The IBM AS/400 is by far the most successful midrange computer ever and most popular choice for mainstream business computing. Over 500,000 AS/400 systems have been installed and current indicators point to continued increases in the future. The ongoing popularity of AS/400 stems from the IBM commitment to the user base and to midrange product continuity and choice. The AS/400 family has a broad range of systems but hardware and software compatibility has transcended its many generations and upgrades. With each new model series and IBM OS/400^® operating system release, IBM has given top consideration to product portability, upgrade and continuity. Thus, IBM has helped users protect and maximize AS/400 system investments...both hardware and applications.

IBM has reengineered the AS/400 adapting the proven IBM RS/6000^® RISC technology. The RISC design greatly increases processor performance (and at lower cost/power) and adds new functionality and capabilities not available with CISC. In addition, because RISC is a much newer technology, the full development of AS/400 RISC will continue for many years to come.

AS/400 RISC also will have wider appeal and position the AS/400 to serve new markets. The high performance RISC processor gives the AS/400 the power, speed and facilities required for technical and scientific applications as well as modern network/server operations. With such a sizeable business base, the AS/400 has a solid hold on the business computing market. With the RISC base architecture, however, AS/400 becomes a more practical, more universal system alternative for midrange markets beyond its business base.