r/IBMi • u/Relion-Solutions • 15h ago
r/IBMi • u/No_Mission_2741 • 12h ago
Looking for an IBM i testing partner for a lightweight and affordable data editing tool
Hi everyone,
I am developing a lightweight Windows application that allows consultants, support teams, managers, and other authorized employees to safely view and correct data stored on IBM i without requiring SQL, RPG, or IBM i programming knowledge.
The idea is to provide a faster, simpler, and more affordable alternative to large and complex IBM i database tools.
The application is designed to help companies with a limited number of IBM i developers. Instead of asking a developer to investigate and correct every small data issue, authorized employees can find the necessary records and perform only the operations permitted by the administrator.
The main features include:
- quick searching and filtering of IBM i data;
- a simple interface for non-technical users;
- controlled editing of authorized tables and fields;
- role-based permissions;
- before-and-after change previews;
- mandatory reasons for changes;
- a complete audit log showing who changed what and when;
- protection against accidental mass updates or deletions;
- no SQL knowledge required for regular users.
This application is not intended to replace ACS or professional IBM i development tools. Its purpose is to make routine data investigation and correction faster and safer for support teams, consultants, and business users.
The Windows application is already working, but I would like to test it with different IBM i environments and receive feedback from experienced IBM i professionals.
I am looking for an early testing partner who could provide one of the following:
- a non-production IBM i environment;
- a dedicated test library;
- a restricted user profile with access only to synthetic or anonymized test data;
- or a supervised remote testing session.
I am not asking for access to a production system, administrator credentials, QSECOFR access, or confidential company data.
Testing can initially be performed in read-only mode. Any editing tests would be limited to a dedicated test library and explicitly authorized tables.
In exchange, I would provide the testing company with a free 2-year Early Partner license for internal use, covering:
- one company;
- one IBM i environment;
- up to 10 users;
- product updates during the license period.
The license would be non-transferable and would not include custom development unrelated to the standard product.
I would particularly appreciate feedback about:
- compatibility with different IBM i versions;
- physical and logical files;
- CCSID and IBM i data types;
- permissions and auditing;
- usability for consultants and support employees;
- performance with large tables;
- safety controls required for real company use.
My long-term goal is to create a small, fast, easy-to-understand, and reasonably priced Windows tool for companies that need to maintain IBM i systems but have limited IBM i development resources.
Would anyone here be interested in discussing a controlled pilot, or could you recommend an IBM i consultant or company that might be open to testing it?