This is how the AS400 owns independent software and hardware sections. This happens through the Machine Interface (MI) which is a software programming interface between the application, the operating system and hardware. IBM i is designed keeping the software and hardware separate so changes in one do not affect the other. AS400, now IBM Power system is quite advanced, unique, is extremely adaptable and can readily incorporate new technologies. It is integrated with hardware, software, security, a database and other components. Though easy to use for the users, IBM i has a complex internal architecture. Updates also happened in the operating system, below is the complete table for your referenceĢ008 Power System IBM i Have a sneak peek into the architecture In 2008 all the products in System i and p series were modified and launched as IBM Power Systems. In 2006 iSeries was modified to IBM System i

In 2000 AS400 was modified to eServer iSeries Gradually, other versions and modifications of AS400 rolled out: It now comes in various sets like RPG IV, OVM and ILE. The first language supported by this system was RPG and then the subsequent versions of RPG followed as the system enhanced. If you are not much familiar with this technology, then you might not know what does AS mean? It is the abbreviation for ‘Application system’ and the reason it is called so is because it is based on the applications and not on the processor. Later, AS400 was launched with the OS OS400 which was able to move the programs written for System34 and System36 to AS400. Before that, IBM had launched its System38 in 1979 along with a complete product line-System3, System32, System34, System36.

The history of AS400 dates back to the year 1988. These mid-range computer series delivered better performance and high data security as compared to other computer systems in the 80’s. IBM released an easy to use computer series named as AS400 for small businesses and enterprises. This blog will take you on a quick journey of when, how and why of AS400, all the subsequent versions and operating systems. Although it is one of the legacy systems but its modified versions have excellent OS and documentation. AS400 is considered dead but the latest IBM Power systems with IBM i are still one of the robust and reliable system architectures used by many organizations. How many programmers/developers around you know or want to know about AS400? Maybe a very few or maybe none.

As400 system