The digital landscape is evolving rapidly, and businesses are continually seeking ways to optimise their operations and enhance productivity. Among the myriad of technological solutions available, IBM i systems have stood the test of time, offering robust, scalable, and secure platforms for businesses worldwide. However, maintaining and supporting these systems can be a daunting task. This is where IBM i application support services come into play, providing essential assistance to ensure your systems run smoothly and efficiently.
What are IBM i Application Support Services?
IBM i, formerly known as AS/400, is a versatile computing platform that integrates a robust operating system with a wide array of business applications. Its seamless integration of hardware and software components allows businesses to run critical applications with high reliability and security. However, the complexity of these systems necessitates specialised support services to manage and maintain their functionality.
The Role of IBM i Application Support Services
Keeping IBM i systems running efficiently requires more than just routine maintenance — it demands proactive, expert-driven support to prevent costly downtime and performance issues. That’s where specialised IBM i application support services come in. These services include:
- Application Monitoring: Regular monitoring and maintenance of your IBM i applications to detect and resolve issues before they impact operations.
- Application Maintenance: Maintaining the system to provide regulatory compliance, optimal uptime and operational resilience. Ensuring a secure and reliable system for the long term.
- Application Development and Modernisation: Enhancing the system with developments and improvements – not just for the core enterprise system, but through enhancing legacy IBM i interfaces with modern web GUIs, enhancing connectivity through integrations and APIs and providing native mobile applications.
- Performance Optimisation: Analysing application performance and making necessary adjustments to optimise resource utilisation and enhance efficiency. Plus, refactoring code to improve maintainability and performance where necessary.
- Technical Support and Troubleshooting: Providing expert technical support to address any issues or concerns that may arise with your IBM i applications.
Advantages of IBM i Application Support Services
The benefits of engaging IBM i application support services are manifold, offering significant advantages to businesses that rely on these systems.
Enhanced System Reliability and Performance
Regular monitoring and maintenance ensure that your IBM i systems operate at peak efficiency, reducing the likelihood of unexpected failures and downtime. By proactively addressing potential issues, support services help maintain system reliability and performance.
Cost-Effective Maintenance Solutions
Engaging IBM i application support services can be a cost-effective alternative to maintaining an in-house IT team. With access to specialized expertise and resources, businesses can optimise their systems without incurring the high costs associated with hiring and training dedicated staff.
Augmenting your IT Team
Do you have a backlog of projects that are waiting to be launched? Through the addition of external expertise, you can augment your existing team tasking them to work on developments that have been shelved due to a lack of resource or skills in other technologies./languages such as native mobile app development web app development, Open Source, A.I., Etc.
Reduce Business Continuity Risk
With an aging workforce, experienced IT developers may have either left, retired or are considering retirement. This puts companies at a risk of business continuity. Through the addition of a team of experienced IBM i professionals, managed and resourced by an expert service business, you immediately mitigate risk and can even add to service availability through 24×7 SLA based support.
Access to Expertise and Best Practices
IBM i application support services provide access to a team of experts with extensive knowledge and experience in managing IBM systems. These professionals are well-versed in industry best practices and can offer valuable insights and recommendations to enhance your system’s performance and security.
Scalability and Flexibility
As your business grows and evolves, your IT needs may change. IBM i application support services offer scalable solutions that can be tailored to meet your specific requirements, ensuring that your systems remain aligned with your business objectives.
Improved Security and Compliance
With ever-increasing cyber threats, maintaining the security of your IBM i systems is paramount. Support services implement robust security measures to protect your data and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
Case Study: Successful Implementation of IBM i Support Services
A leading manufacturing company faced challenges in maintaining its IBM i systems, which were critical to its daily operations. By partnering with Proximity, the company was able to achieve:
- Reduced Downtime: Regular system monitoring and proactive maintenance significantly reduced downtime, allowing the company to maintain continuous operations.
- Enhanced Security: The implementation of advanced security measures safeguarded the company’s sensitive data from potential threats.
- Cost Savings: By outsourcing their IBM i support needs, the company realised significant cost savings, allowing them to allocate resources more effectively.
Choosing the Right IBM i Application Support Provider
Selecting the right IBM i application support provider is crucial to maximising the benefits of these services. When evaluating potential providers, consider the following factors:
- Experience and Expertise: Look for providers with a proven track record and extensive experience in managing IBM i systems.
- Comprehensive Service Offerings: Ensure that the provider offers a full range of services to address all aspects of your IBM i support needs.
- Customisation and Flexibility: Choose a provider that can tailor their services to meet your specific requirements and adapt to changing business needs.
- Security and Compliance: Ensure your provider has the correct accreditations including ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus
- Reputation and References: Research the provider’s reputation and seek references from other clients to gauge their reliability and quality of service.
Why Proximity is your ideal IBM i support provider
With Proximity, you can be assured that we meet the criteria laid out above. Established in 2009, not has the business been running for over 15 years, the people within it have extensive experience of providing IBM i application support for companies across the globe.
Our team of IBM i developers and specialists total over 40 and all those resources are based in the UK and employed by Proximity. Our headquarters are in Leeds, but with hybrid working a norm, our team are based around the country.
As well as providing support, our team is able to deliver:
- Integrations between IBM i applications and other back office systems
As well as the services we deliver, Proximity has built up a network of software vendors who provide the leading IBM i software tools in their chosen area, including Fresche Solutions and Remain Software.
On the subject of cyber security, Proximity is both ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus certified.
When it comes to references, we have an impressive portfolio of IBM i customers across a number of industries. DB Schenker, Gebruder Weiss, Imperial Brands, Amada, Coveris and GBA Group to name but a few.
You might also be interested in the IBM i Update which is presented monthly by Andy Nicholson. You can subscribe to the IBM i newsletter on LinkedIn and join more than 500 people who are already subscribed.
What does our IBM i support service look like?
In a nutshell…
- SLA backed support service for companies running IBM i applications
- Options for support during working hours or 24×5 or 24×7
- Covers bespoke & packaged IBM i applications in RPG, Cobol, Synon, PHP, Java etc.
- Includes application support, user support and maintenance
- Options for development, modernisation & consultancy as required.
And what it isn’t…
- Hardware, infrastructure or firewalls
- Operating system or applying PTF’s etc.
Conclusion
IBM i application support services are essential for businesses that rely on IBM systems to ensure their continued operation and success. By providing expert guidance, proactive maintenance, and robust security measures, these services help businesses optimise their systems, reduce costs, and stay competitive in an ever-changing technological landscape.
Many companies running IBM i systems have aging in-house expertise, and their IT teams are stretched thin with new initiatives. Outsourcing IBM i application support ensures:
✔ Minimized downtime and continuous business operations
✔ Cost savings by avoiding full-time IBM i specialists on payroll
✔ Access to expertise from specialists who work with IBM i daily
✔ Scalability to support growing business needs
✔ Security and compliance to avoid data breaches and penalties
Whether you’re an IT Director, Systems Architect or software developer, understanding the benefits of IBM i application support services can empower you to make informed decisions and harness the full potential of your IBM systems.
By partnering with the right support provider, you can enhance your system’s performance, security, and scalability, driving your business forward in today’s digital age.
Contact us to learn more about our IBM i support services.
