IBM i, formerly known as AS/400, iSeries and System i, is a powerful, integrated operating system and platform developed by IBM. Since its launch in 1988, IBM i has played a critical role in the IT infrastructure of organizations worldwide, especially in industries that require reliable, secure and high-performance computing

Business critical data backup requirements

As businesses increasingly rely on digital systems to manage operations and data, robust cloud storage solutions have become critical. IBM i cloud storage stands out as a trusted option for organizations seeking reliability, security and efficiency.

Traditionally, AS/400 data was backed up to physical tapes or local disk storage, which required manual intervention for media handling, storage and recovery. This solution faced challenges like storage capacity limits, high maintenance costs and the need for dedicated personnel to manage backup operations

Cloud object storage is a modern approach to storing and managing data, offering scalable, pay-as-you-go access to storage resources over the internet. For IBM i environments, cloud object storage integrates seamlessly, allowing businesses to store backups and archives without the need for on-premises hardware or complex software licensing.

With the introduction of IBM Cloud Storage Solutions for i (5770-ICC), a native IBM i solution designed enables organizations to store IBM i files securely in the cloud and eliminate the need for physical tape drives, tape cartridges and courier services for off-site storage. This offers a cloud-native cost-effective backup solution providing storage options, including Smart Tier and standard buckets as it can integrate with IBM Cloud object storage (COS). This is a modern approach for storing and managing data, offering scalable, pay-as-you-go access to storage resources over the internet.

Factors for adopting this technology

Various key features for cloud object storage includes

• Backup and restore capabilities: Works seamlessly with IBM Backup, recovery and media services (BRMS) for i, supporting both backup and restore operations directly to and from the cloud
• Simplified management: Provides a user-friendly interface for managing cloud storage resources, making it easier for administrators to configure and monitor storage operations
• Cloud integration: Supports connections to various cloud platforms including IBM Cloud Object Storage, Amazon S3 and Google Cloud Storage allowing for flexible storage options
• Multi-threaded and multi-part uploads: Enhances data transfer speeds by enabling parallel uploads and the handling of larger files, improving overall efficiency

Benefits of adopting cloud storage solutions for IBM i

• Cost efficiency: On-premises solutions often require costly infrastructure, ongoing maintenance and periodic upgrades, all of which add to the total cost of ownership. Cloud storage reduces the need for physical tape drives and storage media, leading to lower hardware and maintenance costs. Using cloud storage will enable you to pay only for what you use.
• Scalability: Offers flexible storage options that can grow with your organization's data needs. Unlike on-premises backup storage, which requires purchasing and installing additional hardware as data grows, cloud storage can be expanded instantly to accommodate increasing data volumes.
• Reliability and availability: Cloud storage providers typically offer high levels of redundancy and data durability by replicating data across multiple geographic locations. This ensures that backups are protected from local disasters, hardware failures, or site-specific outages
• Operational efficiency: Streamlines backup and restore processes, reducing the time and effort required for data management tasks
• Disaster recovery and business continuity: Cloud object storage supports robust disaster recovery strategies by enabling rapid data restoration from geographically dispersed locations. This ensures business continuity in the event of a site-level failure, whereas on-premises solutions may be limited by their proximity to the affected site
• Accessibility and collaboration: Backups stored in the cloud are accessible from anywhere with an Internet connection, facilitating remote work and collaboration. On-premises storage, by contrast, may restrict access to those physically present at the location or require complex VPN setups for remote access
• Simplified management and automation: Cloud object storage platforms often include user-friendly management interfaces and powerful APIs, making it easier to automate backup processes, monitor data usage and enforce policies.

Implementation experience

HCLTech is actively engaged in conducting Proofs of Concept (PoCs) and Proofs of Value (PoVs) in evaluating emerging technologies, including cloud object storage. Based on the outcomes of these evaluations, HCLTech implements tailored solutions that best meet customer-specific requirements. HCLtech has explored IBM Cloud Storage solutions for IBM i using its own lab and after successful testing recommended the solution to various customers. Currently cloud object storage has been successfully deployed across several customer environments using multiple implementation approaches depending on the business and technical constraints

Conclusion:

The IBM Cloud Storage Solution (ICC) is a strong backup option to consider for organizations seeking reliable, scalable and secure cloud-based data protection. With its robust infrastructure and seamless integration capabilities, ICC enables efficient backup and recovery processes, helping businesses safeguard critical data against loss or downtime. For organizations seeking future-proof data protection, cloud storage is increasingly becoming the preferred choice