IBM i (AS400) Optical Library Migration

Optical StorageOverview

Many IBM i customers over the years have used the IBM optical storage technologies to create offline storage of historical data, often for regulatory compliance reasons.  However, there is no way to apply standard Business Intelligence data reporting, data mining and analysis tools against this data, and if you ever migrate your core application to a new, non IBM i system, you will be required to retain and pay maintenance for your IBM i hardware, potentially even having to upgrade your hardware to stay on a supported version, just to maintain access to your historical data.

FusionWare has assisted customers in migrating large volumes of IBM i optical data into tightly secured relational databases and created web-based, secure access to the data from the browser, for authorized users.  Our users have found that the new environment is faster and easier to use, allowing staff who need to access this historical data to do so in a timely manner. It also enables reporting and analysis of the historical data.

FusionWare’s process includes rapid discovery of the data formats on the optical drives, and tooling and flexible, automated processes that enable rapid, cost effective conversion and validation of the data.

You have numerous options for storage of your data, including MySQL, Oracle, SQL Server, DB2 and more, and for access to the data, you have a choice of Windows and IIS based or Linux and Apache based web access.  We understand, and can work with cloud providers to give you a cloud-based alternative to your offline storage.

Migration Services

Data MigrationFusionWare’s Migration services include:

  • Data discovery, analysis and cleansing

  • System architecture and database design

  • Application design and development:

    • GUI design

    • Security model –only authorized staff can access the data

    • Indexes for good performance

  • Conversion and validation

  • Auditable, repeatable process

FusionWare can do the conversion remotely on your systems, or as a service on our premises.