tesdata_acm_72

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INTRODUCING

The rapid growth of computer usage andesulting expenses to enterprises and

government has created a requirement to

pursue means for effectively managingcomputer hardware and personnel assets,plus to obtain optimum usage of each.

The initial attention to computer costscreated the "third party" computereasing in the early 60's. This was

ollowed by the "plug-to-plug" compati-ble perhipheral industry. The most

recent development of advanced meansor measuring, simulating, optimizing

and scheduling of computer hardwareand programs is rapidly gaining accept-

ance by the influential users of com-puter systems, and is the latest move

oward obtaining optimum performance.t is these latter areas that are the focus

of Tesdata Systems Corporation.

Tesdata is a leader in this field of

providing products and services for

improving computer performance. The

broad line of its products makes the

company unique in this highly special-

ized segment of the computer field, and

the success of Tesdata demonstrates the

rapidly growing acceptance of its capa-

bilities and products among major com-

puter users throughout the world.

The company's wealth of practicalexperience in advanced data manage-ment and communications systems cou-

pled with its expertise in computermeasurement, simulation, and scheduling

provides the diversity of skills essentialin providing practical assistance to some

of the most advanced users of computersystems. Tesdata clients include leading

corporations among airlines, utilities,banks, insurance companies, railroads,

state and federal governments, consult-ants, and numerous types of manu-

facturers.

The operational structure of Tesdata

consists of five basic areas, with each

group appropriately staffed for handling

its current base of clients, new custom-

ers and prospects, plus product improve-

ments. The five areas and their capabili-

ties are:

ANALYTICAL SERVICES

This division of the company is heavily

experienced in the area of systemarchitecture and programming of on-line,

real time data management systems. Itsmajor assignment during the past year

consisted of an average of ten men indirect support of implementation ofcapabilities for management of data in a

real time, on-line environment utilizingHoneywell G-635 Systems at a federal

government installation. A second effortwas to perform system architectural

design in the area of data communica-tions and data management systems for

an IBM 370/155 System in a largecommercial account.

MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS

This department is responsible for themanufacturing, installation, support and

maintenance of the X-RAY ComputerPerformance Measurement System and

for contract measurement services forusers throughout the world. X-RAY

Systems and services have been providedto customers using IBM, UNIVAC,Control Data, Honeywell, RCA and ICL

computer systems. Department person-nel have broad systems and applications

backgrounds to complement indepthmeasurement analysis experience.

OPTIMIZATION SYSTEMS

This department is responsible for prod-

ucts, services and instruction in COBOLprogram optimization. Department per-

sonnel install, support, and maintain theSTAGE II COBOL Source Program

Optimizer, conduct seminars in COBOL

optimization techniques, and offer

proven by-mail service for COB

source code optimization to meet ctomer one-time or occasional requ

ments.

SCHEDULING SYSTEMS

This department is responsible for installation, maintenance and appli

tions support of the corporation's schuling products. DEADLINE is unique computer center scheduling s

tem currently installed in data procsing operations of major corporati

throughout the country. A second pruct, STREAMLINE, is a compu

system job stream scheduler for increing throughput performance and

turn-around response.

SIMULATION SYSTEMS

This department is responsible for installation, maintenance and suppor

the CASE Simulation System and performing contract simulation servic

As the corporation's first major prodCASE has been accepted by over hundred customers in its three-y

history. CASE IV, the latest verstogether with the recently develo

SMF/CASE Input Processor for automing workload definition, has convince

number of experienced simulation usto recognize the system as being

most advanced available from indutoday. The experienced staff supp

CASE installat ion and service actiand performs a continuing functionproduct improvement and library

hancement.



Any decision to increase system effi-

ciency is as meaningful as the dataavailable on current system performance.

Similarly, the decision will have valueonly if its success or fai lure can bemeasured once it has been implemented.

