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THE NEXT STEP AFTER IBM BOB

From AI-driven RPG modernization to future-proof IBM i applications

IBM Bob modernizes RPG code.
Thinkwise structurally reduces dependence on RPG code.
Step-by-step RPG modernization without big-bang migration and without risk to ongoing operations.
IBM Bob brings AI to RPG modernization

With IBM Bob, AI enters IBM i software development. Existing RPG applications can be analyzed, documented, restructured, and modernized faster. Development processes become more efficient, knowledge transfer accelerates, and onboarding new developers becomes simpler. A significant step forward. Especially given the growing demand and increasing shortage of IBM i specialists.

IBM i remains a stable and powerful platform. The need for modernization today stems primarily from the complexity of grown RPG application structures and the limited adaptability of existing applications.

For many organizations, the first modernization steps raise a strategic question: How do we structurally reduce our dependence on RPG code?

The joint route of IBM Bob and Thinkwise to a future-proof IBM i application

Analysis & RPG modernization
with IBM Bob
____________________

You gain insight into existing RPG applications.

  • Analyze and modernize RPG code with AI

  • Generate documentation automatically

  • Restructure applications


Transformation
with Thinkwise AI-Upcycler
____________________

You transfer existing business logic into modern applications.

  • Automatically transfer business logic and data structures to a modern, model-driven application architecture using AI
  • Reduce technical complexity
  • Simplify applications step by step

Continuous evolution with Thinkwise
____________________

You implement new requirements faster and more flexibly, without RPG.

  • Less technical debt
  • Less manual code maintenance
  • Less dependence on RPG specialists
What changes for your organization

  Less technical complexity

Instead of ever-growing RPG structures, you get an application base that is significantly easier to maintain.

   Faster implementation of changes

New requirements can be realized faster, without having to dig deep into existing RPG structures.

  • Open up IBM i processes for web and digital platforms
  • Deploy APIs and integrations faster
  • Build modern interfaces without switching platforms

   Less dependence on RPG knowledge

Reliance on specialized RPG expertise decreases significantly. Teams become easier to staff and faster to onboard.

   Protection of your IBM i investment

  • DB2 for i remains fully usable
  • Existing business logic is carried over
  • No forced platform switch
  • Security and high availability concepts remain intact
  • Thinkwise can be integrated into existing IBM i and Power environments
CONCLUSION

Modernizing RPG code is the first step. Reducing dependency on it is the decisive one.

IBM Bob and Thinkwise together provide a continuous route from RPG modernization to long-term flexible evolution on IBM i.

Modernization with Thinkwise - without IBM Bob

IBM Bob and Thinkwise can complement each other perfectly when modernizing existing RPG applications.

However, organizations can also modernize their RPG applications directly with Thinkwise and continue to develop them flexibly over the long term. The Thinkwise AI-Upcycler automatically analyzes existing RPG code and transforms business logic and data structures into a modern, model-driven platform.

This approach has already proven itself in practice in numerous modernization projects. Companies can modernize existing IBM i applications step by step without having to rebuild their proven business processes from scratch.

Take the next step in your IBM i strategy now

Find out how you can simplify your RPG applications in the long term and develop them in a future-proof way.
FAQ - IBM Bob + Thinkwise
1. What does IBM Bob concretely deliver for IBM i modernization?

IBM Bob helps analyze, document, and partially modernize existing RPG applications, creating the transparency needed as a foundation for further modernization steps.

2. Why is IBM Bob not enough on its own in the long term?

IBM Bob improves existing code but does not change the underlying architecture. Complexity, maintenance burden, and technological dependencies remain.

3. What is the difference between code modernization and real transformation?

Code modernization optimizes existing code. Transformation moves applications into a new, flexible architecture, such as a model-driven system like Thinkwise.

4. Can existing RPG logic be reused?

Yes. Thinkwise makes it possible to carry over existing business logic and migrate it into a modern architecture.

5. Can Thinkwise be used without IBM Bob?

Yes. The Thinkwise AI-Upcycler can analyze and modernize existing RPG applications independently of IBM Bob. IBM Bob and Thinkwise work well together but can also be used separately.

6. Does the IBM i platform need to be replaced when modernizing with Thinkwise?

No. Thinkwise integrates into existing IBM i environments and continues to use DB2 for i.

7. How does Thinkwise help with the shortage of IBM i specialists?

Model-driven development reduces the need for deep RPG expertise. Applications can be evolved faster using more widely available skills.

8. What is the risk level when modernizing with Thinkwise?

The step-by-step approach without big-bang migration keeps risk low. Existing systems remain stable and operational throughout the transformation.

9. Which organizations is the Thinkwise approach suited for?
  • Organizations with complex RPG applications
  • IBM i environments under modernization pressure
    IT departments facing a shortage of specialized knowledge
IBM Bob modernizes RPG code.
Thinkwise structurally reduces dependence on RPG code.