About Sitemule Enterprise

Transforming IBM i into a Modern Web Platform

Sitemule Enterprise is a comprehensive modernization framework that enables organizations to adopt modern web technologies without abandoning their proven legacy systems. By bridging traditional RPG and COBOL programs with advanced web and cloud capabilities, Sitemule allows IBM i (AS/400) environments to evolve into high-performance, secure, and fully integrated digital platforms.

Modern Technology with Legacy Strength

Sitemule Enterprise delivers a native Web and Application Server that operates entirely within IBM i, requiring no external servers, middleware, or scripting environments. This native integration ensures a seamless and efficient system architecture, reducing complexity and eliminating dependencies on third-party platforms such as Apache or WebSphere.

The platform allows organizations to implement contemporary web applications and web services while maintaining the stability and reliability of their existing business logic. RPG, COBOL, and SQL programs can be transformed into modern, browser-accessible web applications, web services, microservices and APIs, ensuring that critical business functions remain intact while benefiting from enhanced usability and accessibility.

Native IBM i Integration

Running natively on IBM i (AS/400), Sitemule Enterprise provides a unified web-enabled business environment capable of handling both traditional and modern workloads. It introduces a built-in Web Server and Web Application Server that directly supports web services, microservices, and API-based integrations. This architecture facilitates communication with external systems - such as ERPs, CRMs, and cloud services - through JSON, XML, and HTML processing.

At the core of Sitemule’s architecture is IceBreak, the only native Web and Application Server designed specifically for RPG and COBOL. IceBreak leverages existing business logic, eliminating the need for additional scripting or external frameworks. It consists of two primary components: Sitemule Server and Sitemule Enterprise.

“Sitemule allows RPG, COBOL, and SQL programs to be transformed into modern, browser-accessible web applications, web services, microservices and APIs - ensuring that critical business functions remain intact while benefiting from enhanced usability and accessibility.”

Sitemule Server: Secure Runtime Environment

The Sitemule Server module ensures secure and compliant operations by enforcing strict separation between development and production environments. This design upholds SOX compliance and prevents unauthorized modifications in live systems. Programs running within the Server environment cannot be altered from inside the server, reducing operational risks and maintaining production stability. Organizations benefit from a tightly controlled deployment process that aligns with enterprise governance standards.

Sitemule Enterprise: The Development Framework

Sitemule Enterprise serves as a powerful developer environment for compiling RPG and COBOL programs into fully functional web applications. It supports modern web technologies such as SQL, XHTML, XML, and RESTful Web Services, enabling the creation of interactive applications accessible from any modern browser, including mobile devices. Developers can easily transition from traditional IBM i programming to web development through guided tools such as wizards, templates, and automated conversion utilities.

This streamlined development approach reduces complexity, accelerates modernization, and empowers teams to deliver user-friendly interfaces and connected business solutions without reengineering their legacy codebases.

Performance and Scalability through Intelligent Load Balancing

Performance and reliability are central to the design of the module. Sitemule, powered by IceBreak, incorporates an intelligent load-balancing system that dynamically distributes workloads across multiple jobs, preventing bottlenecks and ensuring optimal resource utilization. This approach delivers rapid response times and maintains performance consistency under heavy user traffic.

The platform automatically adjusts to demand in real time, scaling seamlessly across server instances. Multi-threaded execution and session persistence ensure that applications remain responsive and stable even during peak usage. This architecture allows Sitemule to handle millions of transactions efficiently, whether deployed on-premises or in the cloud.

Optimized Application Management

Sitemule’s advanced dispatching methods give developers precise control over how applications process user requests. The Session Persistent Process maintains data consistency across user sessions, while Application Pooling preloads processes to handle requests instantly. This hybrid model ensures both performance and stability, balancing shared resources for anonymous users and dedicated sessions for authenticated users.

For high scalability and resilience, Multi-Process Mode executes each session independently, providing fault isolation and enhanced security. Developers can also use Single Session Mode during debugging to trace execution in real time, supported by detailed logs and JSON/XML output for streamlined troubleshooting.

Bridging Traditional and Web Technologies

Through the Sitemule, traditional IBM i languages - RPG, COBOL, C, and CLP - gain the ability to interact seamlessly with modern web technologies. Although these languages are not inherently object-oriented, Sitemule introduces object-like functionality through precompiled wrappers, simplifying complex processes and enabling structured, scalable API interactions. This model allows developers to build sophisticated, interactive applications while maintaining the efficiency of the IBM i environment.

Seamless and Direct Database Integration

Sitemule eliminates the need for ODBC, JDBC, or middleware layers by providing direct IBM Db2 access within RPG and COBOL web applications. Developers can execute SQL queries directly in their programs, achieving faster transaction speeds and reduced processing overhead. Built-in commit control ensures data integrity during real-time transactions, while JSON and XML support facilitate structured data exchange in RESTful services.

Additionally, Sitemule can expose Db2 stored procedures, user-defined functions, and scalar functions as RESTful web services. This capability simplifies the integration of database logic into web applications, allowing HTTP-based interaction with database objects. The integrated OpenAPI (Swagger) interface further enhances usability by offering automatic documentation, testing, and service discovery.

Security and Compliance

Security is embedded into every layer of Sitemule Enterprise. Applications operate under IBM i user profiles, ensuring controlled access to system resources. Communication is secured through SSL/TLS encryption, while multiple authentication methods - including IBM i User Authentication, OAuth, LDAP, and Active Directory - protect against unauthorized access.

Session-based authentication preserves secure user sessions, and custom authentication policies can be implemented to meet organizational security requirements. This comprehensive security framework, combined with IBM i’s inherent reliability, ensures compliance with enterprise and industry standards.

A Unified Modernization Platform

Sitemule Enterprise and Sitemule Server, powered by IceBreak, represent a complete modernization solution for IBM i environments. They provide native web integration, intelligent scalability, robust security, and seamless database connectivity - all within the IBM i ecosystem.

Organizations can modernize existing applications, develop new web-based solutions, or integrate IBM i systems with cloud and third-party services without disrupting their core logic. By transforming IBM i into a future-ready platform, Sitemule enables businesses to preserve their investment in legacy systems while achieving the flexibility, performance, and connectivity required in the digital age.