Simulate any date and time—past, present or future—for testing time-sensitive z/OS® applications
Overview
IBM® HourGlass is a clock simulator for testing z/OS® applications, enabling the simulation of dates and times without changing application code or requiring a separate computing environment.
Use IBM HourGlass to enable mainframe application testing on IBM z/OS by setting specific dates and times. It helps coordinate functions across time zones, strengthening application testing and improving the accuracy and reliability of mission-critical applications.
Simulate any date and time through end of year 2099 on an IBM Z server running a supported level of z/OS. Thoroughly test time-sensitive applications to avoid costly issues after deployment.
Automate date and time testing without altering code, re-IPLing or changing the runtime JCL. Use expanded capabilities for searching, finding and modifying HourGlass control elements.
Identify and resolve potential issues in applications requesting the system date and time. Use HourGlass to verify reliable execution of time-sensitive applications.
Features
Enable flexible testing for end-of-period scenarios (for example, end of week, month, quarter or year), across midnight or other critical events. Use the HourGlass Control Center to specify tests for individual jobs or create random scenarios across multiple programs. Security features allow you to control access by programmer and job group or class. Online help is available on all Control Center panels.
Modify the date and time returned to z/OS applications during time requests (SVC 11 or PC Time Requests) by specifying patterns, applications, transactions, users or address space names. Use IBM CICS® Transaction Server for time-dimensional testing in the CICS Open Transaction Environment (OTE) and the IBM HourGlass CICS Batch Time Management process to set the date and time for a CICS region.
CICS users can also set the EIBDATE field and extend accurate time and date functions regardless of time zone.
Run simultaneous tests with different system dates, maintaining each user's view of the date independently. Set IMS IOPCB date and time fields to any wanted values without needing to relink the application.
Enable flexible testing for end-of-period scenarios (for example, end of week, month, quarter or year), across midnight or other critical events. Use the HourGlass Control Center to specify tests for individual jobs or create random scenarios across multiple programs. Security features allow you to control access by programmer and job group or class. Online help is available on all Control Center panels.
Modify the date and time returned to z/OS applications during time requests (SVC 11 or PC Time Requests) by specifying patterns, applications, transactions, users or address space names. Use IBM CICS® Transaction Server for time-dimensional testing in the CICS Open Transaction Environment (OTE) and the IBM HourGlass CICS Batch Time Management process to set the date and time for a CICS region.
CICS users can also set the EIBDATE field and extend accurate time and date functions regardless of time zone.
Run simultaneous tests with different system dates, maintaining each user's view of the date independently. Set IMS IOPCB date and time fields to any wanted values without needing to relink the application.
Technical details
HourGlass requires:
- z/OS 2.5 or later
- An APF Authorized Library from which to activate the software.
- Approximately 185 K of available Extended CSA (ECSA) is required to install all options. With STCLINK=N, subtract 26 K; with STATS=N, subtract 12 K. See “Run the customization job” on page 6 for details.