Since the introduction of IBM i Modernization for Lifecycle Integration, commonly referred to in the community as “Merlin”, many clients have adopted the solution to both accelerate application modernization projects and build new and innovative next-generation applications on IBM i. Merlin is a strategic platform enabling IBM i clients to modernize both applications and development processes via DevOps and is built on Red Hat® OpenShift® to take advantage of a modern hybrid cloud architecture. The solution allows IBM i applications to realize the value of hybrid cloud and multi-platform CI/CD pipelines. The modernization tooling within Merlin helps IBM i developers create next-generation applications leveraging existing investments in RPG and COBOL. RESTful interface connections and enterprise messaging technologies allow developers to add new business value to IBM i applications.
Merlin also offers several other key advantages to IBM i developers. The solution gives access to industry-standard DevOps tools such as Git, Jenkins, VS Code, and more, reducing the learning curve for developers who are new to IBM i with modern tooling and enables them to contribute to RPG development quickly with access to Db2 for i. Merlin also automates code modernization from Fixed Format RPG into modern Free Format RPG, further reducing learning curves and increasing productivity for developers. For veteran RPG programmers, Merlin enables them to build new applications even faster on IBM i by adopting modern industry-standard tooling.
Many clients want to take advantage of these development capabilities without having to partition additional resources or acquire new hardware.
Two of our business partners have recognized this market trend and have developed
IBM i Modernization Engine for Lifecycle Integration as a Service, or Merlin as a Service for short. Merlin as a Service delivers the value of Merlin without having to invest in additional Red Hat OpenShift skills or infrastructure, all in an easy to consume way.
Merlin as a Service is running on IBM® Power® Virtual Server, IBM’s Power in the cloud offering. All end users must do is sign into their Merlin environment and get started modernizing and building next-generation applications on IBM i. Our business partner is taking care of the setup and management of the environment, so no need to worry about getting additional hardware, learning how to install Red Hat OpenShift, connecting to Git, or purchasing additional software.
The two partners who are launching Merlin as a Service are:
CSI in EMEA.
Sanwa Comtec K.K. in Japan.
If you are interested in Merlin as a Service, you can reach out to our partners directly,
CSI can be contacted via this link: https://www.csiltd.co.uk/ibm-power/ibm-i-managed-services/
Sanwa Comtec K.K. can be contacted via sales@sct.co.jp or via this link: https://product.sct.co.jp/product/ibmi/contact
More information about Merlin as a Service
Guided tour
https://learn.common.org/products/learn-more-about-merlin-and-how-you-can-easily-use-it-via-our-service-offering-2#tab-product_tab_overview
Japanese Guided tour
https://learn.common.org/products/learn-more-about-merlin-and-how-you-can-easily-use-it-via-our-service-offering-japanese
Brunch and Learn by CSI
https://video.ibm.com/recorded/134108008