April 2023

A Day in the Life of an IBM i Developer: Unlocking the Power of Legacy Systems

In this blog, we’ll take a glimpse into the life of an IBM i developer and explore the challenges and rewards of working on the IBM i…

As a developer at KFA I have a very varied day, with numerous customers running IBM i applications we develop across a wide spectrum of operating system levels and different ages of code.

If I have been part of a deployment of code changes the night before my first task is to check my code is working and that there are no system errors.

I will then implement my code into any system test and UAT environments to keep all the code levels up to date. I will also check that there are no errors in any of the test environments so the test team can run their tests without any problems.

I am in the fortunate position of being a developer as part of a development team, so we have a separate Support team that check our system dashboards, and review system logs, error messages, and performance metrics to ensure that the IBM i system is running smoothly.

If an error has occurred in our code then I may be asked by the support team to look into the issue, especially if it is an area of the system where I have previous experience.

If I am working on a development project then I will attend a scrum meeting to tell my project manager how I am progressing, raise any issues and highlight any problems with the design I am working to.

It is nice to be head down and fully focused on code writing when part of a delivery project. I write in the latest free format RPGLE using RDI and I keep myself up to date with the latest functions with each release of the operating system.

My project may include new database files which will need to be journalled to work with replication tools for disaster recovery.

I am expected to develop and manage my own code changes, thoroughly unit test and document my tests. My unit testing documents are my evidence that I have understood what my changes are trying to achieve and are a pre-requisite for me to deliver my code into the system test environment ready for our test team to start their work.

I will work closely with the Business Analysts and the System Testers to ensure I deliver to the requirements of the project.

If I am working on Application Maintenance work where I am enhancing/fixing various parts of an application then I may be working on code written 20+ years ago, this requires me to have a deep knowledge of RPG and how it has developed over the years.

If I am working on a support issue where code is falling over or producing incorrect results then I may be required to debug code. This may involve analysing complex RPG (Report Program Generator) code, which is a programming language specifically designed for IBM i, to identify and fix defects. Debugging may also involve working with other programming languages such as CL (Control Language) or COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language).

I can debug interactive or batch processes and I need to be an expert in the IBM i architecture to understand how processes run. I, therefore, need to have a deep understanding of job queues, output queues, message queues, data queues, job logs, sub-systems and much more.  

A great deal of our code is now developed to interface with external systems, because of this I need to understand SFTP, SCP, MQ, ODBC, JDBC and web services. Data can be passed using flat files and as with many of our interfaces, XML.

While IBM i development may require a unique skill set and expertise, it is very rewarding.

One of the biggest advantages is the stability and reliability of the platform. IBM i systems are known for their uptime, speed and security, making them a trusted choice for many mission-critical applications.

The IBM Community

IBM i developers have the opportunity to work with a supportive and dedicated community.

IBM provides extensive documentation, forums, and resources to help developers learn and grow their skills. The IBM i is constantly being improved by IBM so the system goes from strength to strength.

At KFA we love the IBM i, its solidity, its speed and its ability to interface with just about any other system out there. Developing on the system is fast and easy when you have the right skills and we can turn our hands to anything.

Anonymous

KFA Connect – IBM i Developer

27th April 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Elizabeth Austin – Project/Programme Manager

Starting Out…

I started my working life in Barclays Bank straight from school. As the career options were a bit limited with only O-levels, it was the motivation I needed to go back into education.

So, I set out on the path to becoming a Lawyer. After doing my Law degree and Law school, I applied for a trainee solicitor position, however, I also decided to apply to IBM as a graduate trainee (and was offered the job).

I loved it! I worked for Assist400, which was a call centre providing technical assistance to IBM AS/400 customers who paid for this service, beyond just the normal Operating System Defect Support.

By the time a job offer for a solicitors firm in Winchester came through, 3 months after starting at IBM, I turned it down. I figured, I could always go back to Law in my life if I wanted to, but I wanted to see where this journey with IBM was going to take me first.

