Convert AS400 to an online store using MarketByte
Many businesses face the challenge of modernizing ecommerce, and you can convert AS400 to an online store using MarketByte with our practical bridge that connects legacy systems to digital storefronts without massive overhauls or risky, expensive IT projects.
Connecting an AS400 system to an online store is something many companies struggle with, and for good reason. The AS400, also known as IBM i, has been around since the late 1980s and is still used by thousands of businesses to run inventory, orders, accounting, and customer data. It’s stable and reliable, but it was built long before ecommerce was even an idea, so pushing its data onto a modern website or online store isn’t something it does naturally.
The big challenge is that AS400 stores data in a way that isn’t web-friendly. It’s usually locked in old database formats like DB2/400, and most of the time, it’s wrapped in custom programs made over decades. On top of that, many AS400 setups run in batch jobs, meaning they process updates in chunks overnight instead of in real time. That creates a problem when you’re trying to run an online store where customers expect inventory numbers, prices, and orders to be updated the moment they hit “buy.” It’s not just a technical headache, it’s a real business challenge.
Convert AS400 to an online store using MarketByte
This is where tools like MarketByte come in. MarketByte offers software that helps companies move AS400 data to an online store without having to rip out or rebuild their core systems. It works by pulling product information, inventory counts, pricing, and customer records from the AS400, standardizing that data, and sending it to modern ecommerce platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce. What’s important here is that it doesn’t require replacing the AS400 or writing a ton of custom code, which saves time, money, and risk.
It’s worth mentioning that building an in-house solution to do this is possible, but it’s not easy. It usually takes months of work, a team of AS400 developers (which are getting harder to find), and a dedicated group to maintain it over time. Even then, things can break when order volume goes up or when the business adds new sales channels like mobile or social media. About 70% of IT projects that involve legacy system integration either go over budget, miss deadlines, or don’t meet their goals, according to a 2024 Deloitte report on digital transformation. That’s why many businesses look for software providers that have already solved the problem.
At the same time, it’s important not to think of MarketByte, or any tool, as a magic fix. There’s still work involved. You need to map your data, make sure your product catalog is clean, set up rules for pricing and customer accounts, and test order flows between the online store and the AS400. But compared to a full system replacement, it’s a much faster and lower-risk path.
One of the key benefits is that you can keep running your business on the AS400, which your teams already know, while opening up online sales. That means warehouse and accounting staff don’t need to learn new software just because ecommerce is being added. Orders flow into the system they’re already using, and online customers get a modern shopping experience with accurate stock levels and pricing.
This approach also future-proofs the business. Once the online store is up and running, it’s easier to plug in marketing tools, connect to marketplaces like Amazon, or even set up subscription products. MarketByte handles the connection between old and new systems so you can keep growing without constantly rebuilding your tech stack.
Once the connection between AS400 and an online store is set up with MarketByte, the real benefits start to show. Businesses can manage product updates, inventory changes, and order processing without juggling separate systems or adding manual work. For example, when inventory counts update in the AS400, that information is sent automatically to the online store, reducing the chance of overselling products or disappointing customers with backorders. This type of real-time or near real-time syncing is something many companies overlook at first but quickly realize is critical for customer satisfaction.
Another important piece is how orders are handled. Without proper integration, online orders might have to be manually entered into the AS400, which not only wastes time but also increases the risk of errors. With MarketByte, online orders are routed directly into the AS400’s order system, so warehouse and accounting teams can process them the same way they handle other orders. This means the company can scale up its online sales without needing to hire extra staff just to deal with data entry or reconciliation.
It’s also worth noting that integration isn’t just about efficiency. It gives businesses the flexibility to test new sales strategies, like offering online-only products, running flash sales, or trying out subscription models. Without a solid connection between the online store and the backend system, those experiments can be risky because they often create data chaos. With a platform like MarketByte handling the sync, businesses can move faster and be more confident in their online operations.
About the Author
Website Programming & Design
Freeman has been designing and developing websites for over a decade, working with companies of all sizes. He has a master’s degree in cybersecurity from MSU in Missouri. When he’s not coding, you can find him spending time with his family or enjoying the outdoors.
