This post first appeared on the Cobalt Iron blog.
By Greg Tevis
Part of the Cobalt Iron blog series
IBM i systems have long been trusted for their reliability and performance in enterprise environments. But as IT infrastructures evolve toward hybrid cloud models and face increasingly complex cyber threats, traditional backup methods — such as virtual tape libraries (VTLs), manual scripting, and siloed infrastructure — are proving inadequate.
Cobalt Iron’s Compass® platform and Compass Tape Gateway™ (CTG) offer a modern, SaaS-native approach to IBM i data protection. Designed to simplify operations, strengthen security, and support hybrid deployments, these solutions help organizations future-proof their backup strategies while reducing complexity and risk. These are seven key features that distinguish Compass and CTG as forward-looking solutions for IBM i environments:
- Unified IBM i Integration
IBM i workloads are often managed separately from other enterprise platforms like AIX, Linux, or Windows. This separation can lead to fragmented tools, inconsistent policies, and redundant infrastructure, making disaster recovery and compliance more difficult to manage.
By integrating IBM i into a centralized, policy-driven backup framework, CTG enables consistent protection across platforms without requiring separate tools or teams. Whether deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or in hybrid environments, Compass allows IBM i workloads to be managed alongside other systems through a single interface.
- Zero Access® Security Architecture
Legacy backup systems typically expose multiple access points, such as OS-level logins and software interfaces, that can be exploited by attackers. Even Zero Trust models still rely on credential management, which introduces risk through human error, compromised credentials, or insider threats.
Compass eliminates these vulnerabilities with its patented Zero Access® architecture. There are no logins to the backup infrastructure, no access to the operating system, and no exposed interfaces. This sealed environment blocks attack vectors entirely and simplifies compliance by removing the need for credential management and access auditing.
- Immutable, Encrypted Backups
Ransomware attacks increasingly target backup data to prevent recovery. If backup copies can be altered or deleted, they lose their reliability as a recovery resource. Immutable backups are essential to ensure data integrity.
Compass delivers immutable backups by default, with encryption applied both at rest and in transit. Logical air-gap zones isolate backup data from production networks, and built-in ransomware detection mechanisms help identify threats early. These layers of protection ensure that backup data remains secure and recoverable.
- Automation and Analytics-Driven Intelligence
Manual backup processes, such as static scripts and scheduled tasks, are prone to misconfiguration and human error. As environments scale, these vulnerabilities become harder to detect and correct.
Compass replaces manual processes with intelligent automation and real-time analytics. The platform continuously monitors backup behavior, detects anomalies, and enforces policies automatically. It adapts to changing conditions without manual intervention, reducing operational overhead and improving compliance.
- Flexible Deployment Options
IBM i environments are increasingly adopting hybrid and cloud-first architectures. Traditional VTLs often require hardware installation and specialized training, which can slow down deployment and limit scalability.
CTG supports a range of deployment models, including on-premises backup with cloud-based disaster recovery, hybrid replication across IBM Cloud and other hyperscalers, and cloud-only deployments via IBM PowerVS. Provisioning takes less than 15 minutes through the IBM Cloud Catalog, with no hardware setup or software installation required.
- Policy-Based Data Sovereignty
Organizations operating in regulated industries or across multiple jurisdictions must comply with data sovereignty laws. Enforcing geographic restrictions manually can be complex and error prone.
CTG enables policy-based replication controls that restrict data movement to specific regions. For example, U.K. data can be confined to London and Manchester, while German data remains within Frankfurt and Berlin. These controls are enforced automatically, ensuring compliance without manual oversight.
- Predictable, Value-Based Pricing
Backup environments often involve complex licensing models, various components, and unpredictable costs, especially when supporting multiple platforms or tenants. This can make budgeting difficult and limit scalability.
CTG is included with the Compass platform at no additional charge. Customers pay only for the stored volume of protected data after deduplication and compression, with transparent per-gigabyte pricing. Compass also supports multitenant environments, allowing organizations to segment workloads without requiring separate infrastructure or licenses.
Transforming Backup Into a Strategic Advantage
IBM i remains a critical platform for enterprise IT, and its backup strategy must evolve to meet today’s demands. Compass and CTG deliver the capabilities organizations need: airtight security, intelligent automation, seamless integration, and flexible deployment. By eliminating legacy burdens and embracing SaaS-native innovation, Cobalt Iron empowers businesses to modernize their data protection and turn backup into a strategic asset.
Ready to experience it for yourself? CTG is available via the IBM Cloud Marketplace, and Cobalt Iron offers a free 30-day trial. Explore how Compass can help your organization simplify operations, strengthen resilience, and stay ahead of tomorrow’s challenges.