Initially, I started out in the defect team, sending out PTFs to customers to fix specific error codes, and after going through initial training in all the various teams, from Ops support, Client Access, and Printing team, I successfully passed an interview to join the Comms team. From here I guided customers on how to set up their systems to talk to each other.

I worked with some of the most intelligent people I have ever met, who would have secondments in the US to write Red Books. It was an amazing learning ground and I attended countless IBM AS/400 training courses.

After doing the role for a couple of years, I decided I wanted to get my hands dirty, rather than doing the work theoretically and over the phone instructing others. So, I took the role of AS/400 Technical Analyst at Manor Bakeries in Eastleigh.

Be careful what you wish for…

At Manor Bakeries I was responsible for anything technical across the several AS/400’s, Comms and Printers, into those systems in Eastleigh, and in the Rugby Distribution Centre.

Every month, I would go up to Rugby to flip between the 2 mirrored boxes. It really was a baptism of fire, and while at first, I was part of a small team of 3, the team quickly dwindled down and I was on my own in the team for quite a while.

With the twenty-four seven on-call support, it was pretty wearing. I knew I enjoyed IT still, but I was ready for something different. So as soon as we had successfully got over the Y2K fears, I left to rejoin IBM in Global Services as a Resource Manager.

IBM Global Services

At first, I was the Resource Manager for the 130-strong, IBM Test Services team, having the responsibility to not just keep the 130 Testers (Test Consultants, Managers, Test Analysts etc) busy on projects, but also make sure IBM Projects were resourced.

I moved through from Test Services into Capacity Planning, Resource analytics, and Reporting for all Global Services (3.5K resources) and then later moved into the planning and approvals of Contractors engaged across the UK and providing cover to European colleagues.

After 14 years in IBM Global Services, I decided I wanted to work in an environment where there was more opportunity to have a direct influence on processes and procedures, so I joined KFA Connect as Programme Manager.

KFA Connect

Here at KFA Connect my role has evolved over the 9 years. I have facilitated best practices for the Project Management and delivery of projects, using my experience in resource planning and forecasting.

My role very much focuses on the Commercials, and various aspects of running the company.

Work-Life Balance

My day always starts with a walk in the New Forest with our dog.

The New Forest is a big part of my life, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I love getting away in our motorhome camping with the family too.

I enjoy cycling, skiing, walking up mountains and generally being out in the fresh air.

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

As we celebrate Earth Day 2023 tomorrow (22nd April) it’s important to reflect on the progress we’ve made in protecting our planet and to consider what we still need to do to ensure a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant shift in public attitudes towards environmental issues.

More and more people are recognising the urgency of the climate crisis and are taking action to reduce their carbon footprint. Governments around the world are also starting to take action, implementing policies to reduce emissions and transition to a more sustainable economy.

However, there is still much work to be done.

The effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, with more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and the loss of biodiversity. We need to accelerate our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and shift towards renewable energy sources.

One of the most effective things we can do to reduce our carbon footprint is to reduce our consumption of meat and dairy products. The livestock industry is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing our meat consumption can have a significant impact on our carbon footprint.

Another important step is to reduce our use of single-use plastics. Plastic pollution is a major environmental problem, with millions of tons of plastic waste entering our oceans each year. By reducing our use of single-use plastics and recycling more, we can help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in our oceans.

We also need to transition to a more sustainable economy, one that prioritises renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable transportation. This will require significant investments in new technologies and infrastructure, but the long-term benefits will be worth the effort.

Being an Eco Warrior doesn’t have to be super time-consuming and difficult, here is a list of a few things you can do to play your part in saving our planet:

1. Use reusable shopping bags instead of single-use plastic bags when shopping.
2. Use a reusable water bottle instead of buying bottled water.
3. Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
4. Use public transportation, carpool, or bike/walk instead of driving alone.
5. Take shorter showers and turn off the water when brushing your teeth.
6. Reduce paper waste by using digital copies of documents and emails.
7. Buy products made from sustainable materials, such as bamboo or recycled plastic.
8. Recycle and compost as much as possible.
9. Use energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances.
10. Choose to buy second-hand or repurpose items instead of always buying new things.
11. Plant trees and support reforestation efforts.
12. Use environmentally friendly cleaning products.
13. Avoid using pesticides and chemicals in your garden.

