If your business relies on critical applications running on IBM iSeries (AS/400), you’re probably asking, “How can I host these systems securely and efficiently?” With the increasing demand for reliability, cost savings, and flexibility, finding the right hosting solution for your iSeries environment is more important than ever.
In this article, we’ll break down what iSeries hosting means, why it matters, and guide you step-by-step through your hosting options, setup process, and essential tips for a smooth transition.
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What is IBM iSeries Hosting?
IBM iSeries hosting allows businesses to run their IBM midrange systems—originally known as AS/400, now called IBM i on Power Systems—on remote servers provided by third-party experts instead of maintaining these systems in-house. In essence, you rent secure, powerful, and fully-managed infrastructure while focusing on your core business rather than day-to-day IT operations.
Rather than investing in expensive hardware and maintaining skilled staff, iSeries hosting provides direct access to your crucial business applications over a network, supporting reliable performance and routine maintenance by dedicated professionals.
Key Aspects of IBM iSeries Hosting
1. How iSeries Hosting Works
Here’s a simple breakdown of how IBM iSeries hosting typically operates:
- Assessment & Planning: You evaluate your business requirements—performance, storage, growth, and compliance—and select a hosting provider who specializes in IBM i or AS/400 environments.
- Migration & Setup: Your applications, databases, and settings move from your on-premises hardware to the provider’s datacenter. Teams coordinate to ensure a smooth transition and minimal downtime.
- Operation: You access your IBM i applications securely through the internet or private networks. The hosting provider manages the underlying hardware, security, backups, and software updates.
- Ongoing Support: Experienced IBM i professionals monitor, troubleshoot, and optimize performance. You interact with experts who understand your unique system requirements.
2. Types of IBM iSeries Hosting
- Dedicated Hosting: Your business rents a physical or virtual IBM Power server exclusively for your use. This is ideal for customized environments or regulatory needs.
- Multi-Tenant/Cloud Hosting: You share high-performance IBM servers with other customers in a secure, isolated environment. This offers flexibility and cost savings.
- Hybrid Solutions: Combine on-premises legacy systems with hosted solutions, or blend cloud hosting for disaster recovery and scalability.
Benefits of IBM iSeries Hosting
1. Reduced IT Overhead
- No need for costly on-site hardware purchases or upgrades.
- Decrease in operational expenses for power, cooling, and physical space.
- Expert staff handle routine operations, offloading your IT team.
2. Enhanced Reliability and Uptime
- IBM iSeries hosting providers design their data centers with redundant power, high-bandwidth connectivity, and climate controls to guarantee maximum uptime.
- Around-the-clock professional monitoring boosts security and rapid problem resolution.
3. Scalability
- Easily adjust computing resources (CPU, memory, storage) to match changing business needs.
- Ability to accommodate seasonal spikes or rapid growth without heavy capital investment.
4. Strong Security
- Multi-layered security including physical safeguards, firewalls, encryption, and multi-factor authentication.
- Regular backups, disaster recovery, and compliance controls so your business data is always protected.
5. Access to IBM i Expertise
- Immediate access to engineers and administrators with years of specialized IBM i/AS400 experience.
- Providers offer advice, troubleshooting, and performance optimizations tailored to your organization.
Challenges & Considerations
While there are many advantages to iSeries hosting, there are also key challenges and factors to consider:
1. Data Governance
- Laws or internal policies may dictate where your data must reside. Choose hosting locations and providers that comply with your legal or industry requirements.
2. Migration Complexity
- Moving legacy applications and databases to a new environment can be complex and time-consuming.
- Work closely with your hosting provider to develop a robust migration plan.
3. Connectivity
- Reliable network connections are crucial since your business will access vital systems remotely.
- Discuss backup connectivity options and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with your provider.
4. Customization & Legacy Apps
- Some legacy or highly customized applications may need in-depth compatibility testing.
- Ensure your new hosting environment supports your software versions and unique configurations.
5. Vendor Lock-In
- Evaluate the terms and flexibility of your contract. Ensure you can migrate or exit if required.
Practical Tips for a Smooth iSeries Hosting Experience
1. Clearly Define Your Needs
- Outline current and future requirements for CPU, memory, storage, and network bandwidth.
- Document compliance, audit, and backup frequency needs.
2. Vet Your Provider
- Seek experience with IBM i/AS400 hosting and a strong track record in uptime and customer support.