Making a performance decision based onfragmentary measurement data on cur-

rent efficiency establishes a low proba-bility of success in improving operating

performance. Of course, given an inade-quate measurement capability, it is

equally improbable that efficiency in-creases (or decreases, for that matter)

will be accurately detected after aperformance decision has been executed.

X-RAY (Execution—Recorder Analyzer)removes the guesswork involved in

making constructive system decisionsand verifying their effectiveness. X-RAY reports actual operating performance on

which to base sound system improvement decisions. The validity of these

decisions, once implemented, can thenbe shown using X-RAY to measure their

precise effectiveness. Making wise per-formance decisions is a prerequisite to

maximizing system efficiency. There isno better way to ensure success in

making these decisions than to applycomprehensive measurement using the

most capable system available: X-RAY.

WHAT WILL X-RAY MEASURE?

Virtually everything. X-RAY measures

all areas of computer system activity:• Equipment• System Software

• Appl ication Programs

• Data

Unlike other measurement systems,

X-RAY is not restricted to monitoring just your hardware. Of course, X-RAY

does report on equipment utilizationhighlighting device usage and imbalances

within your configuration. But X-RAYwill also measure operating system

activity providing demand and overhead

statistics and isolating areas of highactivity. Applications programs may alsobe monitored for structure and codeefficiency, Data handling can be exam-

ined in depth to report on accessoverhead, file organization and device

contention.

WHAT RESULTS ARE POSSIBLE?

X-RAY pinpoints multiple areas ofoperating inefficiency so that many

system improvement measures such asthe following may rapidly be applied:

• Configuration Balancing

• Operating System Real location

• Problem Program Restructur• Data Base Reorganization

• Program Code Optimizat ion

X-RAY gets results. In a single moni

ing session at a Government agency

was discovered that 40% of the ti

spent by a major, processor-bouapplications program was spent in o

10 instructions of the program—

excellent demonstration of isolation

high activity program code. Sim

recoding did away with this signific

bottleneck.

At a commercial installation, X-Rpinpointed an inefficient direct

search method causing overall throuput degradation exceeding 20%

incredibly minor change was effecteda few minutes time remedying

situation.



STAGE IICOBOL SourceProgram

Optimizer

Until recently, users have been paying

for the relative inefficiency of the

COBOL language, resorting to hardware

upgrades and additional operations shifts

rather than attacking the problem at the

source: the SOURCE program.

The gap between technical programmingstaffs and non-technical management has

resulted in the frequent supposition, by

COBOL users, that there is simply

nothing that can be done to reduce the

unnecessary overheads of their language.

For the first time since COBOL'sadoption, however, the language has

come under critical scrutiny, and simplemethods of overhead avoidance have

been developed. The results in decreased

run times, core reductions and improvedproductivity have been dramatic.

WHAT IS STAGE II?

STAGE II is a COBOL program. It isthe automated implementation of tested

optimization methods, analyzing sourceCOBOL programs, producing a diagnos-

tic listing and, where possible, generating

hardcopy correction cards. Stage IIinputs the target COBOL source pro-

gram and produces a card image correc-tion file for reinsertion into the original

source program or library. These correc-tions are made for every inefficiency

which can be corrected automatically in

the working-storage section. A diagnosticlisting is produced for each correction

informing the user of the deficiency atthe point where it occurs.

STAGE II produces an efficiency log

which indicates additional modifications

required for effecting total optimization

of the program.

STAGE II includes a highly efficient

alpha cross referencing sub-system whichminimizes programmer interface and

adds to program documentation.

STATE II allows for the insertion ofinstallation parameters and will diagnose

the use of any COBOL features whichare pre-selected as being in violation of

an installation's standards of program-

ming.

HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TOOPTIMIZE A PROGRAM?

STAGE II does the complete analysis

and correction card output in one-third

compile time. Your programmer inserts

the new source cards, looks over

STAGE II's suggestions for total optimi-

zation and decides which of these to

implement. He then makes the procedu-

ral coding revisions—this takes from ten

minutes to an average of two to four

hours, depending on the number of

source cards—and the program is ready

to compile, test and run.

