Manta Technologies: Your Resource for IBM i Training

Manta offers a complete library of courses for programmers, operators, system administrators, and users of the IBM i operating system, which runs on IBM Power Systems.

All of our courses are web based and run in all popular browsers.

Build Your Own RPG Programmers

Almost as soon as Manta started business in 1994, we were hearing about the upcoming shortage of RPG programmers. The warning was out that the programmers who spent their careers in the midrange world were getting older and would soon be facing retirement. At the same time, it was believed that recent college graduates with skills in Java, C++, etc. were not interested in learning RPG, which they considered to be an obsolete language.

Since the average age of RPG programmers in 1994 was about 40, the hysteria was somewhat premature. 24 years later, however, many shops are now indeed facing a crisis. We know of several who expect to see their entire staff of 5 to 10 programmers retire in the next couple years.

The good news — and why we know about these shops — is that they are successfully using the Manta RPG Development Combination Pack to train recent graduates. These rookie programmers bring strong skills to the job, including the ability to design and develop modern, web-based applications. When introduced to IBM i and free-form RPG, they realize that they've discovered two of the greatest secrets in the IT world. This platform and language — rather than being obsolete — are more up-to-date and revolutionary that they ever dreamed possible.

Their new employers are equally ecstatic. Typical of the feedback we have received is the following comment from Mark, the IT Development Manager at an IBM i shop:

Just wanted to share that we have our 1st success with the RPG Free course. We hired a young guy with C and C## who's willing to learn and within in 45 days is an active RPG programmer and working our backlog !!.

Learn Like an Expert

The IBM i environment has historically relied on application and tool vendors to solve many of the more complex programming challenges. Today, such IBM i vendors include:

• Profound Logic
• Fresche Solutions
• Vision Solutions
• Jack Henry
• Rocket Software
• FIS Global
• Pentana Solutions

What else do these companies have in common? They all train their new employees using Manta courses. What's good for the pros can be great for you. Try us today!