- Ask for existing customer references.
3. Plan Thoroughly for Migration
- Conduct detailed inventory of all systems and applications.
- Plan migration during off-peak hours and test the setup extensively before going live.
4. Focus on Security
- Insist on strong encryption, two-factor authentication, and regular vulnerability testing.
- Ask about patch management and real-time monitoring practices.
5. Stay Involved After Migration
- Set up regular performance reviews and support meetings.
- Continuously monitor SLAs, support responsiveness, and system logs.
Cost Considerations
Saving Money with iSeries Hosting
Moving to IBM iSeries hosting can be cost-effective for several reasons:
- Lower Hardware Costs: No need to buy and upgrade expensive Power Systems servers.
- Pay-as-You-Go: Many providers offer monthly or annual billing, letting you scale up or down as needed.
- Reduced Staffing: Fewer in-house IBM i specialists are required.
- Bundled Services: Hosting often includes backups, disaster recovery, and monitoring as part of the package.
What Impacts Your Total Cost?
- Resource Allocation: More processing power, memory, or storage increases fees.
- Service Tiers: Premium support, advanced security, or custom configurations can add to costs.
- Migration & Setup Fees: Some providers may charge for initial transfers or custom integrations.
- Long-Term Contracts vs. On-Demand: Longer commitments can lead to discounts.
Cost-Saving Tips
- Regularly audit your resource usage; scale down when possible.
- Ask providers to model total cost of ownership (TCO) over 3–5 years versus in-house hosting.
- Review all potential add-ons and negotiate on bundled services you don’t need.
Industry-Leading Features from IBM iSeries Hosting Specialists
Reliable IBM i/AS400 hosting providers, including those with decades of expertise, now offer:
- Advanced disaster recovery and business continuity.
- 24/7/365 professional support from IBM-certified staff.
- High-speed, secure remote access and VPN connectivity.
- Compliance support for HIPAA, PCI-DSS, SOX, and more.
- Automated backups, high availability, and geo-redundancy options.
Trusted providers operate purpose-built data centers with multiple geographic locations, directly addressing regulatory or latency concerns for their clients.
Best Practices for a Successful iSeries Hosting Partnership
- Prioritize Open Communication: Foster a strong, collaborative relationship with your hosting partner, scheduling regular check-ins.
- Test Disaster Recovery: Routinely verify that backup and recovery procedures work as promised.
- Maintain Documentation: Keep clear records of your application architecture and critical contacts.
- Train Your Team: Ensure your staff understands how to connect to, monitor, and work with your hosted IBM i environment.
- Plan for Growth: Revisit your requirements at least annually to ensure they keep pace with your business.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is IBM iSeries hosting and why do companies use it?
IBM iSeries hosting means running your business applications on remote IBM Power servers managed by experts. Companies use it to reduce costs, improve system reliability, access experienced support, and boost scalability without large capital investments.
How is security managed in iSeries hosting?
Security involves a mix of physical data center protections, firewalls, encryption, monitored access controls, and regular security updates. Providers often include multi-factor authentication, regular vulnerability assessments, and compliance certifications to keep your valuable data safe.
How long does it take to migrate to an iSeries hosting provider?
Migration time varies depending on the size and complexity of your systems. A basic migration may take a few days, while larger or more customized setups can require several weeks. Thorough planning and testing help ensure minimal downtime during the move.
Can I customize the hosted IBM i environment to fit my unique needs?
Absolutely. Dedicated or hybrid hosting plans offer greater flexibility for custom applications, integrations, and specific hardware configurations. Be upfront about your technical and regulatory requirements so the provider can design an environment that fits.
How do I choose the right IBM iSeries hosting provider?
Look for hosting partners with deep IBM i/AS400 experience, proven reliability, strong security credentials, and responsive customer support. Review their uptime guarantees, available support services, and ask for customer testimonials relevant to your industry.
Conclusion
IBM iSeries hosting is a powerful solution for businesses looking to modernize, cut costs, and ensure the seamless performance of mission-critical IBM i applications. By partnering with reliable hosting specialists and following best practices, you reduce risk, boost efficiency, and gain the flexibility your business needs to adapt to a changing technology landscape. Carefully weighing your needs and thoroughly vetting providers helps you maximize the benefits of this robust platform—today and in the future.