WHAT ABOUT TRAINING?

The lease of STAGE II includes an

intensive one-day course in techniquesof source program optimization for

COBOL. Up to fifteen participants are

trained, at your installation, by anexpert in throughput optimization. Your

key personnel learn how to write moreefficient, faster running COBOL pro-

grams. With the aid of STAGE IIoutput, each participant optimizes pro-

duction programs at the workshop

session. Text and materials are providedfor each participant and emphasis is on

actual use of the STAGE II package. Inaddition, your programmers become

optimizing programmers, fully trained in

the following: methods of more efficientdata definition and coding techniques,

avoidance of improper proceduralcoding, establishing "best type" and

break-even points in all efficiency meth-

ods, defining data patterns and methodsof using them to best advantage, deriv-

ing simple formulae for computing I/Orequirements, knowing where and when

to optimize, maximizing core conserva-

tion, establishing proper file organiza

and block sizes, and determining ac

COBOL verb timings.

WHAT RESULTS DOES STAGE II G

STAGE II has demonstrated that a

70% of all COBOL programs are hi

optimizable. STAGE II maintains

average of 25% run time reduction,

users are reporting reduction of up

47%.

STAGE II also accounts for size

decreases in core. Savings in one gram alone can justify the total inv

ment.

STAGE II serves as a continuing ed

tional tool. Quite separately from skills gained in the initial training,

software becomes a guide to beginprogrammers in demonstrating pr

coding techniques and introdu

simple corrective measures to be immented in their own programs.

STAGE II functions as an autom

"standards manual." The software

sures staff-wide observance of effi

coding methods, previously ignored

COBOL programmers.

STAGE II enables management, fofirst time, to determine the leve

inefficiency in its inhouse progrthus bridging the gap between techand non-technical staff. It also prov

the programmer with the necesinformation to correct the problem

its source-the SOURCE program.



DEADLINE IIComputer CenterScheduling System

Too frequently the daily problems of

computer operations tend to obscure the

basic requirement of returning com-pleted work to the user at the desired

time. The processing of a job from thetime it is received until it is returned

involves a significant number of activ-

ities in addition to the primary functionof computing. The most powerful com-

puter available cannot be used effec-tively if input is not supplied in a

proper and timely fashion, and output isnot delivered to the user when it is

required.

This last point is the most practical

gauge of how well the center is

performing its job. In many organiza-

tions the questions of "where is my

work, when can I get it, or why can't I

get it now" are most familiar. In

attempting to answer these questions the

data processing manager is faced with a

most frustrating task because generallyhe doesn't know. Indeed the attempt to

find a solution for the users leads to

other questions from his management

such as "why do you need more people,

more equipment, more overtime?"

There is a mechanism available to you

that answers these questions, and many

more, before they are asked. TheDEADLINE Computer Center Schedul-

ing System tells you what jobs will becompleted by your desired completion

time, which will not, why not, and

allows you to make corrections beforethe fact!

DEADLINE is a management control

system for the monitoring and adminis-

tration of the work flow and resources

throughout a computer center. It pro-

duces predictive schedules and reports of

how the work should be distributed

across resources to meet pre-established

completion times.

In addition to functional scheduling, the

system instills a discipline throughoutthe center. All activities are coordinated

and documented from the time workleaves the originator until it is returned.

Summary reports show how personnel

and equipment are employed, the totalworkload for the center, the total

resource capacity, and whether or not

work will be completed when desired.

JOB PRIORITIES

DEADLINE incorporates a unique, yet

simple, hierarchy scheme for job priori-

ties. Priorities may be user specified or

computer generated. They may be based

on minimum throughput time, on meet-

ing scheduled deadlines, or on accept-

able waiting periods for low priority,

nonproduction jobs. The DEADLINE

priority control system automatically

reviews and updates priorities in accord-

ance with user-specified objectives.

