5 Factors That Impact IBM i Hosting

IBM i’s powerful two-in-one combination of database and operating system means it’s still a preferred system for thousands of users across the world today. However, fewer IBM I experts are out there than when it first debuted in 1977. This can inspire businesses to search for a third-party hosting provider.

Of course, personnel isn’t the only reason for making a switch. Many IBM I users find that a third-party host is more efficient and less expensive. It’s important to have a clear handle on your existing IBM i environment and how that will affect any potential third-party hosting provider’s ability to take over this task for your team.  

At ERP Suites, our IBM i team has decades of experience hosting and providing managed services for customers. We set our users up in a modern, best-in-class environment, and are committed to maintaining your standards of business.

Here are five key factors that can impact third-party hosting for IBM i:

• Hardware specifications
• Operating system version
• Managed services combination
• IPL requirements
• Disaster recovery needs

What an IBM i Hosting Provider Can Do for You

Working with IBM i requires a specialized area of expertise. As mentioned above, the IBM i workforce, while still robust, is increasingly retiring. Outsourcing to an IBM i hosting provider means you have access to a team of proven experts, 24/7, 365 days a year.

Your in-house IBM i team, if you have one, can get bogged down with daily duties and other higher priority tasks. But third-party hosting providers have the capacity to hone and grow their expertise. This means you’ll get the best and latest knowledge on a system that continues to be updated and enhanced. They take care of setting you up in the cloud, and provide a team dedicated to your security, server performance, and data and application needs.

By taking into account your existing system and footprint, your hosting provider can find the right hosting model for your business.

Factor 1: What Are Your Hardware Specs? 

From the AS/400 to the current IBM I version, the platform has evolved over the years. The introduction of the first IBM Power processor in the 1990s led to significant performance and efficiency boosts for users. The most recent generation of Power processor is Power10, and many users still use older versions, primarily Power8 and Power9.

Newer generations allow for advanced features. Power10 capabilities include: 

• AI
• Cloud 
• High-performance computing 

For customers who want to future-proof their IBM I investment, having an up-to-date Power processor can help. Modern IBM i hardware can be less costly, too.

Your provider will also need to know your memory and disk space. To be hosted, these servers need to be replicated – an inaccurate count can affect cost.

Factor 2: What Operating System Version Are You Running? 

The secret to IBM I’s sauce is its one-two punch of an operating system combined with a database. This built-in integration eliminates the need for separate installation, configuration or maintenance of database software. This simplifies the whole process for end users and hosting providers alike.

However, your legacy OS is going to require more specialized attention. The more antiquated your operating system, the more your hosting providers will need to work with you on a regular basis. You might need specialized configurations, emulation, or even additional hardware to function.

An older OS could potentially be more vulnerable to security risks. Without the latest security updates only available in newer versions, you might not be able to meet various compliance requirements, too.

Factor 3: Are You Including Other Managed Services? 

Some companies choose to offload all managed services and hosting services to a single third-party partner. Some common reasons include: 

• No dedicated IBM i experts on staff to manage the daily operations. 
• Desire for a hybrid cloud solution
• Desire for a team that offers specialized attention to multiple systems (CRMs, ERPs like JD Edwards, etc.) 

Selecting a hosting provider that also offers managed services can set you up for success in a few ways. It’s also a great way to get continuity on your processes from your administrator. A provider’s IBM i hosting team is likely in close contact with, if not the exact same, as their IBM i managed services team. This kind of firsthand knowledge could help you troubleshoot and save in the long run.

If your host’s managed services include the ERP you run on, this also contributes to business continuity. Being an inside expert on the systems you use on a daily basis can lead to better insight mining and strategic moves. If they offer a combined managed services and hosting package, you could get a break on your bill.

Factor 4: What Are Your IPL Requirements? 

How often do you find yourselves performing an initial program load (IPL)? If you’re like most IBM i users, the answer is probably too often. An IPL is a system reboot, and the frequency with which they’re performed can impact hosting cost.

Let’s take customers who require weekly IPLs. This process will involve downtime, and can be a bit lengthy, especially in large environments. These users can see higher hosting costs due to increased maintenance and support required. Often, IPL is dependent on the types of applications an IBM i user has.

If your host can troubleshoot these apps, you might be able to reduce your IPLs and potential costs.

Factor 5: What Hosting Model Are You Looking For? 

IBM i hosting options are varied and come with their own unique pricing structures and considerations. They’re also dependent not only on what you want, but any compliance or regulatory requirements you might have. 

These are the three hosting models: 

• On-premises
• Private cloud
• Public cloud 

If you’re in a tightly regulated industry with strict security needs, on-premises hosting might be appealing. You run your IBM i in your own data center, and maintain all the components. You bring in the host for their IBM i expertise. 

If you’re after control and customization without the hassle of on-site hardware, software and infrastructure needs, private cloud hosting could be for you.

Hosting your IBM i in the public cloud is possible, but IBM i’s unique architecture makes this a more involved process. Many major cloud providers, like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, do not natively support IBM i. This can require your host to create workaround solutions.

Making the Right Choice for Your Holistic Enterprise 

Your IBM i system has a lot of moving pieces. Being aware of which specifically impact third-party hosting gives you better insight into your system before you select a host and hand over the reins.

Don’t forget about the potential to save money altogether by combining IBM i hosting with IBM i managed services. Read about what you’ll get with IBM i managed services.