By making small changes in our daily lives, we can all make a difference in protecting the environment and promoting a more sustainable future.

Check out Earth Day’s Action Toolkit to get involved:

Here at KFA, we try to be as environmentally friendly as possible, some of these ways include; operating a paperless office, recycling and donating equipment & furniture, continuing to work from home to reduce emissions from travelling to/from the office, relocating servers rooms to use the data-centre’s air-conditioning 24/7, instead of our own. We also have put measures in place using Alexa to “power up and “power down” the office every day.

We admit that some of these changes that help the environment have happened organically as we reacted to Covid-19 measures over the last three years. However, some of the changes that either make us more efficient or enhance our team’s work-life balance have become more permanent.

Read other KFA Connect blogs relating to this topic here:

On this Earth Day 2023, let’s celebrate the progress we’ve made and recommit ourselves to protecting our planet.

By taking action individually and as one massive team, we can build a more sustainable and resilient world for ourselves and future generations.

Nicki Smith

Sales & Marketing Manager – KFA CONNECT

Outsourcing IBM i Application Support

In today’s fast-paced business environment, companies need to be agile, efficient, and cost-effective to stay competitive. One critical aspect of business operations is managing the IT infrastructure.

Many businesses rely on IBM i (formerly known as AS/400) for their mission-critical applications, but maintaining in-house resources for IBM i application support can be expensive and challenging. That’s where outsourcing IBM i application support comes in as a smart solution for businesses to optimise their IT operations.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of outsourcing IBM i application support and why it makes sense for your business.

Cost Savings

Outsourcing IBM i application support can significantly reduce costs for your business. Maintaining an in-house team of IBM i experts can be expensive, with costs associated with hiring, training, salaries, benefits, and infrastructure.

Outsourcing allows you to tap into a team of skilled professionals who are experts in IBM i systems without incurring the full costs of an in-house team.

Outsourcing also provides scalability, allowing you to flexibly adjust the level of support based on your business needs, without the burden of fixed costs associated with maintaining an internal team.

Access to Skilled Experts

IBM i systems require specialised skills and expertise to manage and maintain effectively.

Outsourcing IBM i application support gives you access to a team of skilled experts who are experienced in IBM i systems and applications.

These experts are up to date with the latest technologies, best practices, and industry standards, ensuring that your IBM i applications are well-maintained, optimised, and secure. They can handle a wide range of tasks, including system administration, performance tuning, software upgrades, and troubleshooting, ensuring that your IBM i applications run smoothly and efficiently.

24/7 Support and Monitoring

IBM i applications are critical to the operations of many businesses, and any downtime can result in significant losses. Outsourcing support can provide round-the-clock support and monitoring, ensuring that your applications are up and running 24/7.

With a team of experts monitoring your IBM i environment, they can proactively detect and resolve issues before they become critical, minimising downtime, and ensuring that your business operations continue uninterrupted.

Enhanced Security

This is a top concern for any business, and IBM i systems are known for their robust security features. However, managing IBM i security requires specialised knowledge and expertise. Outsourcing support can provide you with the peace of mind that your applications are secured against potential security breaches.

The outsourcing team can implement security best practices, manage user access and permissions, perform regular security audits, and keep up with the latest security updates to protect your IBM i environment from potential vulnerabilities.

Focus on Core Business

Outsourcing allows your in-house IT team to focus on core business activities instead of spending time and effort on managing IBM i systems.

By offloading the responsibility of IBM i application support to a trusted outsourcing partner, your internal IT team can focus on strategic initiatives, innovation, and other business-critical tasks that can drive your business forward.

It also allows you to free up resources and reduce the burden on your IT team, enabling them to be more productive and efficient.

Flexibility & Scalability

Outsourcing IBM i application support provides flexibility and scalability to meet your business needs. Whether you need occasional support or ongoing support, outsourcing allows you to customise the level of support based on your requirements.

