The purpose of this blog is highlight 10 basic concepts for folks who are new to IBM i to research in more depth to better understand this distinctive technology.
Disclaimed: IBM i is an operating system. AS400 and iSeries are legacy servers. I use these terms interchangeably to make it easier for folks to find this kind of information on the web.
1. What is IBM i?
- IBM i is an integrated operating system that runs on IBM Power servers.
- It includes a built-in DB2 database, security, workload management, and application services.
- Runs legacy and modern applications—CL, RPG, COBOL, SQL, Java and even open-source like Python, PHP or Node.js.
2. IBM Power Systems Hardware
- IBM i runs on Power architecture servers (e.g., Power9, Power10, Power11).
- Understand LPARs (Logical Partitions), processor entitlements, and server tiers (P05, P10, P20, etc.).
3. IBM i Architecture and Integration
- Unlike other OS’s, IBM i integrates the OS, SQL DB2 database, security, journaling, and workload management into one platform. This is like no other platform.
- No need for separate database installs, antivirus, or file systems.
4. DB2 for i – The Integrated Database
- SQL DB2 for i is built into the OS, optimized for transaction processing.
- Learn basic SQL (DDL, DML), native DDS files, and journaling.
- Support for modern tools like IBM ACS (Access Client Solutions, formerly Client Access) and Run SQL Scripts.
5. User Interfaces: 5250, ACS, and Web
- 5250 green screen: Classic terminal interface (still widely used).
- IBM Access Client Solutions (ACS, formerly Client Access): Modern browser-based GUI for managing IBM i.
- Many IBM i apps can now be web-enabled or accessed via REST APIs.
6. Common Programming Languages
- RPG (Report Program Generator) – still dominant for business logic.
- CL (Control Language) – for scripting and job control.
- COBOL, SQL, Java, Python, PHP, Node.js also supported.
- IBM i supports ILE (Integrated Language Environment) for modular design.
7. Security Concepts
- IBM i has object-level security, menus, and user profiles.
- Learn about user roles, authorization lists, system values, and audit journaling.
- Security is built-in, not bolted on.
8. Job and Work Management
- Understand batch vs interactive jobs, job queues, subsystems, and job descriptions.
- Use commands like WRKACTJOB, WRKSPLF, WRKJOBQ to monitor activity.
- IBM i runs jobs predictably and isolates workloads using subsystems.
9. Backup, Recovery, and Journaling
- IBM i offers powerful backup/recovery tools including BRMS (Backup, Recovery & Media Services).
- Journaling enables real-time tracking of changes to database files—critical for recovery and auditing.
- Learn about SAVLIB, RSTLIB, SAVSYS, and Cloud400-style replication tools.
10. Modernization and Open Source
- IBM i now supports open-source tools (Java, Python, GIT, Node.js, etc.).
- You can integrate with REST APIs, use SQL Services, and modern UIs.
- Tools like RDi (Rational Developer for i) and VS Code with RPG plugins help with modern development.
Conclusion
If you’re new to IBM i, learning these concepts will dramatically enhance your confidence with operating and managing an IBM i server.
Who Am I?
I’m Bob Losey. My career has focused on Small-to-Medium (SMB) business with IBM midrange servers (S/3X, AS400, iSeries, IBM i) and software solutions including ERP, High Availability, and Business Analytics. Over the decades I have earned numerous IBM and software developer certificates in addition to working in the field.
Need Help?
Call me at 714-593-0387 or email me at [email protected]. Let us know how we can help!
To learn more about us, and view our customer testimonials, please visit our website: www.Source-Data.com and see our other links:
1) IBM I on POWER (iSeries/AS400)
https://www.source-data.com/ibm-i-on-power-server/
2) IBM I (iSeries/AS400) Cloud Hosting
https://www.source-data.com/cloud-400/
3) IBM I (iSeries/AS400) Disaster Recovery Options
https://www.source-data.com/cloud400-disaster-recovery/
4) IBM I (iSeries/AS400) Version Upgrade
