--- title: IBM i Reviews meta_title: 'IBM i Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 69 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how IBM i works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.4 review_count: 69 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-08-07' parent_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- # IBM i Reviews **Vendor:** IBM **Category:** [Operating Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system) **Average Rating:** 4.4/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 69 ## About IBM i IBM i is a fully integrated operating system designed for IBM Power servers, combining database, middleware, security, runtime, and hypervisor into a single, cohesive solution. This integration simplifies system management, reduces total cost of ownership (TCO), and enhances operational efficiency. IBM i supports a wide range of business applications and offers flexible deployment options, including on-premises, private cloud, and public cloud environments. Key Features and Functionality: - Full Stack Integration: IBM i integrates all essential components—database, middleware, security, runtime, and hypervisor—into one seamless system, streamlining operations and reducing complexity. - Object-Based Architecture: The system's object-based design ensures that programs cannot disguise themselves as other types, enhancing security by protecting against viruses and unauthorized access. - Subscription Term Licensing: Offers predictable and consistent payment options, combining software licenses and support into a single annual subscription, facilitating easier budget planning and ensuring technology remains current. - Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Integrated MFA in IBM i 7.6 enhances security by requiring multiple forms of verification for system and application access, reducing reliance on third-party tools. - Autonomous Systems Management: Features autonomous capabilities that minimize administrative overhead, allowing system administrators to monitor and manage licenses efficiently through Navigator for i. - Cloud Deployment Options: Supports flexible deployment across on-premises and various cloud environments, including IBM Power Virtual Server, ensuring a consistent user experience in hybrid cloud setups. Primary Value and User Solutions: IBM i delivers significant value by reducing operational costs through its integrated design, which eliminates the need for multiple support contracts and simplifies system management. Its robust security features, including object-based architecture and built-in MFA, protect business-critical applications from threats. The flexible licensing model and deployment options allow businesses to adapt to changing needs, whether scaling operations or transitioning to cloud environments. By modernizing application development with industry-standard tools, IBM i helps organizations bridge skill gaps and boost productivity, ensuring they remain competitive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. ## IBM i Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users value the **exceptional reliability** of IBM i, ensuring seamless operations and strong performance for their businesses. (8 reviews) - Users value the **robust integrated security** of IBM i, ensuring peace of mind for mission-critical operations. (4 reviews) - Users praise IBM i for its **robust security features** , ensuring data protection and reliable business operations. (4 reviews) - Users appreciate the **exceptional stability** of IBM i, enabling smooth operations for mission-critical applications without constant maintenance. (4 reviews) - Users praise the **ease of use** of IBM i, appreciating its smooth integration and responsive support. (3 reviews) - Users value the **incredibly simple setup** of IBM i, which minimizes downtime and accelerates implementation in systems. (3 reviews) - New Features (3 reviews) - Powerful Features (3 reviews) - Users value the **RHEL compatibility** of IBM i, enhancing flexibility and integration with modern technologies. (3 reviews) - Easy Installation (2 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users find the **steep learning curve** and difficulty in sourcing skilled developers a significant drawback of IBM i. (6 reviews) - Users find the **outdated technology** of IBM i limits usability and complicates attracting new talent for development. (4 reviews) - Users highlight the **high costs of licensing and maintenance** for IBM i, making it less accessible for smaller organizations. (3 reviews) - Users find the **unfriendly interface** of IBM i difficult to navigate, particularly for new or unfamiliar users. (3 reviews) - Users find the **poor UI/UX** of IBM i difficult to navigate, especially for new or unfamiliar users. (2 reviews) - Users face a **steep learning curve** with IBM i, complicating onboarding and integration for new developers. (2 reviews) - Apple Limitations (1 reviews) - Users find the **installation difficulties** challenging, especially new users struggling with the complex setup process. (1 reviews) - Integration Issues (1 reviews) - Interface Issues (1 reviews) ## IBM i Discussions - [What is IBM i platform?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ibm-i-platform) - 1 comment - [IBM i a good tool to use or not?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/27725-ibm-i-a-good-tool-to-use-or-not) - 5 comments - [View IBM i pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/ibm-ibm-i/reviews?page=5§ion=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-08-08+20%3A12%3A29+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=cb52aee4-3e31-49a4-ad54-af9faa979ed5&secure%5Btoken%5D=6504f9c75daab86a090c814e5fe3316ae4bb1d2cd5947d1c4513124ba2608cd1&format=llm_user) ## IBM i Integrations - [ERPbyNet](https://www.g2.com/products/erpbynet/reviews) ## IBM i Features **Memory Management - Operating System** - RAM management - App Management - File Management **Device Management - Operating System** - I/O management **Backup and Recovery - Operating System** - Data backup **Error Detection - Operating System** - System operations monitoring **Additional Functionality** - Generative AI - Data Security - User Interface - Resource Allocation - System Updates - For Developers - AI Copilot - Desktop Interface ## Top IBM i Alternatives - [Linux Mint](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (187 reviews) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) - 4.6/5.0 (933 reviews) - [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) - 4.5/5.0 (2,345 reviews)