The IBM i (iSeries or AS400) platform has long been a pillar of enterprise infrastructure for reliability, scalability, and security. The challenge today is not stability. It is agility.
To stay competitive, organizations are using iSeries integration to connect IBM i systems with modern applications and tools, from CRM and ERP platforms to AI driven analytics and DevOps pipelines.
If your IBM i applications still run in isolation, you may be missing transformative opportunities. This guide shows practical paths to iSeries integration that modernize your IBM i landscape without overhauling what already works.
Practical Ways to Modernize IBM i Using iSeries Integration
Below are practical iSeries integration patterns you can adopt now to gain agility from your existing IBM i:
Connect IBM i with CRM and ERP: The Case for Bidirectional Data Sync
Integrating IBM i with CRM platforms like Salesforce or ERP systems like SAP is no longer a luxury, it is a necessity for real-time business alignment. The goal is clear: eliminate data silos, reduce duplication, and ensure that every department, from sales to finance, works with accurate and consistent data.
One of the most effective methods is using middleware or integration platforms that offer prebuilt connectors and reusable APIs. Solutions like IBM’s WebSphere Cast Iron or modern iPaaS tools help map and sync customer, inventory, and order data across systems bidirectionally.
For example, updates made to customer accounts in Salesforce can instantly reflect in SAP and vice versa. This synchronization not only improves operational efficiency but also enhances customer experience by ensuring every team works from the same source of truth.
Bring IBM i Data into AI and Analytics Workflows
Your IBM i system holds years, sometimes decades, of valuable historical data. But if that data stays locked inside, it cannot support data science initiatives or AI-powered decision-making.
Organizations are increasingly exposing IBM i’s Db2 for i data to external platforms like IBM watsonx, Power BI, or Python-based AI/ML tools (pandas, scikit-learn). This is made possible through modern SQL services, ODBC/JDBC connections, and API exposure.
By integrating with these platforms, companies are performing advanced analytics such as demand forecasting, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance—all based on real operational data that was once siloed. This approach modernizes your legacy data and helps turn it into a competitive asset.
Use Middleware and iPaaS for Scalable, Cloud-Ready Integration
Middleware and integration platforms as a service (iPaaS) are becoming go-to tools for connecting IBM i to modern applications. Tools like MuleSoft and Boomi offer prebuilt connectors specifically designed for IBM i environments.
These platforms reduce development time, offer better scalability, and support both cloud and on-premise systems, making them ideal for hybrid IT strategies. Whether you are syncing customer data to Salesforce, moving purchase orders into SAP, or feeding real-time events to a cloud data lake, middleware ensures the process is seamless and secure.
Choosing the right middleware depends on your organization’s needs around transaction volume, compliance, scalability, and internal skillsets. But the trend is clear: integrating IBM i into your broader IT ecosystem using scalable tools is the most efficient and future-proof way forward.
Modern SQL: The Integration Engine Inside IBM i
At the heart of any integration strategy lies data. IBM i’s native database, Db2 for i, is no longer just a storage engine, it is an active integration interface.
Modern features such as user-defined functions (UDFs) and services let you embed business logic directly within SQL. With these, external systems can interact with IBM i via REST APIs or direct database calls without compromising performance or security.
This SQL-first integration approach means you can minimize external dependencies, reduce overhead, and expose only the data that is truly needed. It streamlines workflows and simplifies API management, especially in regulated industries where auditability and control matter.
Enable DevOps on IBM i: From Legacy to Lifecycle Automation
DevOps is not just for cloud-native teams. With tools like IBM Merlin and integration support for Git, Jenkins, and Ansible, organizations are now bringing modern application lifecycle management (ALM) to the IBM i platform.
This allows development teams to use version control, implement continuous integration and deployment (CI/CD), automate testing, and manage configurations in a way that aligns with modern software practices.
For example:
- Developers can manage IBM i code in Git repositories.
- Jenkins can trigger builds and deployments automatically.
- Ansible can handle environment provisioning and configuration.
This integration brings legacy systems into your enterprise DevOps pipeline, enabling faster delivery, higher quality, and better collaboration between teams.
Why This Matters
IBM i modernization does not mean replacing the system. It means extending its value by making it part of a connected, intelligent, and agile ecosystem.
By integrating with CRM and ERP platforms, you ensure business continuity and data consistency. By enabling analytics and AI, you unlock insights hidden in legacy systems. By adopting DevOps, you accelerate innovation without sacrificing reliability.
The payoff is significant:
- Faster access to accurate, actionable data
- Better alignment between departments
- Enhanced customer experience and operational visibility
- Reduced manual errors and IT overhead
- Improved agility across the business
Final Thoughts
Organizations that embrace IBM i integration as a strategy are better positioned to scale, adapt, and compete in modern markets.
Whether you are looking to improve data sharing, enable AI, streamline processes, or support DevOps practices, the IBM i platform can evolve with you. The key is building the right bridges with the right tools.
If you’re exploring these paths, connect with an AS400/IBM i support provider for guidance on platforms, modernization, and tooling.
Peyman Khosravani is a seasoned expert in blockchain, digital transformation, and emerging technologies, with a strong focus on innovation in finance, business, and marketing. With a robust background in blockchain and decentralized finance (DeFi), Peyman has successfully guided global organizations in refining digital strategies and optimizing data-driven decision-making. His work emphasizes leveraging technology for societal impact, focusing on fairness, justice, and transparency. A passionate advocate for the transformative power of digital tools, Peyman’s expertise spans across helping startups and established businesses navigate digital landscapes, drive growth, and stay ahead of industry trends. His insights into analytics and communication empower companies to effectively connect with customers and harness data to fuel their success in an ever-evolving digital world.
