Here's why the platform remains unbeatable in 2025:
Despite the “legacy” label, IBM i supports modern DevOps practices and languages like Python, Node.js, PHP, and even containers. Developers can use VS Code, integrate Git, and run APIs alongside RPG code, all on the same box.
Version 7.6 (released April 2025) brings new lifecycle management tools and opens doors to AI-assisted programming via IBM Merlin. It's not just compatible with the future, it's already there.
Real talk: The cost of “moving on”
Many organizations have learned the hard way that replacing IBM i with cloud ERP or SaaS solutions is costly and risky. Failed migrations often run into millions and still underdeliver.
One real-world example from Reddit:
“We spent millions migrating off AS/400 to SAP. Guess what? It was slower, buggier, and couldn't handle volume. We're now rolling back and rebuilding on IBM i.”
Kochasoft's perspective: from legacy to leadership
At Kochasoft, we've witnessed this firsthand. We're currently supporting one of the Fortune 500 corporations, and our AS/400 team is successfully managing, maintaining, and planning their migration path balancing modernization with operational excellence.
Our experience shows that IBM i isn't just surviving, it's evolving and with the right guidance, it can drive performance and security far beyond expectations.
Key benefits at a glance
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Seamless app continuity across hardware generations
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High availability and disaster recovery out-of-the-box
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Built-in auditing, encryption, and compliance controls
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Scalable performance on IBM Power10 systems
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Open integration with modern apps and APIs
Conclusion: not legacy. legendary.
The next time someone tells you “AS/400 is dead,” ask them this:
If it's dead, why are Fortune 500 companies still betting their critical operations on it and winning?
IBM i continues to deliver results where it counts: security, scalability, stability, and simplicity. And with partners like Kochasoft in the mix, businesses don't just maintain the platform, they elevate it.
Next Steps
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Review your existing IBM i footprint
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Explore modernization options (e.g., RPG + API, CI/CD, Merlin)
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Get expert help for managed services, compliance, and migration readiness
