AS400 Application Modernization Roadmap

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

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IBM Redbook Modernization of IBM i Applications

Text lesson

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

Text lesson

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

Text lesson

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

Text lesson

Modernizing IBM i Applications from the Database up to the User Interface and Everything in Between

Text lesson

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

Text lesson

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

Text lesson

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

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