Why Green Screens Are Holding Your Operation Back
Rigid Interfaces Limit Agility
Green-screen menus and commands force slow, manual changes. Modern business demands require agility and rapid feature updates, which are near impossible with fixed terminal screens.
Graphics Constraints Impede Insights
Analytics and decision-making depend on visual elements – charts, dashboards, maps – impossible on text-only screens.
Integration Barriers Persist
Legacy screens can’t easily interface with modern systems—web services, APIs, mobile—hindering automation and cloud readiness.
Poor UX Deters Talent
Seasoned developers are leaving. Younger talent resist terminal UIs. GUI modernization supports recruitment and retention.
Don’t let it hold you back anymore!
The Business Benefits of GUI Modernization
Visual Code Management
Modern GUIs enable code structure visualization and real-time debugging – like “AR for COBOL developers” - boosting efficiency and reducing errors.
Multitasking & Collaboration
GUI allows multiple active windows, drag-and-drop, background processes, split screens, and real-time alerts – enhancing multitasking and teamwork.
Mobile Access & Remote Work
With responsive design, teams can securely access IBM i systems from desktops, tablets, or smartphones – anywhere, anytime.
ID-Free Onboarding
No command memorization – modern interfaces rely on click-to-navigate menus, icons, and dropdowns, slashing training time for new staff.
Advanced Security
GUI front-ends support encryption, RBAC, and session management far superior to terminal access – reducing cyber risk.
Want to know more about IBM i modernization and the latest upgrade requirements? Learn more here
Proven Paths to GUI Modernization
Screen Re-facing
Fastest route: wrap green screens with web pages using tools like Profound UI or HATS. Ideal when backend logic remains unchanged.
RPG Open Access
Retain RPG logic but expose screens and data through modern APIs and graphical renderers—great for incremental modernization.
API & UI Frameworks
Build new interfaces with Angular, React, or Vue and connect to IBM i over RESTful APIs – a scalable, hybrid-friendly approach.
Native PHP/Node.js Integration
Platforms like Zend PHP Server allow modern app deployment atop IBM i, offering flexibility and familiarity to newer teams.
Choosing the Right Tool for Your Modernization
| Criteria | Re-facing | RPG Open Access | API & UI Framework | Native PHP/Node |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speed of Implementation | Fast | Moderate | Slower | Moderate |
| Codebase Impact | Low | Low–Medium | High | Medium–High |
| Developer Skills | Low | Medium | High | Medium |
| UI/UX Capability | Moderate | Enhanced | Best-in-class | Good |
| Future-Proofing | Basic | Path to API | Strong | Strong |
Choose based on your modernization goals – whether rapid interface refresh or scalable, cloud-ready transformation.
How Nalashaa Turns Modernization into Results
At Nalashaa, we recognize that modernization is as much a strategic endeavor as a technical one. Our hybrid approach empowers you to enhance UX, integrate APIs, and modernize iteratively, without touching the underlying IBM i logic.
Our expertise includes:
End-to-end GUI transformations via Profound UI, LANSA, HATS, and open-source frameworks
Incremental modernization using RPG Open Access and clean API layers
Training internal teams and managing change adoption
Ensuring secure, scalable deployment across devices and environments
Stop letting antiquated screens limit your potential. Transition to a secure, mobile-friendly, and productivity-driven GUI that retains backend reliability and data integrity.
Schedule a free modernization consultation with our IBM i experts by filling in the form. Let’s design a future-proof strategy that drives productivity and powers innovation.
