IBM i in 2025: Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities

1. Why does the IBM i remain relevant in 2025?

At the core of the IBM midrange platform’s resilience is its exemplary reliability, ability to handle vast data volumes, and a high level of security. While some label it a “Legacy Platform,” it’s more accurate to describe it as a “Heritage System.” With over 25,000 active customers globally, the IBM i has proven its adaptability across various sectors, including banking/insurance, logistics, and retail.

Key strengths of IBM i include:

• Exemplary reliability and scalability.
• The lowest total cost of ownership (TCO) on the market, with studies showing that companies save up to 30% when compared to other platforms.
• Robust and growing support for modern technologies. This includes web services, which are increasingly being used by customers to connect legacy systems to digital applications.

Tip: To maximize you system’s potential, explore SQL catalog features for optimized database and system management.

2. What challenges lie ahead for IBM i users in 2025?

While the IBM i platform offers significant advantages, no ecosystem is without challenges. These challenges often stem from the platform’s specificity—such as a skills shortage due to IBM i’s unique learning curve and a perception that the platform doesn’t attract younger talent. Additionally, the pressure to modernize requires balancing legacy systems’ long life cycles with the fast-paced demands of digital environments.

Key challenges include:

• Skills shortage: With experienced developers retiring, recruiting and training new talent is a priority.
• Modernization pressure: Companies must balance maintaining existing systems with adopting new technologies.
• Cyber threats: Despite IBM i’s inherent security, evolving risks demand constant vigilance.

Businesses address these challenges by adopting DevSecOps practices, investing in training programs, and leveraging AI-based tools like ARCAD Software’s Discover for valuable insights into their applications. Combining modern project management practices with a robust package of change management and analysis software can make the platform much more approachable to new developers, as well as increase leverage of existing developers.

Pro Tip: Start by conducting a comprehensive analysis of your current systems to identify modernization opportunities and risks before making long-term strategic decisions.

3. How is the cloud transforming the IBM i ecosystem?

The shift to cloud computing is redefining how the IBM i is deployed and managed. What type of cloud services are we talking about?

• Private cloud solutions: these are gaining popularity among large organizations for enhanced control and security.
• Public cloud adoption: though this segment is growing, it faces hurdles due to operating costs and architectural complexities.

IBM actively works to make i cloud-ready, with initiatives like Merlin as a Service in IBM Public Cloud. This solution provides a modern developer experience with a complete web interface, integrates standard DevOps tools like Git, and enables advanced CI/CD pipeline automation. Partnerships with providers such as Kyndryl/Skytap and R2i also strengthen hybrid hosting options and flexible cloud adoption.

Future Tip Opt for hybrid solutions that combine on-premises and cloud environments for the best of both worlds.

4. What role will AI play in IBM i’s future?

AI is poised to revolutionize the IBM i ecosystem by addressing its most critical challenges, such as skills gaps and legacy application management. AI-based tools can:

• Boost developer productivity by automating code analysis and refactoring.
• Simplify knowledge transfer with natural language explanations of complex code.
• Help create web services and modularize large programs for modern use cases.

ARCAD Software’s Transformer Microservices is a practical example that facilitates web service creation while reducing technical debt.

Did You Know? While AI has immense potential, its usage must be targeted. Overuse can lead to inefficiencies and higher costs due to its energy consumption.

5. What trends will define IBM i’s evolution in 2025?

Several key trends will shape the IBM i in the coming year:

• Hybrid architectures: Combining legacy systems and digital solutions to optimize performance and agility.
• Standardization: Adopting DevOps tools like Git and VS Code for a unified development experience across platforms.
• AI-driven modernization: Leveraging AI to unlock hidden value in legacy systems and facilitate the consumption of services demanded by the digital world.
• Cybersecurity-centric strategies: Making cybersecurity a cornerstone of all modernization efforts.

These trends highlight the importance of pragmatism and strategic planning to ensure that the IBM i remains a valuable asset for businesses.

Pro Tip: By adopting a progressive modernization approach, companies can mitigate risks while maintaining operational stability.

Conclusion

The IBM midrange platform in 2025 is ripe for evolution and opportunities. Key trends such as adopting hybrid architectures, AI-driven modernization, and strengthened cybersecurity underscore its unique potential. With its advantages in reliability, scalability, and reduced costs, the IBM i remains an essential platform for businesses looking to combine heritage and innovation. By addressing challenges and leveraging innovations like AI, cloud, and DevOps, the

platform continues to bridge the gap between legacy and digital worlds. Whether you’re a seasoned IBM i user or new to the ecosystem, the future holds immense potential—provided you’re ready to embrace it and break preconceived notions.

What is your IBM i strategy for 2025?