IBM i 7.6 is the latest major release of IBM’s integrated operating system for Power Systems (previously known as AS/400, iSeries, and System i). It continues to evolve as a powerful platform for enterprise computing, known for its stability, security, and integrated architecture that includes the OS, database (DB2 for i), and middleware.

Key Features & Enhancements (as of 7.6) :

Security Improvements

  • Expanded use of TLS 1.3 and updated cryptography
  • Better auditing and system logging
  • Support for multi-factor authentication
  • Support for ASP #1 encryption

DB2 for i Enhancements

  • Performance improvements for SQL
  • New and enhanced services (SQL procedures and functions) to access system info
  • Greater compatibility with modern app development frameworks

Open Source Updates

  • Continued expansion of open-source package support through Yum/RPM
  • Updates to Python, Node.js, PHP, etc
  • Integration with tools like Git, Bash, and Visual Studio Code

Improved System Management

  • Enhancements in Navigator for i (web-based interface for system management)
  • Modernized GUI with more control and visibility

Cloud & Hybrid Readiness

  • Enhanced tools for backup and recovery in hybrid cloud environments
  • IBM PowerVS support and easier integration with IBM Cloud

Application Modernization

  • Tools and APIs for refactoring legacy RPG/COBOL apps
  • Better support for REST APIs and JSON

More from IBM about V7R6