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2025 Outlook: IBM i Innovations & Trends | Maxava Insights

Writer's picture: Ash GiddingsAsh Giddings

Updated: Jan 22

As we step into 2025, the tech landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. At Maxava, we keep a close eye on industry trends to better understand the innovations and challenges that lie ahead. Here are our predictions for the year, focusing on key areas shaping the IBM i ecosystem and beyond.


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The Arrival of Power11 Hardware


Later this year, we expect the debut of Power11 hardware. While specific details remain scarce, it’s safe to predict enhancements in power, efficiency, security, and AI capabilities—all within a smaller physical footprint.


This release won’t just invigorate current IBM i environments but will also create ripple effects in the second-user market. Businesses running older POWER8 and POWER9 systems will likely seize the opportunity to upgrade, driving a wave of migrations to more advanced platforms.


Operating System Enhancements


The IBM i operating system is poised for another milestone in 2025, with the anticipated release of V7.6 in the spring. This new version promises a suite of features designed to empower both technical and development teams.


In addition to the major version release, the regular cadence of Technology Refreshes (TRs) will continue to deliver incremental enhancements. These updates enable businesses to stay at the cutting edge without needing a full version upgrade, reflecting IBM’s commitment to continuous improvement.


Cloud-Native Evolution and Multi-Cloud Growth


According to Gartner, over 95% of new digital workloads will migrate to cloud-native platforms by 2025, cementing cloud as the cornerstone of business innovation. While IBM i adoption has traditionally lagged behind, 2024 offered promising signs of change. Both public and private cloud deployments gained traction, as did multi-cloud and hybrid-cloud strategies.


This growth is bolstered by increasingly sophisticated tools that simplify migrations—a critical factor in overcoming one of the primary barriers to cloud adoption. Businesses are beginning to view the cloud as not just a storage solution but a strategic enabler of agility and scalability.


Security: Adopting a "Secure by Standard" Approach


Security remains a perpetual challenge, with businesses often finding themselves one step behind emerging threats. 2025 will see a continued shift toward proactive security measures coupled with the adoption of a “secure by standard” mindset.


While such an approach may introduce additional complexity or slow certain processes, the cost of a cybersecurity attack is far greater. Businesses must prioritize layering protections to safeguard their systems, particularly as threats grow more sophisticated.


AI: From Hype to Real-World Impact


2024 was a year of anticipation and conversation around artificial intelligence (AI). Industry events and webinars were abuzz with discussions, but practical applications remained elusive for many. 2025 promises to bridge that gap, particularly within the IBM i community.


One of the most exciting advancements is IBM’s Code Assist. This AI-driven tool aims to decipher and explain older code—what it does, how it works, and its potential modern-day relevance. For organizations with legacy applications, Code Assist could be a game-changer, enabling them to breathe new life into aging systems and make them accessible to a new generation of developers.


For those wary of AI replacing jobs, it’s worth noting: AI won’t replace you in the next three years, but professionals who learn to leverage AI effectively will outpace their peers.


Conclusion: A Year of Transformation


2025 is shaping up to be a transformative year for IBM i and the broader tech ecosystem. From the practical integration of AI to the emergence of next-generation hardware and software, the opportunities are immense. By staying informed and adaptive, businesses can position themselves to thrive in this dynamic environment.


At Maxava, we’re committed to supporting organizations as they navigate these changes. Whether it’s optimizing your IBM i systems via modern monitoring methods, enabling seamless migrations, or enhancing your security posture, we’re here to help you succeed.


 

This article is written by Ash Giddings, Product Manager at Maxava

 

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