If you’re looking to keep your critical business applications running smoothly and securely, you may have wondered, “How does iSeries hosting work?” With today’s push for efficiency, flexibility, and cost-effective IT solutions, understanding iSeries hosting is more relevant than ever.
In this article, we break down what iSeries hosting is, why businesses use it, and how you can get started. You’ll find straightforward steps, helpful tips, and insights to guide your decision.
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Understanding iSeries Hosting: What It Is and How It Works
iSeries hosting, also known as AS/400 or IBM i hosting, is a service where businesses run their critical IBM i-based applications and workloads on secure, high-performance servers managed by a hosting provider. Instead of owning and maintaining the hardware on-premises, you rent space and resources from a provider specializing in IBM i environments. This approach combines the reliability of IBM’s legacy systems with the modern advantages of cloud computing and data center management.
Why Businesses Choose iSeries Hosting
The IBM i platform (formerly known as AS/400 or System i) has a longstanding reputation for unmatched reliability, scalability, and security. However, owning and maintaining this hardware is expensive and resource-intensive. iSeries hosting offers a smart alternative, letting you:
- Eliminate upfront hardware investments.
- Always run on up-to-date, well-maintained infrastructure.
- Scale resources as your business needs change.
- Access 24/7 professional support and monitoring.
Let’s break down how iSeries hosting works and how it can empower your IT strategy.
How iSeries Hosting Works: Step by Step
Understanding the journey to iSeries hosting can help you plan your migration and maximize the benefits.
1. Assessment and Planning
Before migrating, providers help you assess:
- Which applications and workloads run on your IBM i environment.
- Your performance, storage, and security requirements.
- Integration needs with other systems (on-premise, cloud, or hybrid).
2. Migration to a Hosted Environment
Once your needs are clear, the migration process typically includes:
- Moving your applications, databases, and configurations to the host’s secure, redundant data centers.
- Ensuring minimal to zero downtime through careful migration planning.
- Testing and validating the environment to guarantee all functions operate as expected.
3. Ongoing Management and Support
After migration, your provider manages the entire IBM i infrastructure for you, including:
- Regular backups and disaster recovery planning.
- Patching, updates, and hardware refreshes.
- Continuous monitoring for security and performance.
- Help desk support and expert guidance.
Key Benefits of iSeries Hosting
Hosting your IBM i workloads delivers advantages that go beyond basic hardware savings.
Flexibility and Scalability
- Quickly scale up or down your resources as your business grows.
- Test new applications without long-term commitments to hardware.
Cost Efficiency
- Pay a predictable monthly fee instead of large capital expenditures.
- Reduce your IT staffing and maintenance costs.
- Avoid surprise repair bills or replacement costs.
Security and Compliance
- Benefit from enterprise-grade security in world-class data centers.
- Providers regularly update and patch systems to keep data protected.
- Many offer compliance services for industries like healthcare, finance, and retail.
High Availability
- Hosted platforms provide redundant power, cooling, and networking.
- Failover systems ensure your applications stay online, even during outages.
- Advanced backup and disaster recovery services keep your business running smoothly.
Expert Support
- Tap into teams specializing in IBM i hardware, software, and networking.
- 24/7 monitoring means issues are detected and resolved before impacting your business.
Potential Challenges & How to Address Them
While iSeries hosting offers robust benefits, it’s wise to consider these common challenges:
Data Migration Complexity
Moving critical business applications requires:
- Careful planning to minimize downtime.
- Thorough testing post-migration.
- A clear rollback plan in case of issues.
Best Practice: Work closely with your provider, leveraging their experience in similar migrations.
Integration with Other Systems
You may need to connect IBM i workloads to other business systems (on-premise or cloud).
Solution: Choose a provider experienced in hybrid environments and secure network setups.
Hidden Costs
Some contracts may contain fees for data transfer, support, or customizations.
Cost Tip: Ask for a transparent pricing breakdown. Understand what’s included and where extra costs might arise.
Change Management
Transitioning from on-premises to hosted environments may require:
- Staff training.
- Updates to business processes.
Advice: Involve key team members early, and leverage onboarding support from your provider.
What to Look for in an iSeries Hosting Provider
Selecting the right hosting partner is crucial. Consider these factors when evaluating providers:
1. Experience and Specialization
- Look for companies with a proven track record in IBM i hosting.
- Ask for references or case studies from similar industries.
