Introduction

Finding a reliable AS/400 or iSeries emulator for the x86 platform can be challenging, given the specialized nature of these systems. This article explores various options, including official tools, open-source solutions, community resources, and virtualization techniques, to help you achieve your emulation needs.

Official IBM Tools and Resources

The IBM i Access Client Solutions is a comprehensive tool for accessing IBM i systems. Although it is not a full emulator like BABY/400, it offers graphical interfaces and emulation capabilities. IBM i Access Client Solutions is the official and supported method to connect to existing AS/400 systems with ease and reliability. It is recommended for both developers and organizations who need to migrate or legacy applications.

Open-Source Emulators

Open-source emulators provide another viable option for those seeking to work with IBM i systems. One notable project is QEMU, which is capable of emulating various architectures. While QEMU can emulate AS/400 environments, it may require additional setup and configuration. This solution offers flexibility and customization but may not be as straightforward as using the official tools.

Additionally, projects like z/VM, although primarily designed for mainframe environments, can also be used as a static emulator. z/VM is a virtual machine platform that IBM offers and it can be configured to emulate AS/400 systems. However, the setup process can be complex and may not be suitable for beginners.

Community and User Groups

Engaging with communities such as the IBM i community on Reddit or other forums dedicated to IBM systems can provide valuable insights and resources. These communities often share information on where to find emulators and how to set them up. Participating in such groups can also lead to more personalized support and advice from experienced users.

Virtualization Solutions

Another approach is to run IBM i on virtual machines using software like VMware or VirtualBox. This method requires a licensed copy of IBM i but allows you to run it on x86 hardware. IBM offersx86 licenses for its IBM i operating system, making it a viable option for those who need to work with AS/400 systems in a virtualized environment. This solution is particularly useful for those who need to maintain a consistent and isolated environment for development and testing.

Legacy Software Vendors

Specialized vendors that focus on legacy systems can offer emulation solutions. These vendors often have extensive expertise in working with AS/400 and iSeries systems, providing tailored support and solutions. Researching and reaching out to such vendors can help you find the right tools and support for your emulation needs.

Online Marketplaces

Platforms like eBay and specialized software resellers can be sources for finding emulators. Searching for listings that might include BABY/400 or similar emulators can sometimes yield results, although it may not be the most reliable or cost-effective option. Be cautious when purchasing from third-party sources and ensure that the software is genuine and supported.

Current Alternatives and Recommendations

A significant challenge with AS/400 and iSeries systems is their specialized firmware requirements. The x86 platform lacks the specialized hardware and proprietary firmware needed to fully support these systems. Therefore, alternatives such as timesharing or using emulation indirectly (through virtualization or community resources) are often the best approaches.

The replacement of BABY/400 with Infinite I demonstrates the current market demand and capabilities. Infinite offers compilers and an operating environment that are OS/400 compliant, including the proprietary DB2/400 database. This solution is recommended for those who need to run real-world AS/400 applications.

For developers and organizations who need to experiment or run basic applications, consider using non-upgradeable give-away AS/400s available through special programs. These can be used to run basic AS/400 applications, albeit in a limited capacity.

Those who want to write business applications should look into Windows-based COBOL compilers that use free databases like MySQL. This approach offers flexibility and can be deployed on modern development environments.

The ability of AS/400 systems to support thousands of concurrent users is a key strength, but it is challenging to replicate this on a single PC. Therefore, the best way to leverage AS/400 or iSeries emulations today is through virtualization, timesharing, or community resources.

In summary, while fully replicating the AS/400 or iSeries environment on an x86 platform remains a complex task, using official tools, open-source emulators, virtualization, community resources, and specialized vendors can help you achieve your goals. Whether you're a developer, IT professional, or organization, carefully considering these options will ensure you find the best fit for your needs.