Integration Solutions for IBM i: Insights from InfoView Systems

Introduction:

In this episode, we are live from the conference center in Fort Worth, Texas, where we had the pleasure of speaking with Dmitri Kuznetsov, VP of Integration and Cloud Solutions at InfoView Systems. Dmitri shared his vast knowledge about integration solutions for IBM i systems, focusing on how businesses can manage complex system architectures using advanced tools like MuleSoft, Kafka, and more. Here’s a recap of our insightful conversation

A Growing Need for Integration in Enterprise Systems:

Dmitri discussed the increasing demand for integration solutions, particularly for companies using IBM i. InfoView Systems specializes in connecting IBM i systems to other platforms, enabling businesses to streamline their data access and communication. Dmitri highlighted that many companies have been using IBM i for decades, and as they adopt new technologies, the need for seamless integration between old and new systems is critical.

Key Solutions:

At the core of InfoView’s offerings is their expertise in architectural advisory and the development of custom tools for integration. Dmitri explained how the team uses middleware such as MuleSoft and Kafka to create pipelines that allow IBM i systems to interact with other applications. A notable tool developed by InfoView is a change data capture (CDC) tool, which listens for journal changes on IBM i and streams updates to external systems, making real-time data sharing possible without putting unnecessary load on the core system.

Simplifying the Process with REST APIs and Event Streaming:

One of the most important points Dmitri raised was how REST APIs simplify integration by allowing systems to communicate in real-time. However, he also pointed out the challenges that come with scaling integration pipelines, especially with high traffic and load. To address these challenges, InfoView utilizes event streaming for asynchronous processing, which allows systems to handle large volumes of data more efficiently

No-Code Solutions and AI Integration:

Dmitriy touched on how InfoView offers no-code solutions for companies looking to offload traffic to read-only databases, easing the pressure on their main systems. He also explained how change data capture can be used in AI pipelines to train models using real-time data from IBM i systems, emphasizing the importance of AI in modern business strategies.

The Power of Green Screen Automation:

An interesting feature Dmitri introduced was InfoView’s green screen automation tool, which allows businesses to automate user actions on IBM i systems and integrate them into APIs. This tool uses a sequence of keystrokes as a macro and can be combined with open-source tools like JMeter to simulate high-volume transactions, making it easier to perform stress tests on integration pipelines.

Conclusion:

Dmitri’s insights underscored the importance of efficient, scalable integration solutions in today’s business landscape, particularly for companies relying on IBM i. From custom-built CDC tools to middleware solutions like MuleSoft and Kafka, InfoView Systems is at the forefront of helping businesses manage their complex integration needs.

To learn more about InfoView Systems and their integration solutions, visit infoviewsystems.com or connect with Dmitriy Kuznetsov on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for more expert insights on upcoming episodes of the Remain Podcast!