Introduction
Modernizing AS/400 Environments. For decades, IBM’s AS/400 (now known as IBM i) has served as a reliable backbone for mission-critical business operations across industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and finance. However, the rapid evolution of IT, increasing cybersecurity threats, and upcoming end-of-support deadlines have made legacy IBM environments more vulnerable than ever.
Organizations still running AS/400 and iSeries systems face increasing pressure to modernize—yet many remain uncertain about how to transition without business disruption. This whitepaper explores the challenges of legacy IBM systems and presents a roadmap for seamless modernization, leveraging Sequentex and Thrive’s joint solution.
Understanding the Legacy Landscape
IBM introduced the AS/400 platform in 1988, followed by the iSeries and now IBM Power Systems running IBM i. Despite advancements in hardware and OS capabilities, many companies still refer to these systems as “AS/400” or “iSeries,” reflecting how ingrained the technology remains in IT culture.
Challenges of legacy IBM environments include:
- Outdated OS versions (e.g., IBM i 7.1, 7.2, 7.3)
- Tape-based backup strategies
- High cost of maintenance and support contracts
- Diminishing internal expertise
- Lack of integration with cloud-native tools
- Security vulnerabilities due to lack of patching or modern IAM
Important Timeline: IBM i 7.3 reaches end of standard support on September 30, 2026.
Why Modernization Matters
Failing to modernize legacy systems presents several risks:
- Security: Unpatched systems are vulnerable to attack
- Compliance: Unsupported systems often fail audit requirements
- Business Continuity: Tape backups and aging hardware delay recovery
- Scalability: Legacy systems can’t efficiently scale with growing digital workloads
Modernization is no longer optional—it’s critical to maintain operational stability and competitiveness.
The Sequentex + Thrive Approach to IBM i Modernization
At Sequentex, we believe that modernization should be strategic, secure, and minimally disruptive. Through our partnership with Thrive, we deliver a turnkey solution tailored for IBM i environments.
Our offering includes:
- Cloud-based Backup & Disaster Recovery (DRaaS)
- Appliance-based local replication for fast recovery
- 24/7 Monitoring, Patch Management, and Security
- Hybrid hosting options with full LPAR support
- Elimination of tape and legacy backup dependencies
- Compliance-ready infrastructure (SOC 2, HIPAA, etc.)
Even a single IBM i LPAR can translate to $10K+ in monthly recurring value—making the ROI on modernization both substantial and immediate.
Modernization Pathways
- Environment Assessment – Understand hardware, OS versions, risks
- Business Continuity Planning – Map out DR and backup requirements
- Migration Roadmap – Plan for hybrid, on-prem, or cloud-based hosting
- Ongoing Support – Leverage Thrive’s 24/7 NOC and Sequentex’s strategic management
This structured path ensures that modernization aligns with your business goals without compromising day-to-day operations.
Case Study Snapshot
Client: Regional healthcare provider running IBM i 7.2
Challenges: High total cost of ownership, outdated tape backup, frequent audit issues, and no formal DR plan
Solution: Thrive DRaaS + appliance-based backup, full LPAR hosting
Financial Impact:
- Reduced operational IT costs by 42% annually
- Eliminated $50K/year in physical infrastructure and tape expenses
- Avoided $30K/year in compliance penalty risks
- Recovered over $100K in lost productivity through improved uptime and faster recovery
- Total Annual Savings: $180,000
Outcome: Achieved audit compliance in under 60 days, gained predictable budgeting with fixed MRR, and reinvested savings into digital health initiatives
Conclusion
Modernizing your AS/400 or iSeries environment isn’t just a tech upgrade—it’s a business imperative. With the right partners, tools, and roadmap, organizations can unlock significant cost savings, enhance system resilience, and prepare their infrastructure for the future.
Sequentex and Thrive are here to help you bridge the gap between legacy reliability and modern agility. Let’s take the first step—together.
About the Author
Robert Friskney is the Chief Information Officer of Sequentex. With over two decades of experience leading digital transformation and IT modernization initiatives, he specializes in helping organizations maximize the value of legacy and emerging technologies.
