Why AI Matters to the Future of IBM i

Is Your Organization Ready to Adopt AI
for IBM i?

The conversation around Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere from boardrooms to code reviews, and the IBM i community is no exception. As organizations look for ways to modernize legacy environments without losing the stability and performance IBM i is known for, AI presents both an opportunity and a challenge. 

In this post, we’ll explore what AI means in the context of IBM i, how IBM and others are advancing RPG development with large language models (LLMs), and real-world examples of AI being used on this platform today. Whether you're a developer, an IT leader, or a business stakeholder, understanding these innovations could help shape your IBM i roadmap in 2025 and beyond. 

What is AI on IBM i? 

AI on IBM i refers to the application of artificial intelligence technologies such as  machine learning (ML), natural language processing (NLP), and large language models (LLMs) in systems running on IBM i. These technologies are used to augment traditional workloads, automate development tasks, and enhance decision-making within enterprise applications. 

In the IBM i context, AI can be run natively (using tools like Watson or Python-based ML frameworks), integrated via APIs, or connected through hybrid cloud services. 

Why is AI Important for IBM i? 

Modern businesses are under pressure to do more with less, streamline operations, improve insights, and stay competitive with digitally native platforms. AI offers a compelling answer, and the IBM i community is paying attention. 

• IBM's Strategic Direction: IBM has made AI a cornerstone of its enterprise roadmap. According to Steve Will, IBM’s CTO for IBM i, the company is actively investing in enabling AI and LLMs to understand RPG and COBOL code, which could dramatically improve code analysis, documentation, and even automated refactoring. 

• Developer Empowerment: With tools like IBM Watsonx Code Assistant for IBM i (announced in late 2023), developers can receive AI-generated suggestions, documentation help, and even code conversion support. Early users report up to 30–40% time savings on certain tasks. 

Practical Benefits of Using AI for IBM i Projects 

• Predictive analytics from system logs and performance metrics 

• AI-assisted RPG code conversion to Free Form or other languages 

• Customer service bots pulling from live IBM i data 

• Forecasting inventory, shipping, or sales from JDE, PRMS, or other ERP systems on IBM i 

The biggest advantage of AI on IBM i is not science fiction its reducing time spent on routine tasks and enabling teams to modernize their systems without burning them down. - IBM i community contributors at COMMON POWERUp25 

Real Examples of AI on IBM i 

Here are a few real-world use cases showing how AI is transforming the IBM i space: 

• RPG Refactoring with LLMs: Several tools now leverage LLMs to analyze and modernize RPG code, making it easier for new developers to support legacy applications. 

• AI-Enhanced Monitoring: Vendors like Shield and HelpSystems use AI to detect anomalies in logs, helping admins address issues before they affect business processes. 

• Chatbots with Live IBM i Integration: Using APIs and AI models, some businesses now enable customer service agents or even end users to query IBM i data using natural language. 

• Vendor Collaboration: ARCAD Software, Profound Logic, and Eradani have all rolled out AI-assisted tools that integrate with IBM i modernization strategies. 

Tips and Reminders for AI Adoption on IBM i 

• Start Small: Begin with AI use cases that augment existing processes, like documentation, log analysis, or chatbot integration. 
  

• Clean Up Your Data: AI depends on high-quality, structured data. Use this as a push to address inconsistencies in your DB2 database or application logic. 

• Combine Strengths: Hybrid approaches—running AI workloads in the cloud while keeping core systems on IBM i—offer scalability without compromising reliability. 

• Train Your Team: Introduce AI tools to your RPG and CL developers. Many will find AI assistants reduce friction and speed up learning curves. 

AI is not a threat to the IBM i platform; it’s a new chapter in its evolution.

With IBM, vendors, and the open-source community contributing solutions, the stage is set for smarter, faster, and more agile application development and operations on IBM i. Whether you're planning a modernization initiative or just exploring AI, the time to engage is now. 

Curious how AI might fit into your IBM i strategy? Contact Briteskies for a no-pressure consultation to explore how your team can leverage AI tools—whether it’s for RPG refactoring, system monitoring, or data integration. We’re here to help bridge the gap between legacy reliability and modern capability. 

About Briteskies

At Briteskies, we specialize in helping companies modernize, integrate, and innovate on IBM i. From ERP consulting to API development and AI transformation, our team blends deep IBM i expertise with forward-looking solutions that drive business results.