Part 1. Getting started with AS/400 communications

The AS/400 is an extremely versatile system for networking technologies, supporting a broad range of communication protocols. Protocols that are supported include TCP/IP, APPC, APPN, HPR, Remote workstation, asynchronous, and binary synchronous communications.

AS/400 communications configuration is done by either manually or automatically creating a set of configuration objects that represent the local and remote systems that are to communicate. The types of objects required for a communications configuration vary, depending on the type of communications being configured.

Many factors can affect the performance of the AS/400 in a communications environment. To achieve the best performance with your particular environment review the topics, Optimizing communications performance, and Communications applications.

You can configure your AS/400 system to communicate with another AS/400 system, a non-AS/400 system, or a remote controller. For information on how to do this, see the following:

vCommunicating with host systems

vCommunicating with a remote AS/400 system

vCommunicating with remote workstation controllers

Communication problems are inevitable and will probably be an issue as you manage your network. If you suspect that you are having communication problems, review the topic Troubleshooting communication problems.

Before beginning to work with AS/400 communications, you may want to review the topics, Chapter 9, “Networking concepts” on page 87 and Chapter 10, “Common networking standards” on page 91. Here, you can find information related to some of the technologies common to deploying modern networking solutions in an AS/400 environment.

© Copyright IBM Corp. 1998, 2001

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IBM manual Part 1. Getting started with AS/400 communications

AS/400 specifications

The IBM AS/400, now known as the IBM iSeries, is a midrange computer system that has been a cornerstone of enterprise computing since its introduction in 1988. Designed to provide a robust platform for business applications, the AS/400 is celebrated for its reliability, scalability, and integrated database capabilities.

One of the key features of the AS/400 is its Integrated Operating Environment, which blends hardware and software resources seamlessly. This integration allows businesses to execute diverse workloads, ranging from traditional applications to modern web-based services, all on a single platform. The operating system, OS/400 (now IBM i), offers a rich set of APIs and tools for developers, simplifying application development and management.

Another standout characteristic of the AS/400 is its built-in database, DB2 for i. This powerful relational database management system allows for efficient data handling and provides advanced features such as support for SQL, XML, and JSON, making it easier for businesses to manage their data and integrate it with other systems. The database's tight integration with the operating system enables high performance and security.

In terms of scalability, the AS/400 can accommodate small businesses as well as large enterprises, with the ability to support hundreds of users simultaneously. Its architecture allows for easy upgrades in hardware, meaning that organizations can scale their systems without replacing the entire infrastructure.

Security is another critical attribute of the AS/400. With a sophisticated security model, it offers built-in user authentication, access control, encryption, and auditing capabilities to protect data and applications from unauthorized access.

The AS/400 also supports multiple programming languages, including RPG, COBOL, Java, and PHP, giving organizations the flexibility to choose the development tools that best fit their needs. This diversity helps maintain legacy applications while also developing new ones that leverage modern technologies.

Moreover, the platform supports both traditional green-screen interfaces and modern graphical user interfaces, allowing organizations to transition smoothly into contemporary user experience paradigms.

Overall, the IBM AS/400 stands out as a resilient, flexible, and secure computing platform that enables organizations to effectively manage their business operations, streamline processes, and adapt to changing market demands. Its unique combination of integrated features and capabilities ensures that it remains relevant in today's fast-paced technology landscape.