So, What is IBM i Consultancy?
IBM i Consultancy refers to consulting services that help organisations optimise and leverage their IBM i (formerly known as AS/400 or iSeries) systems.
IBM i is a mid-range computer platform that runs applications for any size of business and provides a stable, reliable, and secure operating system.
An IBM i consultant is an expert in the IBM i platform who provides expert advice and guidance to organisations on how to get the most out of their IBM i systems. They have often spent many years working on the IBM i predecessor systems which laid the grounding for the system as it is today.
IBM i consultants can help with a variety of tasks, including system analysis, architecture design, software development, system implementation, optimisation, security, project management, and troubleshooting.
IBM i consultants will have extensive experience in the IBM i platform and related technologies and can help organisations develop customised solutions that meet their unique business requirements.
They can also help organisations with system upgrades, data migration, and integration with other systems including eCommerce platforms.
In this article, we will explore the role of IBM i Consultancy, the benefits it offers to businesses, and the skills required to be a successful consultant.
Role of an IBM i Consultant
The role of an IBM i consultant is to help businesses make informed decisions about IBM i application development, system administration, and management. A consultant will work closely with clients to understand their business objectives, challenges, and requirements. They then provide expert advice and guidance on application design, development methodologies, architecture, development, project management, and deployment strategies.
AS part of the role, consultants can help clients identify areas where improvements can be made to reduce costs, increase efficiency, and drive growth. They also advise clients on how to select the right technologies, tools, and platforms to meet their specific needs.
Benefits of an IBM i Consultant
IBM i consultancy offers several benefits to businesses, including:
Expertise: IBM i software consultants bring in-depth knowledge and experience in software development, architecture, and project management. They will have worked on numerous projects across various industries, and they understand the best practices for delivering high-quality IBM i solutions.
Cost Savings: IBM i consultancy can help businesses reduce costs by optimising development processes, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and avoiding costly mistakes. By understanding your current estate and the associated costs a good consultant will be able to offer potential ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency on both the hardware management and your applications.
Scalability: IBM i consultancy helps businesses to scale their software systems to meet the changing needs of their customers and markets. They can advise on the best technologies, tools, and platforms to support growth and expansion.
Competitive Advantage: consultancy can help businesses gain a competitive advantage by developing and enhancing systems that are more efficient, innovative, and customer-centric.
Skills Required for IBM i Consultancy
To be a successful IBM i consultant, several skills are required, including:
Technical Expertise
IBM i consultants must have a deep understanding of software development methodologies, architecture, design, and project management. They must be familiar with various programming languages, tools, and platforms. They must have a good understanding of the IBM i operating system and hardware and it’s capabilities to deliver robust leading-edge business solutions.
Communication Skills
IBM i consultants must have excellent communication skills to articulate complex technical concepts to clients and stakeholders. They must also be able to listen carefully to client’s needs and requirements.
Analytical Skills
IBM i consultants must have strong analytical skills to evaluate business requirements, identify technical challenges, and develop solutions that meet clients’ needs.
Project Management Skills
IBM i consultants must have project management skills to manage development projects, set project timelines, and ensure that projects are completed and delivered on time and within budget.
Conclusion
IBM i consultancy can help organisations ensure that their IBM i systems are running efficiently, securely, and optimised to meet their business goals and objectives.
IBM i consultancy is a critical service that helps businesses make informed decisions about software development and how best to manage new and existing solutions. It offers multiple benefits, including expertise, cost savings, scalability, and competitive advantage.
You can be confident that as an “IBM” Registered Business Partner, the KFA Connect team also has the skills to develop, test, and support your IBM i applications in addition to the skills to help you with your daily management of the IBM platform and operating system.
Special Offer
Take advantage of KFA Connect’s Special Offer of 2 FREE 90-Minute Consulting Sessions!
We are giving your business access to our team of experts who will be able to assist you with new ideas for your IBM i application, migration from the IBM i, IBM i integration, or improvements to the day-to-day operational running of your system.
Nicki Smith
KFA Connect – Sales & Marketing Manager
31st March 2023
Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.