You can easily scale up or down the support level depending on your business demands, without the constraints of managing an in-house team.

This flexibility and scalability allow you to adapt to changing business requirements, ensuring that your IBM i applications are always up to date.

At KFA we have a team with such diverse skills on the IBM i that we are confident we provide outstanding application support for our customers. We offer flexible support terms to meet any customer needs.

For more information about how we can help your business, get in touch with our team today.

Richard Austin

KFA Connect – Director

21st April 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

4 Common SAP Business One eCommerce Integration Scenarios

Organisations that sell their products or services online commonly use powerful eCommerce web stores such as Magento, Shopify, BigCommerce and Amazon Seller Central.

Unfortunately, for many businesses, it still requires employees to manually extract their data and re-key that information into their business software. Information is also manually extracted from business software, for example, SAP Business One and is re-keyed into a carefully chosen eCommerce web store.

The downsides of manual bi-directional data processing are:

• Time-consuming
• Prone to errors
• Costly

eCommerce professionals are now turning to solutions which can automate the flow of information between their webshop and business software.

So, what are the 4 most common eCommerce integration scenarios?

• Automatic insertion of webshop orders into an accounting solution
• Automatic transfer of orders status and current stock levels and/or images from accounting systems to web store
• Automatic placement of an order with a selected courier service(s)
• Automatic synchronisation of customer information between an eCommerce application and a CRM system

Organisations that are automating the common scenarios are seeing the eradication of repetitive data entry and associated human errors, a significant decrease in dispatch times and a reduction in operational costs.

Automating the synchronisation of information between business systems and an eCommerce application can be an affordable and quick process by utilising drag-and-drop integration tools such as Codeless Platforms’ BPA Platform (business process automation) solution.

What eCommerce applications can BPA Platform integrate?

• Magento integration
• Shopify integration
• PrestaShop integration
• BigCommerce integration
• Amazon Seller Central integration / Amazon FBA Automation
• eBay integration
• PIM eCommerce integration
  

For more information on how BPA Platform can be used to automate the flow of information between your business systems and applications to streamline your business processes, contact us to arrange a demonstration.

KFA Connect are Codeless Platforms Partners – authorised to sell BPA Platform and have in-depth knowledge of developing integration and process automation using the solution.

Integrating eCommerce with IBM i

It can be easy to understate the transformative effect that the Internet has made to the world, there have been few areas of our lives that have not been changed fundamentally by our ability to connect with billions of people.  And with those connections, come opportunities for business, because billions of people means billions of potential customers.

Electronic or ‘e’ commerce has enabled businesses to make the computer, and latterly the phone in your pocket their shop window giving them a storefront on every street in every town of the world.

When did it all start though?

You might be surprised to hear that eCommerce pre-dates the web, with the first tentative steps being made in 1972 between two US universities.  But Europe, and especially the UK broke early ground with the first B2B (Thompson Holidays UK in 1981) and B2C (Tesco Gateshead in 1984) systems, a full six years before Tim Berners Lee created the World Wide Web.  Once the web had become established in people’s consciousness though things took off with Amazon launching as an online bookseller in 1994 and eBay in 1995, things were never going to be the same.

How can I compete with giants like Amazon or eBay though?

Remember that Amazon launched as a bookseller, eBay as an auction site.  The rise of these corporations into the giants that they are today has in no small part been due to the way they have become marketplaces where other companies can list and sell their products.  This marketplace model is also behind China’s Alibaba/Ali-express and numerous other region-specific platforms.

What If we’d prefer to run our own site, is that possible?

Originally, this would have meant the development of a bespoke eCommerce site, however, it is now more likely that a platform would be used, for example, Magento, WooCommerce, or Shopify.  Part of the reason for this is cost, bespoke every time is expensive!  But a major factor is maintenance and security, using a platform gives access to security patches, fixes and improvements in performance.  And each platform has access to a host of plug-ins to enable additional functionality without expensive development.

Magento and WooCommerce sites are typically built and hosted by (or on behalf of) the company running the store offering a high level of customisation and the ability to develop and build functionality beyond the basic eCommerce functionality.  This might include B2B or B2C storefronts, customer-specific pricing and loyalty card schemes.

