For organizations relying on IBM AS400 (now IBM i) systems, the challenge of connecting these robust but legacy platforms with modern applications has been a persistent hurdle. Many companies have invested decades in building their core business processes on the AS400's reliable architecture, yet now face growing pressure to integrate these systems with cloud services, web applications, and modern data platforms.
Traditionally, AS400 integration required specialized programming skills in languages like RPG or COBOL, creating a significant barrier to modernization. However, the emergence of no-code and low-code integration platforms has dramatically changed this landscape, making it possible to build modern workflows connecting AS400 systems without extensive development resources.
This article explores practical approaches to modernizing your AS400 integration strategy using today's no-code solutions.
The IBM AS400 (AS/400), introduced in 1988 and now known as IBM i, has demonstrated remarkable longevity in business environments, particularly in industries like manufacturing, distribution, finance, and healthcare. While exceptionally reliable for core business functions, these systems were designed in an era before APIs, cloud computing, and web services became standard.
Historically, organizations have used several approaches to integrate AS400 systems:
These methods typically required specialized development skills, extensive testing, and significant maintenance effort. Many organizations found themselves locked into expensive custom solutions that became increasingly difficult to maintain as AS400 expertise became scarcer.
The rise of no-code integration platforms has transformed how organizations approach AS400 modernization. These platforms provide visual interfaces for building integrations, pre-built connectors for AS400/IBM i systems, and simplified approaches to data mapping and workflow automation.
Modern integration platforms provide pre-built connectors that leverage IBM i Access ODBC drivers, JDBC connections, or IBM i host servers to establish secure, reliable connections to AS400 systems. These connectors abstract away the complexity of the underlying protocols.
How it works:
Best for: Real-time integrations where data needs to flow immediately between AS400 and modern systems
This approach focuses on the DB2 database that underlies AS400/IBM i systems, treating it as a standard database source that can be synchronized with modern data platforms.
How it works:
Best for: Analytics integrations, data warehousing, and scenarios where direct database access is preferred
Many AS400 workflows already generate output files (CSV, fixed-width text, etc.). No-code platforms can automate the processing of these files, transforming an existing batch process into a modern integration workflow.
How it works:
Best for: Enhancing existing batch processes without significant changes to AS400 applications
For situations where other integration methods aren't feasible, modern Robotic Process Automation (RPA) tools offer sophisticated screen automation capabilities that go beyond traditional screen scraping.
How it works:
Best for: Integrations where backend access isn't available or where changing existing AS400 applications isn't feasible
Begin by documenting your current AS400 workflows and integration requirements:
Different AS400 environments offer different integration possibilities:
Evaluate potential integration platforms based on:
Leading platforms that offer strong AS400/IBM i support include:
Begin your modernization journey with a controlled pilot:
Once your pilot is successful, develop a plan for scaling your modernization effort:
Challenge: A manufacturing company needed real-time synchronization between their AS400-based ERP and a modern warehouse management system.
Solution: Implemented a no-code integration platform that connected directly to the DB2 database using JDBC. Change data capture monitored inventory transactions, automatically synchronizing changes to the warehouse system through its REST API.
Results:
Challenge: A financial services firm needed to expose AS400-managed account data through a modern web portal without compromising security.
Solution: Deployed a no-code integration platform with secure API gateway capabilities that created standardized REST endpoints for AS400 data. These endpoints were consumed by the web portal while maintaining all security controls.
Results:
Challenge: High-volume transactions can strain integration infrastructure.
Solution:
Challenge: Maintaining security controls and compliance requirements across integrated systems.
Solution:
Challenge: Managing failures in complex integration workflows.
Solution:
Challenge: Reconciling AS400 data formats with modern systems.
Solution:
While no-code solutions can dramatically simplify AS400 integration today, it's important to think about the long-term evolution of your integration strategy:
The IBM AS400/IBM i platform has demonstrated remarkable longevity precisely because it excels at what it was designed to do: run mission-critical business applications reliably and securely. With modern no-code integration platforms, organizations can now connect these trusted systems to the broader digital ecosystem without massive development projects or specialized programming skills.
By adopting a thoughtful, phased approach to modernizing your AS400 integrations, you can preserve your investment in these systems while gaining the agility and innovation potential of modern applications and services. The right no-code platform doesn't just solve today's integration challenges, it provides a sustainable path for evolving your technology landscape at your own pace.
Whether you're looking to expose AS400 data through APIs, synchronize with cloud applications, or build automated workflows that span legacy and modern systems, today's no-code solutions make it possible to bring your AS400 integration strategy firmly into the modern era.