The Hidden Risk Lurking in Your IBM i System: Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore RPG Developer Shortages
In a world moving at digital warp speed, many businesses still rely on the unmatched reliability and security of IBM i (AS/400, iSeries) systems. But here’s the cold truth: the pool of skilled RPG programmers is vanishing fast — and if you’re not prepared, your entire business could grind to a halt.
At Total e Solutions, we’ve spent over two decades helping global enterprises future-proof their IBM i environments — by providing dedicated RPG development teams, modernization expertise, and 24/7 support. Based in the UK with international delivery centers, we are one of very few firms globally that still master this mission-critical, niche skillset.
🚨 Why You Should Be Worried Right Now
- RPG Developers Are Retiring: The average age of RPG programmers is over 55. Every year, more leave — and there aren’t enough trained replacements.
- No One’s Teaching RPG Anymore: Universities and tech academies aren’t producing IBM i developers. If your in-house expert leaves, you’re exposed.
- Downtime Risks Are Rising: If your system crashes or needs enhancements, who will fix it? Delay could cost you millions in operational losses.
- ERP Integrations Rely on RPG: Especially if you’re running Infor System21, Aurora, or other legacy ERP systems, RPG sits at the core of your processes.
- Hacky Workarounds Aren’t the Answer: Over-customized spaghetti code and lack of RPG understanding is a ticking time bomb.
🛡️ Total e Solutions: Your Global IBM i Lifeline
We’re not just another consultancy. We live and breathe IBM i. Our team supports 50,000+ IBM i users across 25 countries, and we actively maintain over 300,000 bespoke RPG/CL programs — with sub-30-minute response targets for critical incidents.
Whether you need:
- ⚙️ Full-stack RPG/CL/DB2 development
- 👥 A dedicated RPG developer team embedded in your business
- 🔧 On-demand support & incident management
- 🔄 RPG modernization (GUI front ends, API enablement, OS feature adoption)
- 🧠 RPG mentorship and succession planning
We deliver the expertise — before your luck runs out.
💣 Think You’re Covered? Think Again.
Many CIOs and IT Directors assume their legacy staff will “always be around.” But what happens when Steve retires? Or when your only RPG dev resigns with two weeks’ notice?
Let us be brutally honest: You are gambling with business continuity.
✅ Partner With the Global IBM i Specialists
It’s time to stop hoping your RPG codebase will take care of itself. Total e Solutions offers long-term partnership models, scalable development resources, and modernization roadmaps to make sure your IBM i estate not only survives — but thrives.
🧭 Headquartered in the UK
🕘 21 years of RPG heritage
🌍 Global coverage
💼 Real clients. Real systems. Real results.
🔗 Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
📞 Book a free IBM i risk review
📧 Email: info@total-e-solutions.co.uk
🌐 Visit our IBM i Development Page
If your business runs on RPG, ignoring the skills gap isn’t just risky. It’s negligence.
