In July, a team of IBM i experts, including Amy Williams of Power by Fortra, sat down for a round table discussion about the future of IBM i and Power, specifically the amazing opportunities awaiting organizations that rely on this technology in the coming years. Moderated by IBM i expert Dawn May, the panel also included FalconStor Software CEO Todd Brooks, CNX Corporation founder Rob Swanson, and Omnilogy IT architect Maciej Wielgus. Their insights offered a comprehensive view of the place IBM i holds in the modern technological landscape, and a path forward for IBM Power.
Indispensable for running mission-critical applications across various industries, IBM i is renowned for its reliability and longevity. Brooks highlighted the platform's integration into hybrid cloud solutions, emphasizing its continued importance in areas like data protection and cyber resiliency. “Vendors are recognizing the power... of IBM Power, and that it’s not going anywhere," he noted. This adaptability ensures IBM i will remain a cornerstone of stability and performance for IT infrastructure.
Williams discussed the presence of IBM i across diverse sectors such as logistics, healthcare, and banking, all of which value IBM i for its uptime and stability. "You get it set up, and it runs," she said, underscoring the platform's low maintenance needs. Williams also pointed out that integrating AI into IBM i could fill skills gaps by leveraging the vast data organizations accumulate over years in operation. Such an AI upgrade could enhance processes while ensuring companies remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological ecosystem.
The webinar also addressed IBM i's ability to attract new talent with programs like COMMON and initiatives aimed at students. Williams mentioned the success of internship programs at introducing new professionals to IBM i, helping young people "start falling in love with it." This focus on education and mentorship is crucial for sustaining the IBM i workforce and ensuring knowledge is passed down to the next generation despite a looming skills gap as IBM i veterans retire.
Rob Swanson stressed the need to showcase the capabilities of IBM i to a broader audience, as the platform’s unmatched potential for integration and efficiency remains a "well-kept secret." Swanson noted how often newcomers are amazed by the system's comprehensive capabilities. This enthusiasm is vital for changing perceptions and demonstrating the value of IBM i in modern IT settings.
Brooks shared Williams’s view that AI will play a pivotal role in the evolution of IBM i. The advent of AI tools, like Bob from IBM, is reshaping how developers interact with the platform. Bob and similar LLM-driven models offer what Brooks called a "hyper-productive turbocharge," allowing developers to increase productivity and tackle complex tasks more effectively. Williams insisted that by enhancing the reach and ability of human professionals, AI systems will make engineers and developers indispensable moving forward.
The webinar concluded with discussions on how to better communicate the strengths of IBM i within differing organizations. Brooks advised technical teams to articulate the platform's value in concrete, fiscal terms, demonstrating its critical role in enterprise success and aligning the platform's capabilities with business goals.
The future is bright for IBM i, with opportunities for growth and innovation spanning multiple industries. The platform’s integration capabilities, coupled with AI advancements, position IBM i and Power as vital components of any modern IT strategy. As companies increasingly recognize the platform's value, the IBM i community is poised to thrive, supported by a new generation of skilled professionals eager to explore the full potential of these robust and exciting tools.
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