Shopify which launched in 2006 offers a complete SAAS offering where for a monthly charge, hosting, payment processing, order management, reporting, and more are provided in a simple-to-use portal.  There are numerous benefits not least a low price of entry, convenience, performance, and the ability to use the greater Shopify eco-system, however, it is important to note that the ability to customise and develop additional functionality is limited.

Can we connect our IBM i-based system to those marketplaces? What about our own site if we go that path?

Absolutely, the IBM i, also known as the AS/400 or iSeries is ideally suited to integration. Able to provide incredibly reliable uptime, whilst also boasting a design optimised for transaction processing, the IBM i makes an excellent cornerstone for an eCommerce stack. 

Customers expect speed, convenience, and consistency and it is no surprise that the eCommerce sites that succeed are those which deliver time and time again. 

Having a system that does not stop working is key to this.

How is this done though, where would we start?

Web services (aka. Application Programming Interface API.) enable systems to communicate in a reliable and efficient way.  Marketplaces and platforms will make the information available so that developers can build integrations to other systems. 

These are most likely SOAP, REST and GRAPHQL which given the ubiquity of those technologies gives a huge scope for integration.

The IBM i supports these technologies natively whether it be through its own APIs, using web services, or perhaps through database integration using JDBC or ODBC.

What would the typical process be?

Always start with a plan!

Define the scope of the integration project, including the specific data and functionalities that need to be integrated between your eCommerce platform and IBM i.

Depending on your eCommerce platform and IBM i system, you may need to develop a custom integration code to connect the two systems. This could involve developing APIs, web services, or database triggers to send and receive data between the systems. You may need to work with a skilled developer or team with expertise in both eCommerce platforms and IBM i.

Test, Test, Test

There is an expectation that an eCommerce site works and works every time.  Once the integration code is developed, thoroughly test the integration to ensure that data is flowing correctly between the eCommerce platform and IBM i.

Implement Monitoring and Maintenance

Set up monitoring and maintenance processes to ensure that the integration continues to work correctly over time. Monitor for errors, performance issues, and security vulnerabilities, and apply necessary updates or fixes as needed.

Ensure that the integration is secure by implementing appropriate authentication, authorisation, and encryption mechanisms to protect sensitive data exchanged between the eCommerce platform and IBM i.

Document the integration process, including the integration code, configurations, and any customisations made to the eCommerce platform or IBM i system. This documentation will be valuable for troubleshooting, maintenance, and future enhancements.

Strength in partnership

Integrating eCommerce with IBM i requires technical expertise and understanding of both the eCommerce platform and IBM i system.

It’s recommended to work with experienced developers or consult with experts in eCommerce and IBM i integration to ensure a successful integration.

At KFA we have extensive knowledge of integrating eCommerce with IBM i. For more information on how we can help your business, get in touch with our team today.

Joe Vavasour

KFA Connect – IT Manager

17th April 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Preserving the Past, Empowering the Future.

If you are a developer or an IT professional working with AS400 applications, you know how important documentation is for the smooth operation and maintenance of your system. AS400 or iSeries, now known as IBM i, is a robust and reliable platform for running business applications.

However, like any other software system, it requires proper documentation to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.

In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of documenting your AS400 application and provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to do it effectively.

Why Does Documenting Your AS400 Application Matter?

Documentation is an integral part of software development and maintenance processes. It serves as a reference guide for developers, IT administrators, and other stakeholders involved in managing and maintaining the AS400 application.

Here are some key reasons why documenting your IBM i application is crucial:

Knowledge Transfer

Documenting your AS400 application allows you to transfer knowledge about the system to other team members. It ensures that important information about the system, such as system architecture, data structures, program flow, and business rules, is preserved and shared with others.

This helps in reducing dependency on specific individuals and ensures that the system can be effectively managed and maintained by multiple team members.

System Understanding

Documentation helps in understanding the AS400 application thoroughly. It provides a clear overview of the system’s functionality, processes, and components, making it easier to troubleshoot issues, enhance or modify the system, and optimise its performance.