A COMPREHENSIVE SCHEDULER

DEADLINE produces complete sched-

ules for all computer center jobs andactivities. Job schedules trace work

through each activity area (keypunch,

EAM, compute, print, report control,etc.) while activity schedules provide

shift schedules for operating and super-visory personnel. Schedules present start

and completion time for each job task,

manpower/machine assignments, and asummary profile of resource utilization

against resource availability.

Flexible design provides for selective

breakouts of schedules most meaningful

to specific organizational and activity

groupings. Schedules for specific

machines are also produced where re-

quired.

A PLANNING TOOL

As a planning tool, DEADLINE

present hardware capability agai

data center's unique workload in that are most meaningful to ma

ment, namely, the extent to hardware capability directly affect

completion of jobs to schedule, thr

put time, machine/manpower utiliand leveling, and overtime and

requirements. DEADLINE providebasis for continual examinatio

equipment capabilities in termchanging user needs. DEADLINE

vides data useful for equipment e

tion studies and for personnel sdecisions, and in determining exp

capability.

MULTI-PROGRAMMING PROCES

DEADLINE incorporates all the fe

to consider constraints and capaassociated with multiprogrammingcessing with new third generationputers. Both overall program proccapability and dynamic allocaticapability are considered with amum of data inputs.



STREAMLINEComputerOperationsScheduler

The primary goal of computer opera-tions is to provide timely and responsivereturn of work submitted for processingwith a minimum investment in dataprocessing equipment, software develop-ment, operating procedures, and stafforganization. The attainment of this goalhas been made substantially more diffi-cult with the highly complex configura-tions available with current data proc-essing hardware and software.

The rapid enlargement of data proc-essing capabilities and flexibilities hascreated unique problems for data proc-essing management. Because of thecomplexity of current data processingsystems and the fact that millions ofdollars and hundreds of people areinvolved and affected, no longer is acorrect data processing decision readilyapparent. Paradoxically, the personnelsupplying the information needs of thecorporation are obtaining the least infor-mation from the new capabilities andresources. It is an undeniable fact today,in the typical data processing environ-

ment, that a serious lack of managementtools exist to plan, schedule, and controlproduction processes in a data proc-essing center. Without these tools andgiven this environment, rational dataprocessing decisions cannot be made normaximum operating efficiency achieved.

To be responsive to these needs, a dataprocessing planning, scheduling, and con-trol system must be closely tailored tothe unique environment in which it is tooperate. STREAMLINE is just such asystem. Developed and tested in acomputer center environment, STREAM-

LINE provides planning and controlcapabilities the computer center managerand his staff now need.

The implementation of STREAMLINE isresponsive to the areas of managementconcern:

• Reduction of job reruns• Reduction of late reports• Improvement in total center

thruput• More cost effective computing• Evaluation of changes in

resource or workload networks

• Control of tape/disk proliferation

STREAMLINE provides for the timelymanagement of a computer systemworkload. The STREAMLINE Systemprovides automated scheduling of themajor elements of the center environ-ment including processors, peripheralunits, and data sets. The schedulerproduces a series of predictive reportsdesigned for al l levels of data processingmanagement. These reports establish acommon vehicle of communication forcontrolling the workflow. The utilitiesprovide reports on the inventory andutilization of the center.

The capability for detailed workloadspecification and control techniquesenables significant cost savings by im-proving effective utilization and in-creasing throughput on the most costlyresources within the computer center.The system is designed to achieveplanning, scheduling, and performanceimprovement objectives within the con-text of a computer center.

A PLANNING TOOLAs a planning tool, STREAMLINEpredicts future performance, permittingmanagement to review in advance theperformance within the center. Notifica-tion of peaks and valleys in theupcoming workload allow for earlyrecognition and subsequent correctionsof imbalances. STREAMLINE has thecapability of specifying a computercenter network and will support evalua-tion runs to determine the effect ofequipment variation on an operationallydefined workload.

