IBM i runs some of the world’s most critical business operations, but many IT leaders still wonder: Is IBM i ready for the future?
That’s exactly what we answer in our latest webinar, Legacy to Legend: Trends to Drive Growth for IBM i in 2025.
IBM’s Steve Will (IBM i CTO & Chief Architect) joins Fresche’s John Clark (CTO) and Lief Morin (GM, Cloud Services) to cut through the noise and explain what IBM i leaders must do next. They cover what businesses must do in 2025 to secure, optimize, and maximize IBM i’s potential.
The full session is now available on-demand, but here are the highlights:
What’s in This Webinar?
This webinar discusses what IT leaders and IBM i users need to do now to compete, innovate, and protect their businesses.
i. IBM i Must Evolve, Not Be Replaced
If your company runs IBM i, it likely does so because it works. IBM i isn’t the problem—outdated applications and underutilized features are. Steve Will points out:
“The future of this platform (IBM i) is really bright, especially as we look at taking advantage of all these newer technologies, whether it’s cloud or AI or modernization, you’re in the right place.”
He explains why IBM i is more modern than many realize and how businesses can unlock their full potential. He calls this a “renaissance” for IBM i applications, as new tools help companies unlock more value without switching platforms.
ii. Cloud is No Longer Optional
More businesses move IBM i workloads to the cloud, but confusion and hesitation remain. The panel discusses why cloud adoption is no longer a question of if but how.
IBM’s Power Virtual Server (PowerVS) gives IBM i users cloud flexibility without performance breakdown or security concerns. A live poll in the webinar shows that nearly 30% of attendees plan to move within two years.
iii. AI Needs IBM i Data to Work
AI is useless without high-quality data, and IBM i holds some of the richest business data in existence. Companies already use IBM i to detect fraud, predict failures, and improve operations. This webinar breaks down how IBM i leaders can integrate AI tools and what IBM is doing to make it easier.
iv. Security is the Biggest Blind Spot
IBM i is known for security, but that doesn’t mean companies are safe. John Clark, Fresh’s CTO, reveals common IBM i security mistakes—such as open access points, weak permissions, and unmonitored activities—that put businesses at risk. He adds:
“In the past year, about 5% of Fresh’s clients have experienced some sort of security incident, and none of them have been related to the IBM i… But in today’s world, hackers who gain access to a network will move laterally and they can run into the IBM i systems in their path.”
These vulnerabilities are exactly why it’s crucial to take immediate action to secure your system before disaster strikes.
v. IBM i Development is About to Get Easier
The biggest challenge for IBM i development? Skilled programmers. IBM’s RPG Code Assistant helps bridge the gap by making it easier to understand, maintain, and modernize IBM i applications. This session gives an early look at how AI can help developers work smarter—not replace them.
vi. Hybrid IT Strategies Keep IBM i Flexible
Not every workload belongs in the cloud, and not every company wants to move off-prem entirely. As Lief Morin highlights:
“Hybrid cloud strategies allow organizations to keep their IBM i workloads while getting the benefits of cloud-based scalability and cost-efficiency.”
This webinar explores how businesses successfully mix on-prem and cloud environments to get the best of both worlds. Learn when a hybrid strategy makes sense and how to execute it efficiently.
vii. Future-Proof IBM i with Automation
The panel discusses how IBM i shops can automate manual processes, optimize performance, and reduce the workload on IT teams. See how businesses free up resources with built-in IBM i automation tools and third-party solutions.
Watch the On-Demand Webinar
There is more to IBM i than most companies realize. Too many leave its best capabilities untapped, miss opportunities to cut costs, improve security, and gain a competitive edge.
This session clears up the confusion, lays out a practical plan, and gives you insights on top IBM i experts use to stay ahead.
The full conversation covers the details, the strategy, and the expert guidance you won’t get anywhere else. What you do next determines if IBM i remains a strength or becomes a limitation.
