iSeries’ challenges

Despite the iSeries’ many advantages, shops expanding their use of the platform or investing in it for the first time face some hurdles.

Platform Awareness

Describing and explaining iSeries’ many uses — logical partitioning, open source software, Java, .Net integration, Linux — to a senior executive can be a daunting task. “It can be challenging to sell the use of the iSeries to a CEO or CFO,” says Jim Horio, director of information technology at the San Francisco Asian Art Museum. “IBM needs to change the perception of the iSeries as being a legacy midrange system.” 

Developer Education

Developers must stay abreast of the numerous tools and technologies available and forthcoming on the iSeries platform. According to IBM’s Amit Dave, IBM recently published the iSeries Developer Roadmap to outline available educational resources. However, the map is focused on helping legacy iSeries developers modernize their applications and move toward the J2EE arena. IBM also must address education for Linux, Unix, and Windows developers who may be new to the iSeries.

Continued Compatibility

Given the iSeries’ integrated nature and the addition of new and evolving technologies, maintaining the platform’s stability and rapid performance is a challenge for IBM. As new technologies are integrated into the iSeries, IBM must continue to proactively address integration, performance, compatibility, and stability to ensure that customers’ existing and future technology investments in the platforms are maintained.