The HPNS platform is a cornerstone technology in the financial services industry, known for its fault tolerance and designed to minimize disruption and downtime. However, a significant challenge loomed: a large portion of experienced HPNS developers on the client’s team were nearing retirement age, with a complete turnover anticipated within three years.

FDM’s Skills Lab and Sales Teams conducted multiple Discovery Sessions to thoroughly understand the client’s HPNS developer requirements. The client faced the challenge in attracting next-generation talent, as most college graduates lacked exposure to HPNS and showed limited interest in learning the technology. Additionally, the client’s internal development program could not provide the specific HPNS skills required.

Working with HPE, FDM could implement a program to deliver a cohort of six consultants with HPNS training at no extra cost to the client.

The client was involved at all stages of the candidate selection process, interviewing a large group of FDM Consultants who had received core capability coaching in our Software Engineering and IT Operations Practices. With positions to be filled in a specific area of development, candidates needed to be both strong technically and eager to learn a legacy technology.

FDM’s Service Delivery Lead researched and identified key HPNS content for the program, which was co-developed with the client and included regular progress updates. Over four weeks, six selected consultants were upskilled in IBM COBOL in FDM’s Skills Lab. This was followed by an instructor-led HPNS course conducted by HPE, gaining certification in HPNS Pathway Application Programming 1.

Confident in FDM’s ability to prepare job-ready talent, the consultants were integrated into the client’s teams upon completing the HPNS course.

FDM successfully executed the proposal, onboarding six FDM Consultants upskilled in HPNS on schedule.

All consultants came from FDM centres across the US. FDM provided relocation support with airfares, and accommodation set up.

Since mid-2024, these developers have been on client assignment working with HP NonStop and submitting their own code across various departments within the company: Mutual Funds/Statements, Cash Management – Cash Services, Securities Processing, Cost Basis, and Tax Reporting.

Consultants quickly adapted, receiving positive feedback from line managers for their proactive approach and performance from day one. Each was paired with senior HPNS developers nearing retirement, fostering strong mentoring relationships and benefiting both the outgoing and incoming teams.

The consultants are on track to smoothly transition into full responsibility for HPNS operations. Retention rates are expected to remain high, and additional roles with the client are under consideration.

“FDM’s training prepared me well with foundational knowledge for the role. Onboarding was smooth, we were ready to work within the first week. I have mostly been working on program fixes, adding new functionalities, and research projects. Technology wise, we used OutsideView, Control-M (BMC), and ServiceNow for change requests, vital to the SDLC. FDM has been very supportive, with constant check-ups and updates on new consultants. So far, I am really enjoying this role. The people and culture here are great and the company provides a lot of flexibility.”

Patrick Velez
TechOps Consultant

“I work with the Tax Reporting and Cost Basis teams alongside three elite HPNS developers whose business and tech expertise helps me learn quickly. My focus is a major data migration project, but I also modify programs, and extract files to send to Tax Reporting. We mainly use HPNS with COBOL, BMC for job management, and Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio. FDM’s relocation, training, and onboarding were all smooth – we really feel part of the team. I love working here and am lucky to be with this client.”

Kerem Acar
IT Consultant