The AS400, now known as the IBM i, is a unique and powerful system that has played a significant role in the world of business computing. Often misunderstood, it's more than just a legacy system; it's a robust, integrated platform with a rich history and a surprisingly modern architecture. A key component of its strength is its tight integration with the DB2 database. This article will delve into the AS400, its evolution, and its inseparable link to DB2.
What is the AS400 / IBM i?
Originally introduced in 1988 as the Application System/400, the AS400 was designed as a mid-range computer system aimed at businesses of all sizes.
It quickly gained popularity for its reliability, ease of use, and integrated architecture. Over the years, it has evolved significantly, undergoing name changes (first to iSeries, then to System i, and now to IBM i) and numerous technological advancements. However, its core principles of integrated hardware and software, object-based architecture, and strong focus on business applications remain.
Key Characteristics of the AS400 / IBM i:
Integrated Hardware and Software: The AS400 was designed as a complete, integrated system. The operating system (initially OS/400, now IBM i) was tightly coupled with the hardware, providing a highly optimized environment. This integration simplified system management and contributed to its renowned reliability.
Object-Based Architecture: The AS400's operating system is object-based, meaning that everything within the system – programs, data files, even hardware resources – is treated as an object. This approach allows for a high degree of encapsulation and modularity, making development and maintenance easier.
Robust and Reliable: The AS400 has a well-deserved reputation for its reliability. Its architecture, combined with features like journaling and commitment control, helps ensure data integrity and system availability.
Business-Oriented: From its inception, the AS400 was designed with business applications in mind. It provides a robust platform for running ERP systems, CRM applications, and other critical business software.
Modern Capabilities: While often perceived as "legacy," the IBM i is a modern platform that supports current technologies like web services, open-source languages (Python, Node.js), and cloud integration.
DB2 and the AS400 / IBM i: A Symbiotic Relationship
DB2 is IBM's family of relational database management systems (RDBMS). On the AS400/IBM i, DB2 is not just a database; it's the database. It's deeply integrated into the operating system and is the primary means of storing and managing data. This tight integration provides several advantages:
Performance: The close relationship between DB2 and the operating system allows for significant performance optimizations. Data access is highly efficient, and the system is designed to minimize overhead.
Simplified Management: Because DB2 is integrated, database administration is often simpler than on systems where the database is a separate component. Many database management tasks can be performed using the same tools and interfaces used for other system functions.
Data Integrity: The AS400's architecture, combined with DB2's features like journaling and commitment control, helps ensure data integrity. This is crucial for business applications that require accurate and reliable data.
Seamless Application Development: The tight integration of DB2 makes it easy for developers to work with data within their applications. The system provides tools and APIs that streamline database access.
The Evolution of DB2 on IBM i:
Over the years, DB2 on IBM i has evolved alongside the operating system. It has kept pace with industry standards and introduced new features to meet the changing needs of businesses. This includes support for SQL, advanced query processing, and integration with other database technologies.
Why is this Integration Important?
The tight integration of DB2 with the AS400/IBM i is a key factor in the system's success. It provides a stable, reliable, and high-performance platform for running business applications. This integration simplifies system management, improves data integrity, and makes application development easier.
The AS400 / IBM i Today:
While often overlooked, the IBM i remains a relevant and powerful platform for businesses. Its focus on reliability, security, and integration, combined with its modern capabilities, makes it a strong choice for organizations that need a robust and dependable system. The tight integration with DB2 continues to be a crucial advantage, providing a highly optimized environment for data-intensive applications.
In Conclusion:
The AS400/IBM i and DB2 are inextricably linked. Their close relationship is a defining characteristic of the platform and a major contributor to its long-standing success. Understanding this connection is essential for anyone working with or considering this powerful system. While the name has changed and the technology has evolved, the core principles of integration, reliability, and business focus remain, making the IBM i a compelling option for many organizations.
FAQ
Is AS400 an Operating System?
The AS400 is not just an operating system, but it's more accurate to describe it as a complete, integrated system. This system includes both hardware and software components that are designed to work together seamlessly.
Here's a breakdown to clarify:
- AS400 as a Hardware Platform: Initially, AS400 referred to a specific line of mid-range computer hardware introduced by IBM in 1988. This hardware was designed with a focus on reliability and business applications.
- AS400 as a Software Platform: Alongside the hardware, the AS400 also included its own operating system, initially called OS/400. This operating system was tightly integrated with the hardware and provided a unique object-based architecture.
- Evolution and Renaming: Over the years, both the hardware and the operating system evolved significantly. The hardware line went through several name changes (iSeries, System i, and now IBM Power Systems). The operating system also underwent name changes (i5/OS, IBM i) to reflect its modernization.
Key takeaway: While the term "AS400" is often used to refer to the system as a whole, it's important to remember that it encompasses both the hardware and the operating system working together.
Think of it like a car:
- The car itself (hardware) is like the AS400 system.
- The engine (operating system) is a crucial part of the car, but it doesn't define the entire car.
In the same way, the operating system (IBM i) is a vital component of the AS400 system, but it's not the whole story. The AS400 is a combination of hardware and software designed to provide a robust and integrated platform for business computing.
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