Let’s talk about the IBM Power Systems™ platform, formerly known as the System i, iSeries, and AS/400. This platform is a standard in the computing world, sort of like a hamburger in the world of American food. So, let’s play the game of, “Dead or Not Dead?” Is this technology dead, or dying in popularity? The answer is no—and yes.
No, it’s not dead because many large retailers, banks, casinos, manufacturers, service and transportation companies rely on this platform and a lot of business computing is still performed using this platform. It’s all beef.
No, it’s not dead because this technology boasts the latest technology. I chuckle at all of the media attention surrounding things like virtualization and 64-bit technology. This platform has been delivering partition technology (virtualization, or VMWARE-like technology) and 64 bit technology into the marketplace since before Y2K. And, the platform supports JAVA, PHP, C, and the RPG world. All the fixings you’ll ever need.
No, it’s not dead because this platform comes with a database, DB2. So, you don’t need to search for or hire an Oracle DB administrator—the database is there and ready to go on day one. It’s like the special sauce you get with every burger.
Yes, it’s currently dying in popularity because the IBM i operating system is just not the fashionable choice among the people currently making IT spending decisions.
So, take another look at this technology that has been running your business for the last 20 years. First, look at the racks and racks of Windows servers in your data center. Then, look at the IBM Power Systems server. Ask yourself, “What percentage of my true business data is running on each platform?” Common sense should tell you that this system handles more data, more processes, and is much more critical to the bottom line of your business—all in a smaller footprint. It’s the full meal deal.