Reinventing IBM i: The Journey from RPG to Python
2025-11-18, 14:20–14:45, Cipres

As the business landscape evolves, so must the technology that supports it. IBM i remains a robust and reliable platform, but many organizations are looking to extend its capabilities beyond traditional RPG development. In this session, we’ll explore how Python brings new life to IBM i — enabling modern, scalable, and open-source application development without abandoning the platform’s trusted stability.
You’ll learn how to run modern Python applications natively on IBM i, integrate them with existing RPG and DB2 systems, and gradually modernize legacy code. Through practical examples and migration strategies, we’ll discuss how teams can leverage Python’s rich ecosystem to modernize workflows, enhance productivity, and attract new developer talent — all while preserving the value of their IBM i investment.
By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear roadmap for starting your organization’s journey from RPG to Python and unlocking the next generation of IBM i innovation.

See also: Reinventing IBM i The journey from RPG to Python

Koen Decorte is what happens when you let a philologist accidentally wander into a server room and decide to stay. He abandoned the tranquility of ancient texts for the chaotic thrill of RPGLE debugging!

As the founder of CD-Invest (which stands for "Computers Doing Impressive Stuff" or "Coffee-Driven Innovation" depending on the time of day), Koen has spent years convincing stubborn IBM i systems to embrace modern technology without having existential crises.

Koen strategically positioned offices in both Belgium and Spain – officially for "international business reach," unofficially for escaping Belgian rain.

This IBM Champion since 2018 possesses the rare talent of making executives nod confidently while explaining concepts they absolutely don't understand. As a CEAC member and Common Belgium Treasurer, Koen spends his free time convincing common members that "modernization" doesn't mean "replacing your AS/400 with a houseplant."

"Carpe Datum!" — Seize the data! he proclaims dramatically while rescuing databases that predate most of his developers. As Ovid might observe: "Omnia mutantur, nihil interit" (Everything changes, nothing perishes) – especially your cherished RPG applications under Koen's enlightened guidance.

With unparalleled multilingual proficiency, Koen is uniquely qualified to swear in multiple languages when open-source installations rebel against IBM i integration. Join his sessions where the code is fresh, the demos are live (and therefore guaranteed to fail spectacularly), and the solutions are so innovative that even Koen occasionally whispers "how did that actually work?" when nobody's listening.

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