What is the difference between IBM AS/400 and IBM i?
The main difference between IBM AS/400 and IBM i lies in their evolution and capabilities.
IBM AS/400 and IBM i are closely related but represent different stages in the evolution of IBM's midrange computer systems.
New IBM i vs Legacy AS/400
Here's a breakdown of their relationship and the differences between them:
IBM AS/400:
AS/400 stands for "Application System/400," which was the name given to IBM's midrange computer system introduced in 1988. It was a highly successful platform known for its integrated hardware and software architecture, ease of use, reliability, and scalability. The AS/400 ran the OS/400 operating system, which provided a single-level store architecture, meaning that both program instructions and data were stored in the same address space.
IBM i:
IBM i is the modern iteration of the AS/400 platform. In 2008, IBM rebranded its midrange systems as "IBM Power Systems with IBM i." This change reflected both hardware and software advancements. While AS/400 referred primarily to the hardware and software combination introduced in the late 1980s, IBM i encompasses the latest versions of the operating system running on IBM's Power Systems servers.
Differences:
- Name: The most obvious difference is the name itself. AS/400 refers to the initial hardware and software platform introduced in 1988, while IBM i encompasses the modern iterations of the operating system running on IBM's Power Systems servers.
- Hardware: AS/400 originally ran on IBM's custom hardware architecture. Over time, this architecture evolved into IBM Power Systems, which provide more advanced processing power, scalability, and integration capabilities. IBM i runs on these modern Power Systems servers.
- Operating System: AS/400 initially ran the OS/400 operating system. With the transition to IBM i, the operating system evolved and underwent several name changes, including i5/OS, and finally IBM i. While the core concepts and principles of the operating system have remained consistent, IBM i has seen numerous enhancements and updates to support modern computing requirements.
- Software Compatibility: While older software written for AS/400 may require updates or modifications to run on modern IBM i systems, IBM has maintained a strong commitment to backward compatibility. Many applications developed for AS/400 can still run on IBM i with minimal changes.
IBM AS/400 and IBM i are related in that AS/400 was the initial platform that eventually evolved into IBM i.
IBM i represents the modern incarnation of the platform, running on IBM Power Systems servers and featuring updated hardware, operating system, and software capabilities.
