About AS400 Application Modernization Roadmap
IBM lays out a very clean roadmap for modernization of all legacy AS400 and iSERIES applications. The application modernization manual (aka Redbook) is a hefty read, so here it is broken out into easy to consume chunks.
Phase 1: Prepare & Assess
- Inventory Legacy Assets: Catalog all RPG, CL, DDS, and DB2 components.
- Define Modernization Goals: UI refresh? API enablement? Cloud readiness?
- Identify Pain Points: Green screen fatigue, monolithic code, lack of integration.
- Skill Assessment: Evaluate team readiness for modern tools (VS Code, Git, IWS).
Phase 2: Experiment & Prototype
- Try Modern IDEs: RDi, VS Code with IBM i extensions.
- Build a Sandbox: Create a test environment for safe experimentation.
- Prototype Webservices: Use HTTPAPI or IWS to consume and expose APIs.
- Test Modularization: Break a legacy program into service-oriented chunks.
Phase 3: Kickoff Modernization
- Refactor Legacy Code: Adopt free-format RPGLE, modular design, and service layers.
- Modernize Database: Move from flat files to SQL tables with constraints and triggers.
- UI Overhaul: Introduce web-based interfaces (Node.js, PHP, or React frontends).
- Integrate Source Control: Git workflows, branching strategies, and CI/CD pipelines.
Phase 4: Evaluate & Expand
- Measure Impact: Performance, maintainability, user satisfaction.
- Gather Feedback: From users, devs, and stakeholders.
- Expand Scope: Apply lessons to other apps and workflows.
- Document Everything: Create reusable guides, scripts, and training modules.
Phase 5: Deploy & Train
- Roll Out in Stages: Pilot first, then scale.
- Train Teams: Use interactive lessons, quizzes, and code packs.
- Support Transition: Provide cheat sheets, FAQs, and mentoring.
Phase 6: Repeat & Evolve
- Continuous Improvement: Regular code reviews, refactoring, and tech upgrades.
- Stay Current: Monitor IBM i updates, open-source tools, and community trends.
- Celebrate Wins: Highlight success stories and share them in blogs or videos.
Module Content
IBM lays out a very clean roadmap for modernization of all legacy AS400 and iSERIES applications. The application modernization manual (aka Redbook) is a hefty read, so here it is broken out into easy to consume chunks.
Redbook Modernization of IBM i Applications
IBM Redbook Modernization of IBM i Applications
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between
Modernizing IBM i Applications from
the Database up to the User Interface
and Everything in Between