In the ever-evolving world of IT, modernization is no longer just a trend—it’s a necessity. Businesses need to constantly be looking to upgrade their systems, enhance security, and improve usability. But what does modernization truly mean for companies leveraging IBM i products? To provide some clarity, we’ve spoken with resident IBM i expert, BDK’s President and Founder Bruce Kimball, about his proactive approach to modernization, particularly when it comes to hardware upgrades and system enhancements.
Question: Describe the proactive approach that BDK takes with their IBM i products?
At BDK, modernization isn’t just a reaction to market pressures—it’s a strategic, forward-thinking process that addresses both current needs and future demands. Here’s how we break down our approach:
Hardware Modernization
A key pillar of our modernization strategy is ensuring that clients’ hardware is equipped to handle the demands of today’s business world. Many companies still operate on older hardware, which can limit their ability to scale or integrate with newer technologies. We assist clients in upgrading their IBM i hardware, offering a seamless transition from older systems to more modern infrastructure.
- Upgrading Hardware: Whether moving from on-premise solutions to the cloud or adopting a hybrid setup, BDK helps clients transition their infrastructure smoothly. These upgrades provide better performance, enhanced security, and more efficient data management.
- Leveraging SQL for Databases on IBM i: Our application team frequently utilizes SQL to create and manage databases on IBM i, streamlining processes and improving system responsiveness. This shift to SQL not only makes databases easier to manage, but also sets the stage for more advanced applications and analytics.
- User Interface/UX Upgrades: The traditional green screen text face has long been a staple of IBM i systems, but modern businesses need more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Our modernization efforts focus on improving the user experience, making IBM i systems more accessible to business analytics, AI, and other emerging technologies.
Cloud & Hardware Modernization
Modernization extends beyond just the software. While most conversations center around software updates, BDK ensures that hardware modernization is front and center. We help companies transition from Power 8 to newer models like Power 9 and Power 10, which come with significant improvements in usability and security.
- Power 8 Limitations: With Power 8 systems unable to run above version 7.4, companies operating on this hardware are missing out on vital features and security enhancements available in newer versions of IBM i.
- Upgrading to Power 9 and 10: Power 9 and Power 10 systems allow clients to upgrade to IBM i version 7.5, offering more robust security features, better performance, and scalability. The speed of these transitions is also faster than ever, allowing businesses to modernize without lengthy downtimes.
Continuous Education & Expertise
The tech landscape is always changing, and staying informed about the latest updates is crucial. At BDK, we ensure our experts are continuously educated on the newest IBM i developments. This dedication to ongoing learning allows us to provide the best advice and solutions to protect our clients’ data and keep their systems secure.
When we talk about modernization at BDK, we aren’t just referring to one aspect of the system. Modernization covers a broad spectrum—hardware, infrastructure, software, and user experience. We understand that updating from a Power 8 to Power 10 can feel daunting, but it’s an essential step for businesses looking to maintain agility and security in today’s competitive landscape.
By proactively modernizing, BDK helps businesses future-proof their systems, ensuring they are always operating at peak efficiency with the latest tools and features. As an IBM i expert, our goal is to guide businesses through these transitions, making them as seamless and beneficial as possible.
Are you ready to modernize your IBM i infrastructure? Let BDK’s expert team lead the way! Learn more about our IBM i expertise here.
If you’d like to discuss how BDK can help your company take advantage of IBM i, contact us today to get started!