It also helps in identifying dependencies and relationships among various components of the application, which is crucial for effective system management.

Compliance and Audits

Many industries have strict compliance requirements, such as HIPAA, GDPR, and SOX, which necessitate proper documentation of software systems.

Documentation helps in ensuring that your AS400 application complies with these regulations and enables smooth audits by providing evidence of compliance.

Troubleshooting and Issue Resolution

When issues arise in your AS400 application, documentation can be a valuable resource for troubleshooting and resolving problems.

It provides insights into the system’s inner workings, allowing support teams to quickly identify the root cause of an issue and implement a solution. This helps by minimising downtime and ensuring that the system is up and running efficiently.

System Maintenance

AS400 applications require periodic maintenance activities, such as upgrades, patches, and fixes.

Proper documentation streamlines these activities by providing instructions and guidelines for performing maintenance tasks. It ensures that these activities are carried out smoothly and effectively, without disrupting the system’s stability and performance.

System Migration

When/if you eventually decide to migrate your AS400 application to another system, your application documentation will make the migration process considerably quicker and simpler and will help to ensure data and functionality are correctly scoped when choosing the new system.

Now that we understand the significance of documenting your AS400 application, let’s delve into how you can effectively document your system.

System Overview

Begin by providing a high-level overview of your AS400 application. This should include information about the system’s purpose, scope, and key components. Describe the system architecture, including hardware, software, and network configurations, along with any integration points with other systems.

Business Rules

Document the business rules that govern the AS400 application. This includes rules related to data validation, data processing, error handling, and business logic. Clearly define each rule, its purpose, and how and where it is implemented in the system.

Data Structures

Document the data structures used in your AS400 application, such as files, tables, and databases. Include information about data types, field lengths, and relationships among different data structures. Provide data flow diagrams, entity-relationship diagrams, and a data dictionary, if applicable.

Program Documentation

Document the programs or modules that comprise your AS400 application. This includes program names, descriptions, and program flow. Describe the input and output parameters, along with their meanings and usage.

At KFA, we fully understand the importance of documenting your applications. With our experience of the AS400 and its database, an ability to read all AS400 code and understand business processes, we are extremely proficient in the documenting of AS400 applications.

Finley Austin

KFA Connect – Marketing Assistant

14th April 2023

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Highly Valued and Hard to Replace.

In the world of information technology, there are various programming languages and platforms that are widely used for different purposes.  

One such platform is IBM i, formerly known as AS/400, which is a powerful and reliable system for business computing.  

IBM i developers are known for their expertise in this unique platform, and their skills are highly valued in the industry. However, when it comes to salaries, there are several factors to consider.

IBM i developers are known for their deep understanding of the IBM i operating system, RPG (Report Program Generator) programming language, and other related technologies. They are responsible for developing, maintaining, and enhancing applications that run on the IBM i platform, including business applications, databases, and web services.  

IBM i developers are also skilled in other programming languages such as COBOL, CL (Control Language), SQL (Structured Query Language) and Java which are commonly used in IBM i development. 

Unlike many systems where developers write code and the database is managed by a database administrator, IBM i developers tend to encompass a wide range of skills needing a deep understanding of DB2, object security and the IBM i operating system in addition to their dev skills.  

One of the reasons why IBM i developers are highly valued in the industry is because of the scarcity of talent. IBM i is a specialised platform, and finding skilled developers who are proficient in RPG and other related technologies can be challenging.

As a result, IBM i developers are often considered to be hard to replace, and their expertise is in high demand. 

So what should you expect to be paying for an IBM i developer?  

You will not be employing an IBM i developer straight from school, college or university in the same way you may find an individual with experience in HTML, python or some Microsoft languages. This means you will be employing someone with experience gained on the IBM i in a commercial setting within another company.

Experience

You are unlikely to find developers with just a few years of experience as the majority have been working on the system for decades. The average salary of IBM i developers can vary depending on various factors, such as their level of experience, geographic location, and the size and type of employer.  

