IBM i HA/DR: The 2026 Vendor Shortlist

Architecture decides the shortlist, not brand recognition

The correct IBM i resilience design depends on architecture. Native clustering, logical replication, managed cloud recovery, and hybrid designs solve different problems.

AS400 Software AI's launch shortlist begins with IBM, Fortra, Precisely, Maxava, and Fresche Solutions. This is AS400 Software AI launch analysis from July 2026, based on each vendor's public product positioning; it is a starting shortlist for evaluation, not a final recommendation for any specific environment.

Who to evaluate first, and when

Each of these five belongs on a shortlist for a different reason.

• IBM PowerHA SystemMirror for i: evaluate first for an IBM-native, storage-based clustering architecture when applications, storage, and skills already support it
• Fortra (Robot HA): evaluate when logical replication flexibility and a broader IBM i automation, monitoring, and security portfolio are priorities
• Precisely: evaluate when resilience needs to connect to a broader enterprise data integrity, integration, and governance program
• Maxava: evaluate when a focused IBM i HA/DR specialist is preferred over a broader platform portfolio
• Fresche Solutions: evaluate when the desired outcome is an expert-managed cloud backup and DR service rather than self-operated software

Questions that actually decide the shortlist

What are the RPO and RTO targets? Is replication storage-based, object-based, or both? Is SYSBAS coverage required? Are IASPs in use? Who performs role swaps, and how often are they tested? Is the recovery target on premises, colocation, or cloud? How are ransomware, corruption, and clean recovery handled specifically, not just replication lag?

A vendor should win because its architecture matches the recovery requirement and the team can operate it under pressure.

Sources

• Fortra IBM i High Availability
• Precisely IBM i HA/DR solutions
• Maxava
• Fresche Solutions IBM i cloud backup and DR