2. Security and Compliance Standards
- Check if the provider adheres to standards like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS.
- Inquire about physical and network security measures.
3. Performance, Uptime, and Support
- Providers should guarantee high uptime SLAs (typically 99.9% or higher).
- 24/7 support with IBM i expertise is essential.
4. Flexibility and Customization
- Ensure offerings can be tailored to your business size and needs.
- Look for hybrid cloud capabilities if you need to connect on-premise and cloud systems.
5. Transparent Pricing
- Carefully review what’s included (storage, compute, bandwidth, backup).
- Assess scalability and any overage charges.
Cost Considerations in iSeries Hosting
Cost is a major factor in migrating to hosted IBM i environments. Here are essential tips to manage costs effectively:
Monthly Subscription Model
- Most providers offer per-user or per-resource monthly fees.
- This reduces large, upfront capital expenses.
Included vs. Optional Services
- Understand what’s included: backups, monitoring, disaster recovery, etc.
- Ask about add-ons and their costs.
Resource Planning
- Right-size your environment. Don’t overprovision.
- Regularly review your usage and scale as appropriate.
Avoiding Data Transfer Surprises
- Some providers charge for inbound/outbound data.
- Estimate your data transfer needs and ask for clear pricing.
Long-Term Contracts vs. Pay-As-You-Go
- Long-term contracts may offer discounts.
- Pay-as-you-go plans provide flexibility, especially if your needs change.
Practical Tips for a Successful iSeries Hosting Experience
Set yourself up for success with these best practices:
- Define Clear Objectives
- Know which workloads and applications are mission-critical.
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Assess compliance and integration requirements.
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Engage Stakeholders
- Involve IT, security, and business leaders in planning.
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Plan for training and change management.
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Plan for Growth
- Build in scalability so the environment can adapt to business changes.
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Reassess resource needs annually.
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Test Disaster Recovery
- Regularly simulate restore processes.
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Ensure you can meet your Recovery Time Objectives (RTO) and Recovery Point Objectives (RPO).
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Maintain Open Communication
- Keep regular touchpoints with your provider’s support and account teams.
- Address emerging needs proactively.
Partnering with Trusted iSeries Hosting Experts
Leading providers leverage decades of IBM i expertise and modern cloud engineering. Whether you need managed hosting, high availability, disaster recovery, or seamless hybrid cloud integration, choose a provider that offers:
- World-class, geographically redundant data centers.
- Ability to host multiple IBM workloads (IBM i, AIX, AS/400).
- 24/7/365 monitoring and customer support.
- Proven support for compliance mandates.
Providers who specialize in iSeries platforms are constantly innovating, helping businesses protect their investment in mission-critical applications while embracing the agility of the cloud.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is iSeries hosting?
iSeries hosting is a service where your IBM i (formerly AS/400) server workloads are managed and run in a secure, professionally managed data center instead of your own premises. This service helps businesses reduce costs, improve uptime, and tap into specialist support.
Is my data secure in an iSeries hosting environment?
Yes, reputable providers implement strong physical and network security, regular patching, and comprehensive backup strategies. Many meet certifications like SOC 2, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS, adding extra peace of mind.
Can I integrate iSeries hosting with my other cloud or on-premise systems?
Absolutely. Most hosting providers offer secure network connections, APIs, and hybrid solutions so your IBM i workloads can interact seamlessly with your other business systems.
How long does it take to migrate to iSeries hosting?
The timeline depends on the size and complexity of your environment. Small migrations can take days; larger ones may require weeks for planning, data transfer, and testing to minimize business disruption.
What if my business grows or changes? Can I scale my IBM i hosting?
Yes. A major advantage of hosting is scalability. You can increase or decrease resources (CPU, memory, storage) as needed, adapting to your business growth or changing requirements without big capital investments.
In Summary
iSeries hosting delivers the power and reliability of IBM i platforms while freeing you from hardware headaches and unpredictable expenses. By partnering with a specialist provider, you gain robust security, continuous uptime, expert support, and flexible scalability—all on a predictable budget.
Moving your IBM i workloads to a hosted environment is a strategic step toward modern IT infrastructure, ensuring your mission-critical applications remain secure, accessible, and ready for the future. Whether you’re modernizing legacy systems, ensuring high availability, or planning for growth, iSeries hosting can help you meet today’s business demands with confidence.