According to Glassdoor data, the typical IBM Software Developer’s salary is £40,944 per year. Software Developer salaries at IBM can range from £18,000 – £87,073 per year. This estimate is based upon 127 IBM Software Developer salary report(s) provided by employees or estimated based on statistical methods. However, it’s important to note that these figures are approximate and will vary based on specific circumstances. 

Experience plays a crucial role in determining the salary of an IBM i developer. As with any profession, more experienced developers tend to earn higher salaries compared to those with less experience. IBM i developers who have a solid track record of working on complex projects, have specialised skills such as system administration or performance tuning or have obtained relevant certifications, may command higher salaries due to their expertise. 

Location

Geographic location is another factor that can impact the average salary of an IBM i developer. Salaries can vary significantly depending on the cost of living and demand for IBM i skills in a particular region. For example, cities with a high demand for IT professionals and a higher cost of living, such as London, may have higher average salaries for IBM i developers compared to smaller cities or towns. 

Size & Type of Employer

The size and type of employer can also affect the average salary of an IBM i developer. Large corporations or organisations with complex IBM i environments may offer higher salaries to attract top talent. Similarly, employers in industries that heavily rely on IBM i for their business operations, such as manufacturing or finance, may also offer competitive salaries to IBM i developers. 

In addition to the factors mentioned above, other factors that can impact the average salary of IBM i developers include the demand for IBM i skills in the job market, the level of competition among employers for skilled IBM i developers, and the overall economic conditions. 

Why is There a Shortage of IBM i Developers?

The shortage of IBM i developers in the UK is a challenge that has been observed in recent years.  However, due to various factors, including an ageing workforce, limited awareness among newer generations of developers, and a shift towards other platforms and technologies, the availability of skilled IBM i developers in the UK has become limited. This has led to a fluctuation in salary standards in this sector based on the demand.  

IR35, the UK tax legislation, designed to determine the employment status of contractors and freelancers, particularly those who provide their services through an intermediary, such as a limited company may also have had an impact on the number of software development contractors and the related salary range.  

In conclusion, IBM i developers are highly valued in the IT industry due to their specialised skills and expertise in a unique platform. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the average salary of IBM i developers, it’s clear that their skills are in high demand and their contributions to the IT industry are highly valued and hard to replace. 

Richard Austin

KFA Connect – Director

12th April 2023

For more information on how we can improve your business? Get in touch with our team today.

Stress Awareness Month – April 2023 

April marks the start of National Stress Awareness Month in the UK, and it’s an important time to focus on the impact of stress on our daily lives.

The past few years have been particularly challenging, and it’s essential to raise awareness of the importance of managing stress and prioritising mental health.

Stress Awareness Month has been held every April since 1992 to raise awareness of the causes and cures for our modern-day stress epidemic. It is the time when we have an opportunity for an open conversation on the impact of stress. Dedicated time to removing the guilt, shame, and stigma around mental health. To talk about stress, and its effects and open up about our mental and emotional state with friends, families, colleagues, and professionals.

‘Fight or Flight?’

Under stress, our body thinks it is under attack and switches to ‘fight or flight’ mode, which releases hormones, such as adrenaline, norepinephrine and cortisol to prepare the body for physical action.

This can have a reaction on your muscles and bodily functions, such as digestion.

The fight or flight mode is helpful to manage dangerous situations but can also affect our brain function because when blood is only flowing to important muscles needed to react to the situation, the brain function is minimised.

The ‘Fight’ mode is triggered by our survival instinct – to warn off predators but can also negatively affect relationships and ruin reputations if used in unnecessary situations.

‘Flight’, by contrast, is also a survival instinct – removing yourself from the situation or away from the person causing the stress. This can save your life but can also leave you not actually facing an ongoing issue that causes the stress that isn’t going away.  

Some, when stressed, will lock the energy into the nervous system and simply “freeze”. This is often highlighted by holding your breath or by shallow breathing.

Whatever your reaction, stress can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health, affecting everything from our immune system to our relationships with others. It’s something that everyone experiences at one point or another, but it’s essential to understand the different types of stress and how to manage them effectively.

