Infor is advancing a broad modernization agenda for its IBM i ERP portfolio, committing to new OS support, expanded API integration, and a next-generation UI layer. According to IT Jungle November 17, these updates were detailed at the inPOWER 2025 conference, where more than 450 XA, LX, and System21 users gathered for roadmap insights.
XA, LX, and System21 are Infor’s three primary IBM i–based ERP systems. They are long-standing mid-range ERP products originally known as MAPICS (XA), BPCS (LX), and System21, and they form the core of Infor’s Compass Group within its IBM i portfolio.
Infor plans to deliver IBM i 7.6 support across all three ERPs, with availability targeted for 2026. REST APIs reportedly will also arrive for XA, LX, and System21 in that timeframe, marking a shift toward more open, service-based connectivity. The company is preparing the user base for System i Workspace Liberty, a Java 17–compliant UI technology expected in the third quarter of 2026 that brings green-screen functionality into a browser-based, thin-client model while aligning with modern middleware such as Tomcat 11 and WebSphere Liberty.
Per the article, Infor continues to extend investment in shared technologies, including the Java-based Infor Development Framework, cross-ERP integration through Infor ION, and cloud-enablement via Infor OS. These layers support both on-premises customers and those considering Infor’s cloud hosting or migration paths to non–IBM i Infor ERPs. Infor positions these frameworks as the backbone for integration, workflow, security, and single sign-on.
Product-specific updates include:
- continued incremental enhancements to LX 8.4.2 and a planned 8.4.3 release for disruptive changes
- for System21, version 3.3 is targeted for late 2026 with localization, Java modernization, NIS2 support, and broader IDF integration
- XA is in a transition period as Release 9.2 approaches end-of-life in 2026, with customers encouraged to move to Release 10 before adopting Release 11
Additionally, planned XA updates across 11.0 to 11.3 include REST APIs, Java 17 support, expanded shop floor functions, financial enhancements, and deprecation of Host Presentation Server in favor of Host-Link. Training availability also expands, with the Compass Group offering on-demand courses for XA 11 and labor capabilities through Infor U.
What this Means for ERP Insiders
Modernization commitments are redefining expectations for the longevity of IBM i ERP estates. Infor’s plans to deliver IBM i 7.6 support and introduce REST APIs show the technical advancement of XA, LX, and System21 ERPs. This signals that IBM i platforms will continue to sit inside active transformation roadmaps rather than being sidelined for replacement. Vendors serving legacy-rich landscapes must maintain OS alignment and integration extensibility to preserve customer confidence.
Framework unification is emerging as Infor’s strategy for cross-portfolio coherence. The continued investment in IDF, ION, and Infor OS positions these shared layers as the structural glue that binds historically distinct ERP products into a consistent architectural model. This creates a clearer path for integration, workflow standardization, and cloud enablement across mixed environments. For ecosystem delivery teams, it marks a shift toward platform-based thinking rather than product-centric implementation.
User experience evolution is a practical modernization pathway for entrenched IBM i operations. The introduction of System i Workspace Liberty, with its browser-native model that preserves green-screen behavior, shows a balance between continuity and advancement. This approach brings interface modernization into reach without forcing disruptive UI overhauls on long-standing user populations. It also signals future IBM i ERP improvements will center on incremental, low-friction enhancements rather than sweeping functional redesigns.
