IBMi Power System Implementation Services Cloud Migration

IBM i to Azure Migration Framework

Migrating IBM i (AS/400) workloads to Azure via Skytap requires a structured approach to maintain performance, ensure data integrity, and minimize downtime. Our services include:

1. Architectural & Discovery Phase Inventory Assets: Document all LPAR configurations, CPU allocations, memory, and ASP storage capacity. Assist with Identify Dependencies: Map interconnected systems, third-party software licenses, and external data feeds. Determine OS Versions: Verify compatibility for IBM i versions from v7.2 through v7.5. Network Planning: Design ExpressRoute or VPN connections to handle the replication traffic.

2. Migration Execution (LPAR lift-and-shift) Replication Setup: Use logical replication tools or Skytap tools for bit-for-bit data movement. Zero Code Changes: Move existing applications and operating systems without modifying core software code. Cutover Planning: Schedule the final data sync during low-traffic windows to achieve near-zero business impact.

Once the environment is Migrated, we offer additional services such as:

1.Unified Operations & Governance Integrated Monitoring: Combine IBM i system metrics (job queues, ASPs) into Azure Monitor dashboards. Resource Tagging: Apply Azure Policy to Skytap resources for unified billing and compliance tracking. Identity Management: Connect IBM i authentication logs with Microsoft Entra ID for centralized security.

2. Managed Backup Tape-to-Cloud Elimination: Replace legacy physical tapes with virtual tape libraries (VTL) pointing to Azure Blob Storage. Automated Retention: Define daily, weekly, and monthly backup schedules automatically managed by Azure storage tiering. Air-Gapped Security: Store immutable backup copies in isolated Azure vaults to protect against ransomware encryption. Hot/Cold Tiering: Automatically move older archival backups to low-cost Azure Archive Storage to minimize ongoing costs.

3. Business Continuity & Modernization Real-Time Replication: Deploy logical replication software like Precisely MIMIX, or IBM PowerHA to stream DB2 journal changes continuously. Near-Zero RPO: Achieve a Recovery Point Objective (RPO) of seconds by replicating production data to a secondary Skytap LPAR in real time. Cloud-Native DRaaS: Supplement software replication with automated Skytap snapshots and Azure geo-redundant storage. Isolated Testing: Spin up exact sandbox clones of production environments to test disaster recovery drills safely without disrupting replication. Data Pipeline: Stream DB2 data into Azure Synapse and Power BI for real-time analytics.