What are the licensing and NTi maintenance terms for Aumerial for IBM i - AS/400?

License: A single license per IBM i - AS/400 partition, regardless of server power, with an annual subscription for unlimited use : ✅ Unlimited number of users. ✅ No knowledge of software groups. ✅ Access to NTi connector, EF Core, and Toolbox Extensions. 💡 A free 30-day trial period is also available to test NTi and its extensions. Maintenance: Updates for NTi and its extensions (EF Core and Toolbox NTi) are free and available via the NuGet package manager, with guaranteed backwards compatibility.

Does NTi require technical support, third-party software or special installation?

NTi, EF Core and Toolbox do not require any special technical support. These tools are based on universal skills (C#, SQL, HTML) and are installed via NuGet in your .NET projects, without relying on third-party software such as ACS or ODBC. Client side (.NET) : Tools required: Visual Studio or Visual Studio Code, and the NuGet package manager. No additional configuration is required on the .NET side. IBM i side : No installation is required, apart from activation of the standard TCP/IP servers (*DATABASE, *RMTCMD, *SIGNON). These services are generally already active on recent IBM i computers. 💡 In less than 10 minutes, NTi is ready to use.

NTi license key renewal: impact on deployed applications?

The license key is renewed only on the IBM i: just run an SQL script provided by Aumerial on the relevant partition. No action is required on the client (.NET) side: your existing applications continue to work without recompilation or redeployment. You can choose to purchase 3- or 5-year licenses, avoiding annual updates if you select a longer term.

Can I get help or support if I have a problem with NTi?

Although NTi does not require specific technical support, Aumerial remains at your disposal to answer any questions you may have or to assist you in the event of a problem. In rare and specific cases, an anomaly may occur. Should this happen, we quickly analyse the situation to identify the cause. If necessary, we develop and deploy a patch or an update via NuGet as quickly as possible, to ensure the continuity of your operations. To support you in using NTi and its extensions, a complete and regularly updated documentation is available, or email us at contact@aumerial.com .

What compatibility does NTi offer with versions of IBM i - AS/400 and .NET?

IBM i compatibility: NTi, EF Core, and Toolbox NTi work with all versions of AS400, IBM i and iSeries with a TCP/IP connection and RJ45 port. .NET compatibility: NTi and its extensions are compatible with : .NET 6 and later, including .NET 8. Mono. All platforms (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS). 💡 NTi is also compatible with containerised environments such as Docker or OpenShift.

Is NTi secure on the IBM i - AS/400 side with the NuGet package manager?

NTi offers enhanced security: Authentication : Requires a login and password for each session, as on a 5250 interface. License key : Access is restricted to partitions with a valid NTi license key. Automatic session closure : TCP connections are automatically closed when unused, eliminating ghost jobs (unnecessary QZDASOINIT).

What are the differences between NTi and other IBM i integration solutions?

NTi stands out from traditional solutions such as ODBC or OleDB : Native to .NET: Based on the Common Language Runtime (CLR), NTi guarantees total portability and cross-platform compatibility, enabling you to deploy your applications on Windows, Linux, ARM, Docker, etc., without any dependencies on native drivers. No specific installation or configuration is required on the IBM i side. Available via NuGet, NTi and its EF Core and Toolbox NTi extensions can be installed quickly and are operational in less than 10 minutes. Modernisation and Automation EF Core 8 simplifies access to DB2 for i with standard .NET templates, eliminating the need for manual SQL. Toolbox NTi automates administrative tasks (spools, jobs, CL commands) directly from .NET, replacing third-party tools. Performance and Security: NTi optimises the management of TCP/IP connections (e.g. QZDASOINIT) by eliminating unnecessary jobs and integrating SSL/TLS for secure exchanges. .NET compatibility: NTi and its extensions are compatible with : .NET 6 and later, including .NET 8. Mono. All platforms (Windows, Linux, Android, iOS). With NTi, you can modernise your IBM i integrations while simplifying your development workflows and reducing your technical constraints.

Can NTi exploit existing IBM i - AS/400 programs and integrate several databases?

Yes, NTi has been designed to make the most of your IBM i resources while facilitating integration with other databases. Existing programs : You can use your RPG, COBOL (including S36) and stored procedures directly. Multiple databases : NTi can also be integrated into hybrid environments where DB2 for i coexists with SQL Server, Oracle or PostgreSQL. EF Core provides a unified abstraction layer, simplifying access.

Does NTi provide access to advanced technologies such as AI, the Cloud and containerisation?

Absolutely, NTi extends the capabilities of .NET to IBM i : Containerisation and CI/CD : NTi supports Docker and OpenShift, simplifying modern DevOps and automation practices. Artificial Intelligence : With .NET 8, NTi opens up access to AI and Machine Learning libraries, such as Azure Machine Learning, to enrich your applications. Cloud interoperability : Easy access to services like Microsoft Azure and Office 365.

Can NTi be used remotely to manage several AS400s with different versions?

Remote deployment : All configurations can be managed without the need for physical intervention on site. Multi-AS400 management : NTi can interact with several machines of different versions (for example, read data from a V7R5 and write to a V5R4) in a single C# program, as long as the data types are compatible.

How does NTi fit into an IBM i - AS/400 environment that has already been upgraded with other software?

NTi, EF Core, and Toolbox NTi are designed to work alongside your existing tools (ACS, iNavigator, etc.): Their integration is non-intrusive, allowing you to adopt them gradually. They modernise your workflows while preserving your existing investments.

What types of data can NTi manage with DB2 for i?

NTi supports all DB2 for i data types, including : LOB fields (BLOB, CLOB, XML). Specific types such as Geospatial.

Is it possible to secure NTi access with customised ports or advanced SSL configuration?

Yes, NTi allows : Specify customised ports for each service (database, CL commands, programs). Use SSL/TLS for secure connections. Configure port mapping via the PORT MAPPER service if the standard configuration is not used.

All Your IBM i
Natively from .NET

Connect .NET and your IBM i with NTi for immediate access to data, programs and much more, with no constraints and no limits.

Enjoy complete abstraction of the DB2 for i database with EF CORE, and simplify data and object manipulation with Toolbox Extensions.

Exploit the full potential of your IBM i, AS/400, iSeries and easily deploy modern business applications thanks to containerization, for perfect optimization of your resources, with a lightweight solution accessible to all.

TRY NTI documentation

Behind this option,

a revolution

At AUMERIAL, we understand that time and expertise are your priorities. We also understand the challenges associated with using traditional systems such as the AS400. Although it has its own specific features, it remains an important symbol of your know-how and proven technical expertise.

Faced with the challenges of cost, security and training, as well as rapidly evolving technologies, particularly in the field of AI, the urgency of adapting and safeguarding your business is obvious.

That's why we've designed NTi: an innovative solution that modernizes your entire operation, effectively complementing the endurance and reliability of your IBM i, AS/400, while preparing you for the technological challenges of today and tomorrow.