Things You May Not Know About IBM AS400/iSeries

How many of you know about AS400/i-series? Maybe very few or maybe none of you. Many people consider AS400 as dead, but the latest version of IBM, i.e., IBM power systems, is one of the robust and reliable systems used by various organizations worldwide. Although AS400 / I series is one of the legacy systems, the upgraded version has an excellent operating system and documentation.

Versions of AS400/iSeries

IBM released this easy-to-use AS400 iSeries for small and medium businesses in the 1980s. And since then, IBM has released versions and modifications of AS400

In the year 2000, IBM AS400 was updated and renamed to eServer iSeries
In 2006, it was renamed IBM System i
In 2008, the system was modified and renamed IBM Power Systems

Introduction to AS400/iSeries Unique Architecture

Although AS400 / iSeries is easy to use for users, it has a complex architecture. It is integrated with various components like hardware, software, database, and security measures. AS400 /iSeries, now IBM power systems, is a unique and advanced system that can readily incorporate new technologies. AS400 iSeries is designed to keep hardware and software separate and change in one does not affect the other.

IBM has made it possible through the Machine Interface (MI). It is a software programming interface between H/W and applications. Furthermore, the O.S. in AS400/iSeries comes integrated with an in-built database, in which users do not need to make any installations separately.

Moreover, the AS400/iSeries is an integrated file system (IFS), which implies applications are written on file systems like UNIX, and P.C. can access data stored on AS400 iSeries.

Essential Characteristics of AS400/iSeries

Object-based Kernel:

AS400 / iSeries O.S. considers every file or device as an object. This means the AS400 iSeries operating system has other special features in comparison to others. One of its features is a single storage level, which assures stability and security for organizations.

Administrator interface:

While using Linux or Windows, you must have come across many tools that can boost your system’s administrative efforts. But if you are using AS400 / i-series, you can use autonomic technologies to perform tasks.

Integrated components offerings:

AS400 iSeries is outstanding for integration with many core functionalities and tools. It can perform more than 300 tasks simultaneously.

PowerVM:

The availability of PowerVM in AS400 / iSeries reduces the usage of a large amount of hardware. This reduces the complication of administration and energy costs. PowerVM minimizes workload, helps clients in cost control, and improves flexibility, energy efficiency, and overall performance.

The Truth About AS400 / iSeries Promise of Reliability and Security

The operating system OS400 in AS400 / iSeries server provides five security settings that range from 10 to 50. Level 10 has become outdated, and IBM has removed it from the latest AS400/iSeries. In contrast, the other four levels are still available and are used in every organization as per business requirements.

Level 10:

This level promises no security at all. Also, the level did not require any password to sign in to the terminal session. And this is the reason for removing this level.

Level 20:

This level provides sign-on password security. It means, after logging in, users will be able to access all the objects on the system once it was used as a default setting into the system.

Level 30:

The third level provides object authority to the users. At this level, users require object-level access planning and implementation.

Level 40:

These are the default level settings in all the IBM AS400/iSeries system. It ensures complete protection and separates the user and the system domain. Moreover, requests from unapproved interfaces are not allowed.

Level 50:

This is the most advanced and additional integral protection level that meets U.S. Department of Defence “C2” security requirements.