IBM Unveils New Release with Enhanced Security for VAI Cloud Customers

Ronkonkoma, NY, April 10, 2025 – VAI, a leading ERP software developer, announced the release of IBM's latest news highlighting the launch of IBM i 7.6, built on IBM Power platforms. This new version delivers a robust and adaptable foundation for VAI Cloud customers to run the VAI S2K ERP software with enhanced security and innovation. IBM i 7.6 introduces key improvements in security, application development, and system management.

In conjunction with IBM, VAI Cloud built a cloud architecture that provides businesses with powerful ERP software and advanced technology tools to support digital transformation, increase productivity, and strengthen security and stability. By adopting VAI Cloud, organizations gain the flexibility to support a global workforce, scale with ease, and benefit from high availability and disaster recovery (HA/DR) across VAI’s data centers—all while lowering operational costs.

New security measures within IBM i 7.6 include the integration of multi-factor authentication (MFA) directly into the operating system. This addition simplifies MFA adoption and delivers a significant security enhancement, at no extra cost for IBM i users. MFA is a security method that requires users to provide two or more forms of verification before accessing a system or application.

The following security enhancements are aimed at delivering clear business benefits, such as reduced risk, improved developer productivity, and more efficient IT operations:

Security:

• Enhanced MFA: Built-in MFA boosts security, protecting against ransomware and unauthorized access while safeguarding critical data.
• Easier Compliance: Advanced authentication and enhanced user protection simplify meeting strict regulatory standards.
• Reduced Total Cost of Ownership (TCO): Integrated MFA and security features help lower costs and simplify management.

“By leveraging VAI Cloud, VAI ERP customers eliminate the complexity of managing infrastructure while gaining the advantages of a fully redundant data center,” said VAI Cloud CIO, Kevin Beasley. “With IBMs enhanced security measures added to its newest release, including the adoption of MFA, our customers will have a safe and secure platform that is the best in the world.”

IBM i 7.6 will be generally available on Friday, April 18.

For more information, visit: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/announcements/i-76-release.

About VAI

VAI is a leading independent mid-market ERP software developer renowned for its flexible solutions and ability to automate critical business functions for the distribution, manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. VAI's software solutions are backed by a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence that countless companies rely on. With specific ERP solutions for hard goods, food, and pharmaceutical companies, VAI has helped some of the most recognized companies address key industry requirements and deliver bottom-line results. VAI continues to innovate with new solutions that leverage business intelligence, analytics, mobility, and cloud technology to help customers make more informed business decisions and empower their mobile workforce. For more information, visit https://www.vai.net.

About VAI Cloud LLC

VAI Cloud, LLC is a subsidiary of VAI, a leading independent mid-market ERP software developer renowned for its flexible solutions and ability to automate critical business functions for the distribution, manufacturing, retail, and service sectors. As the primary provider for cloud deployment of VAI’s Software Suite, S2K Enterprise, VAI Cloud enables businesses to have a disaster recovery plan and high availability in place without all the complexities and expense. VAI Cloud infrastructure spans multiple data centers with full synchronization between redundant systems. Customers in VAI Cloud can add additional resources and updates are done without the need for downtime. VAI Cloud is continuously updated with the latest security, devices, security software, and infrastructure technologies. For more information, visit www.vaicloud.net.