What Are Ibm I Managed Services? A Beginner’s Guide

By Author: Evolution Systems
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Technology continues to evolve rapidly, and many businesses today rely on IBM i managed services to keep their systems secure, efficient, and up to date. If you are new to this concept, this guide will explain what IBM i managed services are, how they work, and why they matter, particularly if your business uses IBM Power Systems Cloud or IBM Power on Cloud.

Understanding IBM i and Its Role in Modern IT

The IBM i platform, previously known as AS/400 or iSeries, is a powerful operating system designed for business-critical applications. Many organisations in finance, manufacturing, and logistics continue to depend on IBM i for its reliability and robust data security.

However, managing IBM i systems internally can be complex and costly. This is where https://www.evolutionsystems.com.au/insights/7-strategic-benefits-of-moving-ibm-i-workloads-to-a-managed-private-cloud/ come in. They provide expert support to maintain, monitor, and optimise these environments without overloading your internal IT team.

What Are IBM i Managed Services?

IBM i managed services ...
... are outsourced IT solutions that take care of the day-to-day management of your IBM i environment. Instead of relying solely on in-house staff, a managed service provider (MSP) handles system monitoring, backups, updates, and performance optimisation.

In simple terms, it is like having a dedicated IBM i expert on your team without the cost of hiring full-time specialists. These services ensure your IBM Power Systems and related infrastructure run smoothly, securely, and efficiently.

Key Features of IBM i Managed Services

1. Proactive System Monitoring

Service providers use advanced tools to monitor your IBM i systems 24 hours a day. They detect potential issues before they affect your operations, helping you avoid downtime and performance slowdowns.

2. Data Backup and Recovery

Managed service providers create secure backup strategies for your critical data. In the event of a system failure or cyberattack, they can restore your data quickly to minimise disruption.

3. Security Management

Cybersecurity threats are increasing every year. IBM i managed services include continuous security patching, auditing, and compliance checks to ensure your systems remain safe and compliant with industry standards.

4. System Upgrades and PTF Management

Keeping IBM i systems updated can be time-consuming. Providers handle software patches and upgrades to ensure your system always operates at its best.

5. Performance Optimisation

Through regular performance reviews, your MSP helps fine-tune workloads, storage, and applications to maximise efficiency and reduce costs.

How IBM Power Systems Cloud Fits In

Many organisations are now moving their workloads to the https://www.evolutionsystems.com.au/solutions/infrastructure/ibm-power-systems-modernisation/, a flexible platform that allows IBM i, AIX, and Linux workloads to run in a virtualised, cloud-based environment.

By combining IBM i managed services with the IBM Power Systems Cloud, businesses gain the benefits of both worlds: the reliability of IBM i and the scalability and flexibility of the cloud. This approach helps reduce infrastructure costs and simplifies remote management.

Exploring IBM Power on Cloud

IBM Power on Cloud is another cloud-based offering that provides secure and scalable access to IBM Power Systems infrastructure. It allows companies to deploy IBM i workloads on a pay-as-you-go model, eliminating the need for extensive on-premise hardware.

When paired with IBM i managed services, this setup becomes even more effective. The managed service provider ensures your IBM Power on Cloud environment remains optimised, secure, and compliant, allowing your team to focus on strategic goals rather than maintenance tasks.

Benefits of IBM i Managed Services

1. Cost Efficiency

Outsourcing management tasks reduces the need for in-house expertise, lowering operational costs without compromising quality.

2. Expert Support

Managed service providers specialise in IBM technologies, ensuring your environment is handled by professionals with deep technical knowledge.

3. Business Continuity

Continuous monitoring and proactive maintenance help prevent downtime and data loss, keeping your business operations uninterrupted.

4. Scalability

Whether you are expanding or consolidating, IBM i managed services can easily scale to suit your business needs, especially when integrated with IBM Power Systems Cloud.

5. Enhanced Security

With managed services, your IBM i systems are continuously updated and protected from emerging cybersecurity threats.

Is IBM i Managed Services Right for Your Business?

If your company depends on IBM i systems but struggles with limited IT resources, managed services could be the ideal solution. These services handle routine maintenance and add strategic value through expert insights and performance optimisation.

For organisations already using IBM Power Systems Cloud or https://www.evolutionsystems.com.au/solutions/private-cloud/power-cloud-for-i/, managed services are an excellent complement, ensuring smooth integration, strong performance, and improved return on investment.

Conclusion

In today’s digital world, businesses cannot afford downtime or inefficiency. IBM i managed services offer a practical, professional solution for maintaining system reliability, enhancing security, and enabling innovation. Whether your workloads run on-premise or in the IBM Power Systems Cloud, partnering with a trusted managed service provider ensures your IBM i environment remains future-ready and cost-effective.