Fresche’s AI Tool Aims to Unlock Value From Aging IBM i Systems – But Can It Deliver?

Calgary, AB – Fresche Solutions is betting big on artificial intelligence to tackle a persistent IT challenge: modernizing aging legacy systems. The company recently launched X-Modernize AI, a tool designed to automate the conversion of applications built on IBM i (formerly known as AS/400) to modern languages like Java. But in a crowded market, and with bold claims of efficiency gains, can Fresche’s offering truly deliver on its promise?

For decades, organizations have relied on IBM i for critical business functions, particularly in industries like finance, manufacturing, and healthcare. However, these systems often suffer from technical debt, making them difficult and expensive to maintain and integrate with modern technologies. Rewriting applications from scratch is often prohibitively expensive and risky, leaving many organizations trapped in a cycle of patching and extending outdated code.

“The problem isn’t that these systems don’t work,” explains a technology consultant specializing in legacy modernization. “It’s that they’re becoming increasingly difficult to adapt to changing business needs and integrate with cloud-based solutions. Organizations are desperate for a cost-effective way to unlock the value trapped in these systems.”

Fresche’s X-Modernize AI aims to address this challenge by automating much of the conversion process. The tool uses a custom-built AI model to analyze legacy code and translate it into modern languages, while preserving critical business logic. The company claims that this approach can significantly reduce the time and cost associated with modernization projects.

“We’re not just throwing AI at the problem,” says a Fresche spokesperson. “We’ve built a solution that combines AI with our deep expertise in IBM i modernization. This allows us to deliver a higher-quality conversion with minimal disruption.”

A Crowded Landscape

Fresche isn’t alone in the legacy modernization market. Several other vendors, including Renovations and FreeBalance, offer similar tools and services. While Renovations also focuses on automated conversion, they place less emphasis on AI. FreeBalance, on the other hand, tends to focus on financial management systems modernization.

“The competitive landscape is quite robust,” notes an industry analyst who tracks the legacy modernization market. “Vendors are constantly innovating to offer faster, more cost-effective solutions. The key differentiator is often the quality of the conversion and the level of support provided.”

One crucial element of Fresche’s approach is its integration with X-Analysis AI, an existing tool that helps organizations understand and analyze their IBM i applications. This allows Fresche to gain a deeper understanding of the code before starting the conversion process, leading to a more accurate and efficient result.

The AI Question: Hype vs. Reality

While AI promises to revolutionize legacy modernization, some experts caution against overhyping its capabilities. “AI can certainly automate some aspects of the conversion process,” explains a software developer with experience in legacy systems. “But it’s not a magic bullet. There will always be a need for human expertise to review the code and ensure that it meets the organization’s specific requirements.”

Fresche acknowledges this point, emphasizing that X-Modernize AI is designed to augment human expertise, not replace it. The company claims that the tool can handle the bulk of the repetitive tasks, freeing up developers to focus on more complex issues.

Beyond Cost Savings: The Talent Crunch

Perhaps one of the most significant challenges facing organizations with legacy IBM i systems is the dwindling supply of skilled COBOL and RPG developers. As experienced programmers retire, it becomes increasingly difficult to find qualified professionals to maintain and update these systems.

“The talent crunch is a real concern,” says a CIO at a manufacturing company that relies heavily on IBM i. “We’re constantly worried about being able to find enough people to keep our systems running. Any tool that can help us reduce our reliance on these skills is extremely valuable.”

By automating much of the conversion process, X-Modernize AI could potentially alleviate this talent shortage, allowing organizations to retain institutional knowledge and avoid costly retraining programs.

Vendor Lock-In and the Fine Print

Despite the promise of efficiency and cost savings, potential customers should carefully consider the terms of service and licensing agreements. One concern is the possibility of vendor lock-in, where organizations become dependent on a specific vendor for ongoing support and maintenance.

Fresche maintains that it is committed to minimizing vendor lock-in, stating that it provides customers with full access to the source code. However, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the licensing agreement to ensure that this claim holds true.

The Bottom Line

Fresche Solutions’ X-Modernize AI represents a promising step forward in the quest to modernize aging IBM i systems. While the company’s claims of speed and efficiency require independent verification, the tool's combination of AI and deep IBM i expertise offers a compelling value proposition.

However, potential customers should carefully consider the competitive landscape, thoroughly review the licensing agreement, and assess whether the tool meets their specific needs and requirements. The success of X-Modernize AI will ultimately depend on Fresche's ability to deliver on its promises and help organizations unlock the value trapped in their legacy systems.