What are the main components of Hourglass?

The primary components include the Hourglass Control Program (HCP), which manages the time modification; the Hourglass Interface (HGI), which intercepts system calls; and the Hourglass Configuration File, which stores settings. These components work together to provide the time manipulation functionality.

How is Hourglass configured?

Hourglass uses a configuration file to store settings. This file specifies the time offset, the applications to be affected, and other operational parameters. The configuration file is read by the HCP during initialization.

Does Hourglass have an API?

Hourglass does not expose a REST API. It operates through system-level interception and modification of time-related calls. The primary interface is through the z/OS environment and the configuration files.

How does Hourglass improve software development?

Hourglass enables more efficient testing of time-sensitive applications. By simulating different dates and times, developers can identify and fix time-related bugs without waiting for specific dates or times to occur. This leads to faster development cycles and improved software quality.

What are the business benefits of using Hourglass?

Hourglass reduces the time and resources required for testing time-dependent functionality. It eliminates the need to wait for specific dates or times, allowing for quicker identification and resolution of time-related issues. This results in cost savings and faster time to market.

What types of scenarios can Hourglass simulate?

Hourglass allows for the simulation of various time-based scenarios, such as end-of-month processing, year-end calculations, and time-sensitive data validation. This ensures that applications function correctly under different time conditions.

How does Hourglass contribute to software reliability?

By using Hourglass, organizations can ensure that their applications are robust and reliable, even when dealing with complex time-related logic. This reduces the risk of errors and improves the overall quality of the software.

What authentication methods are supported by Hourglass?

Hourglass does not directly provide authentication methods. Security is managed through the z/OS environment's security features. Access to Hourglass commands and configuration files is controlled using z/OS security mechanisms.

How is access control managed in Hourglass?

Access control is managed through the z/OS security system, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret. Users are granted or denied access to Hourglass commands and resources based on their defined security profiles.

What encryption methods are used by Hourglass?

Hourglass does not perform encryption of data. Security relies on the underlying z/OS security infrastructure to protect the configuration files and the Hourglass components themselves.

What audit and logging capabilities are available in Hourglass?

Hourglass integrates with z/OS logging and auditing facilities. All actions performed by Hourglass, including command execution and configuration changes, are logged. This allows for auditing and tracking of Hourglass usage.

What administrative interfaces are available for Hourglass?

The primary administrative interface is the z/OS console and through JCL. Administrators use commands to start, stop, and configure Hourglass. Configuration is managed through a dedicated configuration file.

How is user management handled in Hourglass?

User management is handled through the z/OS security system. Administrators define user access to Hourglass commands and resources using security profiles within RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret.

What are the main configuration parameters for Hourglass?

The main configuration parameters include the time offset, which specifies the time difference to be applied; a list of applications to be affected; and various operational settings. These parameters are stored in the Hourglass configuration file.

What monitoring and logging capabilities are available in Hourglass?

Hourglass provides logging capabilities through the z/OS system logs. Administrators can monitor Hourglass activity, including command execution and any errors, through these logs. This allows for monitoring and troubleshooting.

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Hourglass

Name: Hourglass
Availability: InStock

IBM Active z/OS

Tools and Utilities Testing

Vendor

IBM

Product Overview

The Hourglass architecture consists of several key components that work together to provide time manipulation capabilities on z/OS. The Hourglass Control Program (HCP) is the central component, responsible for managing the time modification process. The HCP reads the Hourglass Configuration File, which contains settings such as the time offset and a list of applications to be affected.

The Hourglass Interface (HGI) intercepts time-related system calls made by applications. When an application makes a time-related system call, the HGI intercepts it and modifies the time value according to the configured offset before passing it to the application. The communication between the HCP and HGI is managed through z/OS system services.

The configuration file is a sequential data set. The HCP and HGI interact through z/OS system services. The z/OS security system, such as RACF, ACF2, or Top Secret, is used for access control.

All actions are logged through z/OS logging facilities. Hourglass does not use any external databases or network ports for its core functionality. The primary administrative interface is the z/OS console and JCL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core function of Hourglass?

Hourglass allows applications to operate with a modified date and time without altering the z/OS system clock. This is achieved by intercepting and modifying time-related system calls made by applications. This enables testing and development scenarios that require time manipulation.

How does Hourglass modify the time seen by applications?

Hourglass intercepts and modifies time-related system calls. Applications then use the modified time, while the underlying z/OS system clock remains unchanged. This allows for testing applications against different dates and times without affecting other processes.

What are the primary use cases for Hourglass?

Hourglass is primarily used for testing applications that are sensitive to date and time. It allows developers to simulate various time-based scenarios, such as end-of-month processing, year-end calculations, or time-sensitive data validation, without waiting for the actual time to occur.

What types of applications benefit from using Hourglass?

Hourglass can be used to test applications that rely on date and time for calculations, data validation, or scheduling. It is also useful for simulating time-dependent events, such as batch jobs that run at specific times or date-sensitive reports.

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Hourglass

Product Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core function of Hourglass?

How does Hourglass modify the time seen by applications?

What are the primary use cases for Hourglass?

What types of applications benefit from using Hourglass?

What are the main components of Hourglass?

How is Hourglass configured?

How does Hourglass intercept and modify time-related system calls?

Does Hourglass have an API?

How does Hourglass improve software development?

What are the business benefits of using Hourglass?

What types of scenarios can Hourglass simulate?

How does Hourglass contribute to software reliability?

What authentication methods are supported by Hourglass?

How is access control managed in Hourglass?

What encryption methods are used by Hourglass?

What audit and logging capabilities are available in Hourglass?

What administrative interfaces are available for Hourglass?

How is user management handled in Hourglass?

What are the main configuration parameters for Hourglass?

What monitoring and logging capabilities are available in Hourglass?

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