What's Happening?
IBM has announced the general availability of the IBM Bob Premium Package for i, which has been shipping for three months. A key new feature introduced within this package is 'Understand,' an application knowledge base designed to provide an accurate
map of object connections within IBM i applications. 'Understand' addresses the challenge of complex dependencies in large IBM i applications, which often involve thousands of objects like program calls, service program bindings, triggers, and foreign keys. Instead of re-parsing raw source code for every architectural question, 'Understand' performs a one-time scan of application libraries to pull dependency data directly from IBM i. The results are stored in a Db2 schema, allowing development teams to share this information and enabling Bob to query the schema for faster, fact-based answers. The Premium Package also includes new skills for COBOL for i, covering generation, copybooks, subprograms, error handling, and interactive applications, as well as enhanced Db2 catalog skills and Index Advisor updates.
Why It's Important?
The introduction of 'Understand' within the IBM Bob Premium Package for i is significant for organizations relying on IBM i applications, particularly those with complex and mature codebases. This feature streamlines application development and maintenance by providing a clear, data-driven understanding of application dependencies. For businesses, this means reduced time and resources spent on deciphering how different parts of an application interact, leading to more efficient development cycles and fewer errors. The ability to 'know the blast radius' before making changes helps prevent unintended consequences and ensures system stability. Furthermore, 'Understand' aids in modernization efforts by categorizing programs based on modernization effort (Low, Medium, High) and identifying dead code, allowing businesses to plan their IT investments more strategically. The expansion of COBOL for i skills and Db2 catalog enhancements also supports a broader range of IBM i estates, ensuring that even mixed environments can benefit from AI-powered development tools.
What's Next?
Organizations using the IBM Bob Premium Package for i can now leverage 'Understand' to gain deeper insights into their applications, facilitating more informed development and modernization decisions. The availability of the Premium Package with IBM Bob on-premises offers flexibility for enterprises that require AI-powered development within their own infrastructure. Individual users can try the i package free for one month with a paid base plan, while enterprise customers can request demos or proof-of-concepts. The continuous updates, including over 50 fixes across two releases and new review commands, indicate ongoing development and refinement of the platform. The focus on improving consistency, repeatability, and security suggests that IBM will continue to enhance Bob's capabilities to meet the evolving needs of IBM i developers and IT teams, further integrating AI into application lifecycle management.
Beyond the Headlines
The 'Understand' feature represents a broader trend in software development towards leveraging AI and advanced analytics to manage complexity in legacy systems. Many enterprises still rely on robust, long-standing platforms like IBM i, and tools that can intelligently map and analyze these intricate environments are invaluable. This development highlights the ethical and practical considerations of integrating AI into critical IT infrastructure. By providing fact-based insights and reducing guesswork, 'Understand' aims to minimize human error and improve the reliability of complex systems. The ability to identify dead code and assess modernization effort also speaks to the long-term sustainability of IT investments, allowing organizations to strategically allocate resources and avoid technical debt. This move by IBM demonstrates a commitment to supporting its established customer base while simultaneously pushing the boundaries of AI-driven development, bridging the gap between traditional enterprise systems and cutting-edge technology.
