AS/400 System Architecture: Underlying Strength of the AS/400e 23
AS/400 System Architecture: Underlying Strength of the AS/400e
Object-Based
An object is a container. Everything the system uses—user and system data structures—is
packaged in one of these containers. The objects are encapsulated, which means that you
cannot see inside. Inseparable from an object is the list of valid ways in which that object can
be used.
There are two important consequences of an object-based design. The first is that a system
built around an object model supports machine independence. This means that technology
changes can be made in the environment without affecting application programs. The second
consequence is that an object-based design delivers a high level of system integrity and
security.
All objects are structured with a common object header and a functional portion dependent
on object type. Therefore, on the AS/400e system, instructions can only work on what they
are supposed to work. You cannot have data treated as executable code (so that the
processor tries, for example, to execute someone's shoe size) or executable code treated as
data (by having something written into the middle of it).
Certain instructions apply to all objects, while other instructions work only on specific types of
objects. It is not possible to misuse an object, unlike the situation that exists on non-AS/400e
systems without an object-based approach.
Summary
The AS/400e offers a brilliant architecture that is not found on simply any business computing
system. There are many examples of where the AS/400e's architecture has delivered on its
promise of making the most advanced technology readily and continuously available to its
customers. For example, the AS/400e has enabled its customers to:
• Provide Internet access to existing AS/400 applications. Through a product known as
HTML Gateway (which resides within AS/400's operating system), Internet users can
access and run AS/400 applications.
• Integrate diverse environments (such as Microsoft Windows NT and Lotus
Notes/Domino) into AS/400e. All customer solutions require a range of hardware and
software products from a variety of vendors. The AS/400e, through integrating these
mixed environments, simplifies the task of managing them.
• Change to the on-chip copper-wiring processor technology or to Silicon on Insulator
technology for the medium and high end servers.
• Implement PCI hot-plugging technology for higher availability, and use other
performance boosting innovations such as the High Speed Link and new high speed
LAN adapters.
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