Why should I learn about webservers on the IBM i System?

Do you ever lay in bed asking yourself that question?

I used to. But, now I know how to create various types of webservers, so instead I lay in bed asking myself more annoying questions like “Why is my webservice not able to read that location in the IFS?” or even the nightmare scenario of suddenly jerking awake with a realization that you are using the wrong CCSID and that’s what has cost you 2 days of pulling your hair out. #truestory

Learning about webservers on the IBM i system can be beneficial for a variety of reasons.

Here are a few of my faves:

1. Integration with existing systems: If you’re already working with an IBM i Power System (the grandson of the old AS/400 or iSeries), understanding how to set up and configure webservers will help you integrate your existing systems with web-based technologies. This knowledge will put you on the trail to creating modern, user-friendly interfaces for your applications.
2. Versatility: IBM i supports several webserver options, including IBM’s own HTTP Server, Apache, and Microsoft’s IIS, among others. This versatility allows you to choose the solution that best fits your needs and skills.
3. Security: IBM i is known for its robust security features. By learning how to set up and configure webservers on this platform, you can leverage these security features to protect your web applications and data.
4. Performance: IBM i is a high-performance platform, and its webservers are no exception. Learning how to optimize your webserver configuration can help you get the most out of your IBM i system.
5. Future-proofing: As more and more systems move towards web-based technologies, having a solid understanding of webservers and how they work on IBM i can help future-proof your skills and make you a more valuable employee or consultant.

Remember, when setting up and configuring webservers, it’s important to follow best practices for security and performance. This includes keeping your webserver software up-to-date, using secure protocols like HTTPS, and regularly monitoring your server logs for any suspicious activity.

Over the next few weeks, I am going to be publishing new lessons on how to create webservers, write webservices, publish and consume data from the internet. I might even tell a few jokes, but will definitely have a good moan a few times. Grab a coffee, watch my shenanigans and please leave comments for bits that I (a) get wrong or (b) could do better.

We are all in the glorious world of IBM i together 🙂