The IBM i platform continues to evolve alongside modern enterprise technology. While IBM i remains one of the most stable and reliable business platforms available, organizations are increasingly focused on modernization strategies that improve agility, integration, and long-term scalability.
In 2026, modernization is no longer centered on replacing IBM i systems. Instead, businesses are investing in practical ways to extend existing applications, connect systems, and support digital transformation initiatives.
Here are the top IBM i modernization trends shaping the year ahead.
1. API-Driven Integration Continues to Accelerate
One of the biggest modernization trends remains API enablement.
Organizations are increasingly exposing RPG business logic through REST APIs to support:
- Mobile applications
- Customer portals
- eCommerce platforms
- Cloud services
- Real-time reporting
Rather than rewriting stable applications, businesses are extending their value through integration.
API-first strategies allow IBM i environments to participate in modern digital ecosystems while preserving proven business processes.
2. Real-Time Data Access Becomes a Business Requirement
Organizations are moving away from batch processing and delayed reporting models.
Modern businesses expect:
- Real-time inventory visibility
- Instant order tracking
- Live customer information
- Immediate operational insights
IBM i modernization efforts increasingly focus on providing secure, real-time access to business-critical data through APIs and integration frameworks.
This shift improves responsiveness, decision-making, and customer experiences.
3. Hybrid Cloud Adoption Continues to Grow
Cloud modernization remains a major priority for IBM i organizations.
Rather than fully replacing on-prem environments, many companies are adopting hybrid strategies that combine:
- Existing IBM i infrastructure
- Private cloud environments
- Managed hosting services
- SaaS platforms
Hybrid models provide greater flexibility while maintaining control over critical workloads. Recent modernization discussions continue to emphasize cloud connectivity as a key component of long-term IBM i strategy.
4. AI-Assisted Development Is Entering the IBM i Ecosystem
Artificial intelligence is becoming increasingly relevant to IBM i development teams.
IBM has expanded investment in AI-powered development tools designed to support modernization initiatives, code analysis, security improvements, and developer productivity. Industry surveys show growing interest in AI-assisted modernization as organizations address skills shortages and increasing project demands.
Potential use cases include:
- Code documentation
- API generation
- Testing automation
- Security analysis
- Application modernization assistance
AI is not replacing developers—it is helping teams move faster and manage increasingly complex environments.
5. Security Is Moving Closer to the Center of Modernization
As IBM i systems become more connected, security requirements continue to evolve.
Organizations are focusing on:
- API security
- Access control
- Data encryption
- Continuous monitoring
- Security auditing
Recent industry discussions highlight cybersecurity as one of the most important priorities for IBM i teams alongside modernization and staffing concerns.
Security is no longer treated as a separate initiative—it is becoming part of the modernization process itself.
6. RPG Remains a Strategic Asset
Despite ongoing modernization efforts, RPG remains central to many IBM i environments.
Modernization strategies increasingly focus on:
- Reusing RPG business logic
- Exposing RPG programs as APIs
- Extending RPG applications through modern interfaces
This allows organizations to modernize incrementally while protecting decades of business knowledge embedded in existing applications.
Rather than replacing RPG, businesses are finding new ways to leverage it.
7. Skills and Workforce Challenges Are Driving Change
The IBM i skills gap continues to influence modernization decisions.
Many organizations are looking for ways to:
- Simplify development workflows
- Reduce complexity
- Improve onboarding
- Automate repetitive tasks
According to recent IBM i industry surveys, staffing and skills shortages have become one of the top concerns among IBM i professionals.
Modernization tools and automation platforms are increasingly viewed as part of the solution.
What These Trends Mean for IBM i Organizations
The common theme across all modernization initiatives in 2026 is practical evolution.
Successful organizations are:
- Modernizing incrementally
- Prioritizing integration
- Enabling APIs
- Adopting hybrid cloud strategies
- Strengthening security
- Empowering development teams
They are not abandoning IBM i—they are extending its capabilities.
Final Thoughts
IBM i modernization in 2026 is focused on connection, flexibility, and long-term sustainability.
Organizations that embrace APIs, cloud connectivity, real-time data access, security-first integration, and AI-assisted development will be better positioned to support future growth while preserving the reliability that IBM i is known for.
Modernization is no longer about replacing systems.
It is about unlocking more value from the systems you already trust.