Acute & Chronic Stress

Acute Stress

One type of stress is acute stress, which is short-term and can be caused by specific events or situations. This could include a work deadline, an important exam, or a family emergency. Acute stress is a natural response to a challenging situation, and in some cases, it can even be beneficial, helping us to stay focused and motivated.

Chronic Stress

Chronic Stress is a more prolonged and ongoing type of stress that can be caused by factors such as financial worries, a demanding job, or relationship issues. Chronic stress can have a significant impact on our mental and physical health, contributing to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure.

What Can I do To Prevent or Ease Stress?

During National Stress Awareness Month, you could try focusing on effective stress management techniques.

This might include practising mindfulness and meditation, engaging in regular exercise, and taking time for hobbies and relaxation.

Simple changes such as eating for well-being, not being a slave to Tech, learning to say No, practising deep breathing and staying hydrated can also be really effective.

Prioritising good sleep habits can make a difference, as poor sleep can significantly impact our stress levels.

What Employers Can Do

Employers have a crucial role to play in stress management, and workplaces should prioritise creating a positive and supportive environment for their employees.

This could include offering mental health resources and support, providing opportunities for regular breaks and flexible working arrangements, and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

By prioritising our mental health and taking proactive steps to manage stress, we can improve our overall well-being and lead happier and healthier lives.

Nicki Smith

KFA Connect – Sales & Marketing Manager

5th April 2023

Useful Links

The Stress Management Society have a useful ‘Stress Quiz’ on their website for individuals which, following a series of questions offers a score and personalised report with recommendations.

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.

Lawrence Railton – Senior i-Series Developer

Starting Out…

I got into IT to enable me to move to Australia.

At 20 I went to Oz on a working holiday visa, when I returned to the UK I wanted to get back as soon as possible. Looking at the quickest way to do this I hit on the idea of programming.

It was 1989 and I signed up for a 16-week government-sponsored RPG training course, it came with a free weekly travel card! This led to my first job as a trainee programmer with the Salvation Army and the rest you might say is history.

Around that time the paper, for it was a physical paper, Computer Weekly would often have articles declaring that the AS400 that I had so recently begun working on would be no more by the end of the year. Well, here I am still writing RPG code on the great-grandson of the AS400, the IBM i.

“So it goes” (Vonnegut, 1969)

The IT Career with Travel

From my trainee job, I was headhunted by a city commodity broker, those were the days!

I then met a wonderful New Zealander whom I followed back to the South Pacific. New Zealand, being like Australia but better.

I got a job with an IT Consultancy in Wellington, where I worked on the NZ Lotteries account. After 3 years, we headed off to travel in South America for 9 months which was an amazing experience.

From there to London for 18 months, working for Superdrug on a stock replenishment system and then back to NZ via India, this time to Auckland where I worked for IBM. At this time, I lived on Waiheke Island, a 30-minute ferry ride from the city, on a good day you might see dolphins on the way to work.

I came back to the UK in 1997 and still working for IBM i moved to Brighton and began working on the Cable and Wireless account. I met my wife around this time, she already had two children and we had a further two, then moved to West Wales to get out of the rat race. I continued working for IBM remotely, and we also built an “eco-house”.

Starting at KFA

In 2007 I started working for KFA, at first commuting and then working from home, a real pioneer in the homeworking world! KFA have kept me busy over that time, giving me work as and when required. I now work for them three days a week which gives me time for my other career.

In 2005 I qualified as a counsellor and I have worked in schools, universities, and in private practice. The two roles of IT and Therapy complement each other very well.

Work-Life Balance

In August last year (2022) my wife and I moved away from West Wales after 17 fantastic years and bought a Passive House in Norwich, pretty much the other side of the UK. We felt it was time for something new and some City living, so far so good!

I’m a big reader, love indie and foreign films and going to see live music. I cycle a lot and have a regular yoga practice, something I started in Wellington all those years ago. I never ended up in Australia, but our oldest daughter now lives in Wollongong, NSW with our granddaughter, so I have a good reason to visit.    

Want to know more? Get in touch with our team today.