Introduction to AS/400

The IBM AS/400, now known as IBM iSeries or IBM Power Systems, is a family of midrange computers introduced by IBM in June 1988. Here’s a brief introduction:

Overview

AS/400: The name stands for “Application System/400.” It is a multiuser, multitasking system designed for industries requiring secure data storage and processing.
Evolution: Initially named AS/400, it was rebranded as eServer iSeries in 2000, then System i in 2006, and finally unified with System p to become IBM Power Systems in 2008.

Key Features

Integrated DB2 Database: Comes with an integrated DB2 database management system.
Menu-Driven Interfaces: User-friendly menu-driven interfaces for ease of use.
Multi-User Support: Supports multiple users simultaneously.
Security: High levels of security for sensitive data.
Client-Server and Web-Based Applications: Capable of running client-server and web-based applications.
Programming Languages: Supports various programming languages including RPG, C, C++, Java, SQL, and more.

Architecture

Layered Machine Architecture: Allows users to move to new hardware technology without disrupting application programs.
Object Orientation: Everything stored or retrieved on the system is treated as an object, adding extra security.
Single-Level Storage: Provides contiguous memory between main storage and disk storage.

Applications

The AS/400 is widely used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, banking, manufacturing, distribution, and e-commerce due to its robustness and security features