITHOUT disruption above the new technology.
Check out:
https://www.helpsystems.com/resources/on-demand-webinars/ibm-i-its-not-just-as400-steve-will
In my experience, most of the technical IBM i presentations are too technical to easily explain this elegant architecture to non-IT or non IBM i executives.
Since the AS400 was introduced in 1988, “things happened” (new technology) that REQUIRED the IBM i architecture to change.
Steve explains how IBM has adapted the IBM i OS to accommodate key and emerging trends over the last 3 decades. His presentation is very approachable. Way easier for non-IBM i people to understand.
Most IBM i users are familiar with key concepts that include single level storage, Technology Independent Machine Interface, object-oriented OS that is malware and virus resistant, CISC (48 bit)-to-RISC (64 bit) upgrade and DB2 SQL.
Also, most IBM i users understand how this operating system requires far smaller support staff (BIG money saver), offers better programmer productivity for business applications and reporting, and is rock-solid reliable.
What I found particularly fascinating is how IBM adapted the IBM i OS for
- HTTP world wide web; the C programming language
- PACE to support Java, PHP, Ruby, Python and other Open Source tools
- The evolution from green screens to Windows GUI to browser GUI to support multiple devices (Apple MAC, mobile, tablets, BYOD, etc.)
- Improvements in architecture for security, integrity and performance
- Enhancements to improve Business Intelligence (BI) and analytics performance
- …and more
Does IBM i have a future? You bet it does!
Steve’s presentation gives me great confidence about the future of IBM i.
As I listened to Steve’s webinar I concluded that IBM takes great care to pay attention to key technologies to 1) selectively and 2) intelligently add to IBM i.
I encourage you to check out this presentation and to share it with your team so they can also understand what makes IBM i an ideal choice for business critical applications.
