In the ever-evolving world of IT, the question often arises: What does the future hold for IBM i/AS400 professionals? As we look toward 2025, it's crucial to recognize the continued relevance of this resilient and scalable platform, and what the future job market might offer for IBM i professionals.

The Enduring Legacy of IBM i/AS400

Since its inception in 1988, the AS400 (now IBM i) has provided organizations across industries with a reliable and secure platform for their mission-critical systems. Known for its unmatched reliability and flexibility, the system was designed to handle complex workloads with minimal downtime—a feature that remains crucial in industries where high availability is a non-negotiable requirement. 

Adapting to Modern Demands

While IBM i is sometimes perceived as a legacy platform, it continues to power core business functions in a multitude of organizations. However, the role of IBM i professionals has evolved. The once sought-after skill sets of managing systems, programming in RPG, and running operations have given way to emerging opportunities that fuse IBM i’s capabilities with modern technologies.

Next-Generation IBM i Solutions

By 2025, businesses leveraging IBM i will seek modernization strategies to integrate with cloud services, utilize AI-driven analytics and adopt web-based interfaces. This shift opens new doors for IBM i professionals skilled in not only traditional systems management but also modern integration. The demand will focus on professionals who can bridge IBM i with next-gen technologies, ensuring optimal performance with minimal disruption.

Skills for Career Growth and Evolution

For those considering whether a career focused on IBM i remains viable in 2025, the answer is a resounding yes. However, remaining competitive in the market will require more than foundational IBM i skills. Mastery of newer programming languages, cloud integration, AI, and modernization initiatives will position professionals for growth. Those who embrace this shift will be at the forefront of enterprise innovation on the IBM i platform.

AI-Powered IBM i: The Future is Here

AI technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, and advanced data analytics are redefining what is possible on IBM i. By integrating AI, businesses can enhance the platform's ability to perform predictive maintenance, automate complex processes, and improve customer experiences—all while maintaining IBM i’s hallmark reliability. Open-source frameworks are making it easier than ever to deploy AI models directly on IBM i, enabling professionals to leverage DevOps automation and significantly enhance operational efficiency.

Job Market Trends: IBM i Careers in 2025

As the reliance on IBM i systems persists across industries, demand for IBM i talent remains strong. The following roles will continue to see growth:

• IBM i System Administrator: Responsible for maintaining the operational health of IBM i systems, including hardware, software, security, and performance optimization.

• IBM i Programmer/Developer: Tasked with creating and updating software applications that run on IBM i, with proficiency in RPG, SQL, and emerging technologies for web and mobile integration.

• IBM i Database Administrator: Focused on ensuring data integrity, security, backup processes, and database performance optimization.

• IBM i Business Analyst: Acting as a liaison between technical teams and business stakeholders, translating business requirements into technical solutions on the IBM i platform.

• IBM i Support Specialist: Offering critical end-user support, troubleshooting, and ensuring smooth operation of IBM i environments.

• IBMi Architects: Leveraging modern technologies, Architects play an essential role in designing, developing, and integrating IBM i solutions with cloud, IoT, mobile, and enterprise applications.