Why Now Is The Time To Migrate AS400 To Azure For Long-Term Scalability

Moving AS400 to Azure brings major benefits that remove these constraints. Cloud or hybrid models cut down infrastructure and operational costs while delivering better performance and scalability. Also, they provide the expertise needed to keep the business running during the switch. Companies that want to migrate their iSeries can save money on daily system maintenance through cloud hosting. With the support of expert iSeries migration services, businesses can navigate this complex process efficiently. 

Cloud migration enables businesses to pay only for what they use and handle unexpected usage patterns effectively. This evolution ignites innovation, increases efficiency, and drives long-term growth. The following sections address the primary reasons to migrate, Azure's specific characteristics that facilitate the transition, and how to create a scalable migration roadmap. 

Business Drivers for Migrating AS400 to Azure Now 

Evolving business needs drive organizations to migrate their AS400 systems to Azure. Legacy systems pose constraints on operational agility, user experience improvements, and modern digital ecosystem integration. 

Cost Optimization with Pay-as-You-Go Models 

AS400 migration to Azure offers massive financial benefits. By switching to cloud or hybrid environments, organizations can reduce infrastructure overheads and achieve optimal resource utilization. Azure's pricing model lets businesses: 

• Pay for what they use, which cuts down upfront costs 
• Adjust resources as needed without expensive hardware updates 
• Get rid of IBM licensing and maintenance expenses 

This consumption-based model aligns costs with actual use, which makes operations more efficient. The Infinite i solution on Azure keeps costs low by automatically adjusting resources based on usage. 

Need for Real-Time Data Access and Analytics 

Limited access to real-time data on AS400 systems can hinder business agility and competitiveness. Companies that migrate to iSeries get key benefits such as: 

• Quick mobile access and instant data analysis options 
• Smooth connection with Azure's wide range of cloud services and tools 
• Easy data transfer to modern platforms for deeper business insights 

Regulatory Compliance and Data Residency Requirements 

Azure offers special features to support compliance and regulatory requirements. This is critical for organizations planning AS400 migration services. Key capabilities include: 

Data residency control: Azure stores customer data in regions of their choice, supporting jurisdiction-specific data location policies 
Granular policy enforcement: Azure Policy enables organizations to restrict data movement across regions and ensure alignment with compliance mandates 
Certified cloud environments: Skytap on Azure meets cloud security standards like SOC 2, SOC 3, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS 3.2 

Cloud platforms today include integrated compliance software, advanced security monitoring, automatic patches, and encryption that complies with new regulatory standards. This gives companies an edge since older AS400 systems lack modern security tools needed to fight sophisticated cyber threats. 

Azure-Specific Capabilities for iSeries Migration 

Azure provides powerful tools that make it the best platform to move AS400 workloads to the cloud. The platform comes with features built specifically to handle the challenges of moving IBM i systems to Azure. 

Azure Migrate for Dependency Mapping 

Migrating AS400 systems requires a clear picture of how applications work together. Azure Migrate automatically analyzes server dependencies and maps connections between servers without installing agents on operating systems. The system captures TCP connection data every five minutes and reveals:

•  Server communication patterns 
• Process and port-level details 
• Application interdependencies and linkages 

This visibility helps teams identify which servers should migrate together, minimizing the risk of post-migration outages. Each Azure Migrate appliance can automatically monitor hundreds of servers for dependency mapping. Teams can also use Power BI templates to see network connections across multiple servers at once. 

IBM i Support via Azure Power Systems

 
Skytap on Azure simplifies iSeries migration with specialized hardware in Azure datacenters. Companies running IBM i systems can move to Azure quickly without much initial work. 

Skytap lets businesses set up logical partitions (LPARs) whenever needed. The pay-as-you-go model handles heavy workloads up to 44,000 CPWs with 512 GB of RAM. 

The Infinite i solution takes a different approach to modernization. It converts RPG and COBOL source code to run directly on Azure x86 VMs. The user interface and workflows remain unchanged, minimizing training requirements. 
Integration with Azure DevOps and Monitoring Tools 

AS400 migration tools work smoothly with Azure DevOps for continuous integration and delivery. Teams can test IBM i applications right in Azure DevOps pipelines. IBM's DevOps Test Workbench extension helps teams use modern DevOps practices with AS400 applications. 

ARCAD Software works with Azure DevOps to build and deploy IBM i applications in Azure pipelines. This unified toolset allows organizations to manage both IBM i and distributed systems through a single DevOps framework. 

Azure Monitor watches over all migrated workloads to ensure everything runs well after the completion of the AS400 migration to Azure.

 
Planning a Scalable AS400 Migration Roadmap

 
An effective iSeries migration requires a comprehensive roadmap that weighs existing business needs against plans for future growth. Firms can overcome common issues such as limited system visibility and unclear expectations by having a clearly planned migration strategy. 

Defining Long-Term Scalability Goals 

Organizations must define clear business objectives during AS400 migration to Azure. The goals must be aligned with overall business KPIs and accommodate future scaling requirements. The planning cycle begins with acquiring a comprehensive understanding of existing systems, including data flow, APIs, interdependencies, and third-party integrations. This inventory helps teams notice high-risk modules and performance bottlenecks that could impact scalability. 

Choosing the Right Migration Methodology per Workload 

Each workload requires a specific migration method based on its characteristics: 

• Rehosting (lift and shift) - Moving applications as-is with minimal changes provides a budget-friendly and quick implementation.  
• Replatforming – Making small adjustments helps improve cloud performance without changing core business logic.  
• Refactoring - Rebuilding applications as cloud-native services helps maximize scalability. 

Modernizing Legacy Interfaces with APIs 

Exposing legacy functionality through APIs is a critical component of AS400 application modernization. The process transforms monolithic applications into modular, cloud-ready elements. It creates effortless integration with third-party applications and provides the foundation for future digital initiatives. Breaking down large AS400 applications into smaller, standalone services makes them more flexible and interactive. 

Establishing KPIs for Post-Migration Success 

Clear metrics help track migration benefits effectively. Key KPIs include cost savings, performance enhancements, effective resource utilization, security compliance, user satisfaction, and disaster recovery efficiency. Teams must regularly review performance to identify new ways to optimize as business demands evolve. This ensures scalability over time. 

Conclusion 

Migrating AS400 workloads to Azure gives organizations the scalability they need in today's digital world. Companies reduce costs through flexible payment models that do away with expensive hardware upgrades and maintenance. Azure's real-time data analytics capabilities give businesses insights that legacy systems cannot match. 

Azure comes packed with specialized tools built for iSeries migration Dependency mapping and IBM Power Systems support through Skytap help businesses keep their essential workloads running during the move to a more adaptable environment. The platform works smoothly with modern DevOps practices and monitoring tools to maintain operations without disruption. 

A successful migration process starts with a thorough roadmap that must balance current business requirements with forecasted growth needs. Each workload needs the appropriate migration approach—rehosting, replatforming, or refactoring—based on business goals. 

Legacy systems hold back business growth. Azure migration opens doors to state-of-the-art solutions and better efficiency. Companies that successfully move AS400 to Azure gain a competitive edge with improved data access and substantial cost benefits in the cloud-driven world.