The landscape of digital transformation has evolved dramatically, particularly for organizations running mission-critical IBM i (AS/400) systems. While these systems have provided rock-solid reliability for decades, today’s business demands require a more innovative approach to modernization.
Enter futurization – a flexible, low-risk methodology that goes beyond simple modernization to prepare systems for future technologies.
Traditional transformation efforts often fall short because they underestimate the complexity of modernizing large-scale systems. After 25 years of developing transformation technology specifically for IBM i systems, we’ve learned that successful futurization requires a comprehensive technology stack that addresses multiple layers:
- UI Futurization
- Code transformation (RPG/COBOL to Node.js/Python)
- Database transformation
- Automated testing
- Coexistence capabilities
The last two elements are particularly crucial yet often overlooked.
Automated testing, which can reduce testing effort by up to 80%, ensures transformed systems maintain functional equivalence with their legacy counterparts.
Coexistence capabilities allow modernized components to interact seamlessly with legacy systems during the transformation process, enabling a truly phased approach.
Why Futurize Now?
Several key drivers make futurization increasingly urgent:
- Dwindling RPG/COBOL expertise as skilled developers approach retirement
- Outdated user interfaces that hamper productivity
- Integration challenges with modern technologies
- Difficulty attracting new talent who prefer modern languages like JavaScript and Python
Our unique automation technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for successful transformation through decades of expertise. Our one-of-a-kind tools perform intelligent modularization that other solutions can’t match – breaking down monolithic programs into maintainable components while actually reducing the overall code footprint through smart reusability. This advanced automation capability, refined through successful transformations, sets our approach apart from traditional conversion methods.
The Role of AI in Transformation
While AI has generated significant buzz in the development world, it’s important to understand its proper role in system transformation. Rather than relying solely on AI for code conversion, we advocate for an AI-assisted approach that combines:
- Pattern recognition in legacy code
- Code enhancement and readability improvements
- Performance optimization
- Automated testing validation
Critical code transformation should still utilize deterministic, algorithmic solutions to ensure business logic integrity, with AI playing a supporting role in optimization and enhancement.
The Power of Coexistence
Successful transformation requires a gradual, phased approach enabled by robust coexistence capabilities. This allows organizations to:
- Transform applications piece by piece
- Maintain business continuity
- Minimize risk
- Validate results before proceeding
- Preserve critical system interconnections
The key is a comprehensive coexistence layer, where communication between futurized and legacy components is handled systematically rather than through manual integration efforts.
Deployment Flexibility
Modern transformation projects increasingly favor cloud deployment, though hybrid approaches are common during the transition. This introduces new considerations around latency and performance, which can be addressed through:
- Strategic cloud architecture
- Enhanced database drivers
- AI-powered program optimization
The ultimate goal is to deliver modern, agile, and portable applications that drive business value through:
- Enhanced customer experience
- Reduced legacy system risk
- Future-proofed investments
- Significant cost savings
- Faster time-to-market
- Improved data accessibility
- More personalized user experiences
Embracing the Future of Digital Transformation
Futurization represents more than just modernization – it’s about preparing your critical business systems for whatever the future may bring. By taking a comprehensive, flexible approach that leverages automation, AI assistance, and proven methodologies, organizations can transform their legacy applications into assets that drive innovation and growth.
Learn more about flexible code transformation at profoundlogic.com/services/flexible-code-transformation/ or check out this recent session by Profund Logic CEO, Alex Roytman:
