In 2025, AS400 (IBM i) systems continue to power mission-critical applications across industries like finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics. Despite its stability and performance, the legacy architecture often lacks modern interfaces, integration capabilities, and user experience enhancements. To keep up with digital transformation goals and competitive demands, businesses must invest in AS400 modernization tools that bring agility, scalability, and cloud-readiness to their existing IBM i environments.

This blog explores the Top 20 AS400 Modernization Tools in 2025, helping businesses choose the right solutions to future-proof their IBM i systems. At the forefront of this evolution are two industry leaders — Programmers.io and Infoview Systems — who are redefining modernization standards with their innovative platforms and services.

The IBM AS400 (IBM i) platform has been a cornerstone of enterprise computing for decades, known for its reliability, security, and scalability. However, as technology evolves, businesses must modernize their legacy systems to stay competitive. AS400 modernization involves upgrading applications, improving user interfaces, integrating with cloud services, and leveraging automation tools to enhance efficiency.

In 2025, numerous cutting-edge tools are available to help organizations future-proof their IBM i systems. This blog explores the top 20 AS400 modernization tools that can transform legacy applications into agile, cloud-ready, and AI-powered solutions. We’ll also highlight industry leaders like Programmers.io and InfoView Systems, which provide expert modernization services.

Why Modernize AS400 (IBM i) Systems in 2025?

Before diving into the tools, let’s understand why modernization is crucial:

• Outdated User Interfaces (UI): Many AS400 applications still use green-screen (5250) terminals, which are inefficient for modern users.

• Integration Challenges: Legacy systems struggle to connect with cloud platforms, APIs, and modern databases.

• Skill Shortage: Fewer developers are proficient in RPG, COBOL, and CL, making maintenance difficult.

• Security Risks: Older systems may lack modern encryption, compliance, and threat detection mechanisms.

• Scalability Issues: On-premise IBM i systems may not support AI, IoT, or big data analytics without upgrades.

Modernization ensures cost efficiency, improved productivity, and seamless digital transformation.

1. Programmers.io – AS400 Modernization Services

Programmers.io is widely recognized as a top AS400/IBM i modernization company in 2025. With years of experience and a strong team of certified IBM i professionals, Programmers.io offers comprehensive solutions including:

• RPG to modern language conversion (RPGLE to Java, .NET, PHP)

• Web and mobile interfaces for green-screen applications

• API integrations using REST and SOAP

• IBM i cloud migration support

• GUI and UX enhancements using modern frameworks

What makes Programmers.io stand out is their ability to deliver tailored modernization strategies without disrupting ongoing operations. Whether you need full application re-engineering or phased modernization, they ensure seamless project execution.

Their dedication to cost-efficiency, agile project management, and post-modernization support has made them the partner of choice for many Fortune 500 companies.

2. Infoview Systems – IBM i Integration & API Enablement

Infoview Systems Inc. is another top-tier provider specializing in IBM i integration and hybrid cloud modernization. Their modernization tools and services are focused on API enablement, allowing businesses to expose legacy AS400 functionalities as modern RESTful or SOAP APIs.

Their flagship tool, Infoview API Enablement Suite, empowers IBM i developers to:

• Easily wrap RPG, COBOL, or CL programs into secure APIs

• Integrate with cloud apps like Salesforce, Microsoft Azure, AWS, and ServiceNow

• Deploy microservices for modernization with minimal code changes

Infoview is also an IBM Partner and brings a deep understanding of both the IBM i environment and modern IT ecosystems. Their end-to-end services—from consultation to execution—help businesses unlock the true potential of their legacy investments.

3. LANSA – Low-Code Modernization Platform

LANSA offers one of the most comprehensive low-code platforms for modernizing IBM i applications. Its flagship product, Visual LANSA, enables developers to create modern UIs and APIs on top of existing AS400 backends.

Key features:

• Build web and mobile apps without leaving IBM i

• Transform RPG applications with minimal rewrites

• Support for RESTful APIs and JSON integration

• Drag-and-drop interface for faster development

LANSA is ideal for organizations looking to rapidly modernize without replacing their entire system.

4. Profound Logic – Green-Screen Modernization & Node.js Tools

Profound Logic has built a strong reputation around green-screen modernization with products like Profound UI, Profound.js, and Profound API.

These tools help businesses:

• Convert 5250 screens into web or mobile interfaces

• Use Node.js to extend IBM i capabilities

• Create REST APIs from RPG programs

• Enable drag-and-drop screen designer for modern UI

Profound Logic is popular for its flexibility and ability to customize modernization workflows.

5. Fresche Solutions – Application Analysis & Modernization

Fresche Solutions offers a suite of tools that help companies analyze, manage, and modernize their IBM i environments.

Their products include:

• X-Analysis: For understanding and documenting legacy code

• Newlook: For UI modernization

• Presto: Web-enablement without rewriting code

Fresche provides an automated approach to modernization, making it faster and more reliable. Their tools are especially useful for large enterprises with complex IBM i environments.

6. Rocket Software – IBM i DevOps & Modernization Tools

Rocket Software is an enterprise-grade provider with tools designed to bridge the gap between legacy and modern systems.

Features include:

• GUI modernization with Rocket API

• DevOps automation for RPG and COBOL

• Integration with Git and CI/CD pipelines

• Performance optimization tools

Rocket tools are robust and secure, ideal for industries like banking and healthcare.

7. Arcad Software – DevOps & Code Quality Tools

Arcad Software specializes in DevOps and lifecycle management tools for IBM i.

Key offerings:

• ARCAD Transformer RPG for RPG IV and Free Form RPG conversion

• ARCAD Observer for dependency analysis

• ARCAD CodeChecker for automated code review

Arcad is ideal for teams seeking continuous modernization via DevOps.

8. Modern Systems (an Advanced Company) – Code Transformation Tools

Modern Systems provides automated tools for code refactoring, data migration, and application transformation.

Their offerings include:

• COBOL/RPG to Java or C#

• Database normalization and re-platforming

• Microservices re-architecture

They focus on minimizing risk during modernization by using AI-assisted tools and analytics.

9. IBM Rational Developer for i (RDi)

IBM RDi is a development environment that brings modern IDE capabilities to IBM i development.

Benefits:

• Advanced debugging tools

• Integration with Git

• Syntax checking and code completion

• Refactoring support

RDi is a must-have for IBM i developers in agile and DevOps teams.

10. OpenLegacy – Legacy to API-First Transformation

OpenLegacy provides a platform to expose legacy assets (like RPG programs) as microservices and APIs.

Highlights:

• API-first design for IBM i

• Connects directly to green-screen applications

• Supports cloud-native environments like Kubernetes

It’s highly useful for organizations seeking API economy readiness.

11. BCD Software – GUI and Reporting Tools

BCD Software (a division of Fresche) offers modernization tools like:

• Presto: GUI transformation

• WebSmart: For building new web apps

• Clover Query: Business intelligence for IBM i

These tools help in creating intuitive UIs and powerful data reports.

12. Surround Technologies – Accelerated Development Environment

Surround Technologies provides a productivity suite known as Accelerator, which helps modernize IBM i applications.

Key benefits:

• UI templates for consistent design

• Automated code generation

• Easy integration with modern platforms

It helps IBM i developers focus on business logic while handling UI and plumbing code.

13. Cloud Connectors by MuleSoft for IBM i

MuleSoft offers IBM i connectors for organizations moving toward cloud-native architectures.

Use cases:

• Connect AS400 with Salesforce, SAP, AWS

• Build secure API gateways

• Use IBM i data in modern cloud apps

MuleSoft helps ensure IBM i systems are not left out of digital transformation.

14. Eradani Connect

Eradani Connect simplifies the process of building APIs between IBM i and modern languages.

Advantages:

• Seamless RPG ↔ JavaScript communication

• Real-time data exchange with web apps

• Cloud and IoT integration

It enables real-time, bidirectional connectivity between old and new systems.

15. MiWorkplace – Open-Source IDE for IBM i

MiWorkplace is a lightweight and open-source alternative to RDi.

Ideal for:

• RPG, COBOL, and CL development

• Developers wanting a modern experience without licensing costs

• Integration with Git and Jenkins

Great for startups and small teams in IBM i environments.

16. Linoma GoAnywhere MFT

GoAnywhere MFT, now part of Fortra, secures file transfers between IBM i and other systems.

Highlights:

• Automates FTP, SFTP, and HTTPS transfers

• Centralized control of file exchanges

• Compliance-ready for HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and more

Essential for secure integration and modernization of workflows.

17. HelpSystems Robot

Robot is an automation suite for IBM i that includes:

• Job scheduling

• System monitoring

• Backup management

By automating routine tasks, Robot frees up teams to focus on innovation and modernization.

18. Magic xpi Integration Platform

Magic xpi allows no-code/low-code integration between IBM i and external platforms.

Use cases:

• eCommerce system integrations

• ERP and CRM data exchange

• IoT connectivity

Magic xpi supports real-time and batch processing for IBM i.

19. eCube Systems – NXTera for SOA Enablement

eCube Systems offers NXTera, a middleware platform that transforms legacy applications into SOA-based services.

Key features:

• Converts legacy logic into distributed services

• Integrates with C/C++, Java, and .NET systems

• Reduces redevelopment time

Perfect for IBM i shops looking to adopt microservices with minimal overhead.

20. Cloudframe – Mainframe to Cloud Replatforming

Cloudframe helps businesses transition IBM i applications to cloud-native microservices.

Features include:

• Automated refactoring of legacy code

• Cloud readiness analysis

• Multi-cloud deployment support (AWS, Azure, GCP)

Cloudframe is great for organizations pursuing cloud-first modernization strategies.

Conclusion

Modernizing IBM i systems is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic imperative in 2025. With legacy systems being asked to integrate with AI, cloud platforms, mobile devices, and data analytics tools, AS400 modernization tools are essential for sustaining performance while embracing innovation.

Companies like Programmers.io and Infoview Systems are leading this charge by offering end-to-end modernization services tailored to diverse business needs. Whether you seek API enablement, UI upgrades, or complete re-platforming, the tools listed above will help you preserve the power of IBM i while enhancing agility, user experience, and long-term scalability.

As you plan your next move, assess your technical debt, identify your integration goals, and partner with the right experts to make your modernization journey a success.