RPG development

The Enduring Need for Skilled RPG Developers

In a technology landscape dominated by a constant stream of new languages and platforms, RPG (Report Program Generator) remains a cornerstone of enterprise computing. For decades, it has been the programming language powering critical business applications on IBM midrange systems, from the venerable AS/400 to the modern IBM i platform. Companies in sectors like logistics, finance, manufacturing, and retail continue to rely on robust, secure, and highly available systems built with RPG. This enduring relevance creates a consistent and critical demand for skilled professionals. If your organization relies on these systems, the need to find a proficient RPG developer is not just a technical requirement, but a strategic business necessity.

What an Expert RPG Programmer Brings to Your Team

A seasoned RPG programmer does more than just maintain legacy code. Today's top RPG talent is well-versed in both traditional and modern versions of the language, einschließlich RPG IV and Free Format RPG. Their expertise typically spans the entire IBM i ecosystem. A highly competent RPG professional can:

• Develop, maintain, and modernize core business applications.
• Work with DB2 for i databases, designing efficient data structures and writing complex SQL queries.
• Integrate RPG applications with other modern technologies and platforms using web services, APIs, and other tools.
• Understand Control Language (CL) for system operations and job control.
• Troubleshoot complex issues, ensuring the stability and performance of mission-critical systems.

When you hire an RPG developer, you are investing in the health and longevity of your core operational infrastructure. These professionals ensure that the systems you depend on daily continue to run smoothly and can adapt to new business demands.

The Challenge to Find RPG Programmers

Despite the ongoing need, finding and retaining RPG talent can be a significant challenge for many organizations. The pool of experienced RPG programmers is not growing; many seasoned developers are approaching retirement, taking decades of institutional knowledge with them. At the same time, fewer new developers are entering the field, creating a classic supply-and-demand imbalance. This scarcity makes it difficult for companies to recruit RPG programmers through traditional channels. When a critical need arises, whether due to an unexpected departure or a new project, the pressure to find a qualified candidate quickly can be immense.

Flexible Solutions: The RPG Contractor Model

For many businesses, the solution lies in flexible talent acquisition. Engaging an RPG contractor provides immediate access to specialized skills without the long-term overhead of a permanent hire. This model is ideal for specific projects, such as system upgrades, data migrations, application modernization, or staff augmentation during peak workloads. A freelance RPG developer can step in, apply their expertise to the task at hand, and transition out once the project is complete. This approach allows your business to scale its development capacity up or down as needed, ensuring you have the right expertise precisely when you need it. When you need to contract an RPG developer, you gain agility and access to a broad range of experience that might not be available in your local market.

The Role of an RPG Staffing Agency

Navigating the niche market for RPG talent requires specialized knowledge. This is where partnering with an RPG staffing agency becomes invaluable. A dedicated agency understands the specific skills and experience required for roles involving AS400 RPG developers and IBM i RPG developers. Unlike generalist recruiters, a specialist firm has a pre-vetted network of RPG programmers for hire and a deep understanding of the technical landscape. They can quickly identify candidates who not only have the right technical skills but also fit your company culture and project requirements. Working with an RPG recruitment agency streamlines the entire hiring process, saving you time and internal resources while increasing the quality of candidates you see.

Strategic Guidance from RPG Consultants

Sometimes, your need goes beyond coding. You may be facing strategic challenges related to your IBM i platform, such as planning a long-term modernization roadmap, improving system performance, or ensuring your applications are secure and compliant. In these scenarios, RPG consulting services are the answer. RPG consultants are senior-level experts who provide high-level architectural guidance, project management, and strategic planning. They act as trusted advisors, helping you make informed decisions about the future of your legacy systems and ensuring your technology aligns with your business goals. An RPG consultant can help you maximize the return on your investment in the IBM i platform.

Partnering with an RPG Development Agency

For larger projects or ongoing development needs, partnering with an RPG development company or agency can provide a comprehensive solution. These organizations offer access to a team of developers, project managers, and quality assurance specialists. This model can be particularly effective for complex modernization projects that require a diverse set of skills working in concert. An RPG development agency can manage the entire project lifecycle, from initial analysis and planning to development, testing, and deployment, allowing your internal team to remain focused on daily operations.

At Right People Group, we specialize in providing businesses with the exact RPG expertise they need, precisely when they need it. We operate on a flexible, no-cure-no-pay model, meaning you only pay once you've found the perfect consultant and they've started their work. Our extensive network of over 15,000 IT specialists includes a deep pool of experienced RPG professionals.

Sourcing Top IBM i and AS/400 RPG Developers

The key to successful RPG talent acquisition is knowing where to look and what to look for. The RPG language has evolved significantly, and a modern RPG developer should be comfortable with ILE (Integrated Language Environment) concepts and Free Format RPG, which allows for more readable and maintainable code. Their skills should extend beyond the language itself to a thorough understanding of the IBM i operating system, its integrated database (DB2 for i), and the surrounding development tools.

Whether you are maintaining a legacy application on an older AS/400 or developing new, modern applications on the latest IBM Power System, the fundamental need for quality developers remains the same. The right partner can help you source RPG developers who possess this blend of legacy knowledge and modern skills, ensuring your systems are in capable hands.

If you are looking to hire an RPG programmer or need expert RPG consulting services, we can help. We will connect you with top-tier RPG contractors and consultants who are ready to support your projects, either on-site or remotely. Contact us to learn how we can quickly deliver the specialized RPG talent your business needs to succeed.