IBM i is one of the OG operating systems on the digital landscape. It has a proven track record and an accessibility that customers continue to appreciate – even as IT evolves and adapts.
To keep up with the sector, though, updates are essential. When your OS isn’t updated, you’re missing out on a variety of processes and technologies that can streamline and maximize your company’s potential.
Just like we would recommend an upgrade for your JD Edwards tools release, we recommend keeping your operating system updated, too. Our IBM i team experts have over 20 years of experience, so you know you’re in good hands when you work with ERP Suites.
Here are four common problems with outdated IBM i systems and how to solve them:
1) Inefficient backup process
2) Software-based replication issues
3) Insufficient Recovery Time Objective
4) Lack of expertise and resources
An Inefficient Backup Process Has Long-Reaching Consequences
One common problem with outdated IBM i systems is the continued use of physical tape backups. This manual process leads to the need to shut down the entire subsystem during the backup process. This can cause significant downtime and disruption to business operations, never mind the potential for human error, security risks, and other challenges.
To circumvent the issue, users can opt for the IBM Full System Flash Copy Toolkit. This software creates consistent point-in-time copies of your IBM i system – meaning it captures the complete state of your IBM i system at a specific moment. The toolkit uses flash copy technology to create the system copy. This enables zero-downtime, full system backups, without impacting end users or applications.
Previously, when you had to take an application down or take end users off your system to perform a save or active or something. This backup can be performed by all end users on your system. A few additional ways the toolkit simplifies your process:
- No application is taken down, so you really get that 24 by seven availability for that application.
- No impact to the application or the end users.
- The target partition or that flash copy can be used for another purpose.
Software-based Replication Isn’t Foolproof
Software-based replication is intended to synchronize data on multiple systems or databases. It can be complex to set up and manage, especially for large-scale deployment.
The source and target systems may see performance degrade. Using specific applications like BI Publisher can also be more difficult. Additionally, with software-based replication, all the work is performed on the server partition. This creates strain on that power system and increased traffic.
With hardware-based replication, customers can avoid these complications. A customer ERP Suites helped make the switch saw a 23% improvement in performance. They were also able to:
- Turn off journaling
- Avoid the additional software fee
- Postpone a hardware upgrade.
Another benefit of hardware-based replication is that it requires virtually no management at all.
One downside for hardware-based replication is bandwidth utilization. It’s inherently not as optimized as it is with software. It’s important to analyze this in advance to ensure infrastructure is in place to support this technology change.
The Shorter Your RTO, the Better
Recovery Time Objective, or RTO, is the limited amount of time for restoring a system after it goes down. Obviously, the shorter your RTO, the better for your business. Unplanned, lengthy downtime is anathema to a healthy business. An outdated IBM i system can unfortunately have an RTO of over 8 hours. This is often not sufficient for modern business requirements.
Both the IBM Full System Flash Copy toolkit and hardware-based replication can address this issue. They can significantly improve recovery capabilities and reduce downtime. Kill two birds with one stone – implementing the toolkit for other outdated IBM i issues can help resolve this problem in advance.
Hiring Outside Experts Can Pay Off
IBM i systems have been around for some 40+ years and have seen a lot of changes in the sector. The most urgent one? Retirement. As the IBM i workforce reaches retirement age, having a well-versed IBM i expert is more critical than ever before. Businesses may be seeing their in-house IBM i experts stepping away, and with them, their specialized knowledge.
Hiring an outside team for IBM i managed services is becoming more common. Here are some qualities you’ll want to look for in your partner of choice:
- Depth of IBM i-specific expertise
- Proactive maintenance and monitoring approach
- Robust security practices
- Strong, around-the-clock customer support
- A proven track record.
Pros and Cons of IBM FSFC
If you’re interested in learning more about how IBM Full Service Flash Copy can help your business, we’ve compiled a pros and cons chart.
As we covered above, IBM FSFC has several features that address various existing issues within IBM i. That flexible usage is one of IBM FSFC’s calling cards. The copies created using FSFC can be used for a variety of purposes.
You can create backups of critical data. You can provide isolated environments for development and testing activities. FSFC allows you to create disaster recovery data copies. And finally, you can migrate data between systems or storage devices when you use FSFC.
Missing Out on Modernization Benefits
There’s an old adage that says tides, trains and trolleys wait for no one. A 2024 variation could add “technology” to that list. Because if your tech isn’t up to date, you’re not staying competitive. Never mind the daily domino effect of success you experience with current technology; you’re also missing out on future opportunities.
Many companies determine that the IBM Full System Flash Copy toolkit is an optimal solution for the problems listed above. Watch our IBM i Improved Uptime webinar with expert Tim Kramer to learn more.
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