IBM i (OS/400): The Database Operating System That Redefined Computing

IBM i (OS/400) the Database Operating System

IBM i, formerly OS/400, is a unique operating system where the database is built into the kernel, not an add-on. It uses object-based architecture, single-level storage, and the TIMI abstraction layer for unmatched backward compatibility. Despite its power, it's locked to IBM Power hardware, making it an elite system. This article explores its origins, architecture, and the enduring green-screen interface.

The operating system perfectly 'understands' the structure of business data and treats an SQL table like any other native system object.

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2026-08-02