A SCHEDULING TOOLAs a scheduling tool, STREAMLINEprovides multi-level management reportsfor an installation's defined schedulingperiod. These reports are then dis-

seminated to cognizant staff personnelfor establishment of common objectivesand specific responsibilities. Thescheduling interval is controlled by asimple input parameter and can varyfrom one hour to one week. All work tobe scheduled is structured into jobs andthen tasks within jobs. The jobs providethe majority of the scheduling param-eters. The tasks complete this data andadd the performance data used forintra-processor scheduling (multi-programming). Schedules are producedfor individual processors, groups of proc-essors, or external users, depending onthe needs of management.

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT CAABILITYAs a performance improvement capbility, STREAMLINE provides for tscheduling of compatible tasks aleveling of workflow across all proessors within the center. The systmaintains a resource map and considtask performance data and resource quirements on a processor prior scheduling. This allows jobs which crun on several processors to scheduled on the one which can meffectively run the job. For computer operator, the system provid

a scenario of his shift workload, speccation of his configuration, availabiof resources for unscheduled work, athe initiator configuration to process work. By knowing in advance specific configuration and time phasworkload, the operator has consideramore information on which to base operational decisions.

Through the structures established STREAMLINE for controlling, plannand scheduling of the total center woload, other valuable management dataderived. This data consists of:

• an inventory report of quantity and attributes tapes, disks and other simresources being used in center.

• a hardware inventory of schedulable resources, specing in addition their connecity, status, and use.

• a common data library of scheduling, performance adescriptive information for

jobs/tasks being scheduled.

These reports when complemented wschedule reports are of considera

value to data processing managementmany critical decisions.



CASESimulationSystem

Data processing decisions are becomingmore difficult to make as computersystems and applications grow in com-plexity and sophistication. At the sametime, these decisions can affect pro-

cessing costs more significantly than everbefore. Failure to recognize changingresource utilization or to anticipate theeffects of new computing requirementscan impact system performance and

responsiveness with corresponding in-creases in operating costs. The lack ofintelligent system management and plan-ning can create a data processingnightmare.

How can more effective decisions bemade in the complex environments ofmultiprogramming, multiprocessing,

real-time, time-sharing, remote job entry,and total information systems? How are

supporting facts and figures to beobtained for the evaluation and selectionof a new computer system? What are

the performance consequences of install-ing a new remote terminal system? What

bottlenecks can be expected? How isresponse time affected? How will an-other manufacturer's peripheral equip-ment perform on the existing system?What is the optimum configuration to

support a new application?

Clearly, to make wise decisions theproper tools should be used rather thanbasing decisions on partial data, rough

approximations or sheer intuition.

CASE (Computer-Aided System Evalua-tion) is the tool used at many data

processing installations to assist in mak-

ing complex system decisions. CASE

streamlines the decision-making process

by providing a capability for accurate

simulation of present and proposed

systems and applications.

Important to CASE users is the abilityto simulate data management systemssuch as IMS2 with its dynamic buffering

characteristic. CASE clearly indicates theprobability that a requested recordexists in the buffer. It includes theprocessor overhead for the data manage-ment system.

FEASIBILITY STUDIES

A CASE simulation quickly and accu-

rately establishes the feasibility of a

basic design approach. The study might

involve either a new design or the

incorporation of new features into an

existing system or application.

SYSTEM DESIGN

Through the use of CASE a largenumber of system or application desiqnalternatives can be evaluated with mini-mal manpower and time investment.New designs can be explored with easeto improve existing systems and applica-tions.

COMPUTER SYSTEM SELECTION

CASE provides the abil ity to perform

detailed competitive analyses of com-

puter systems proposed by various

manufacturers relative to each other and

in response to fixed processing specifica-

tions. Optimum configurations for each

manufacturer may be determined to

meet existing or projected workloads.

CONFIGURATION MANAGEMENT

For on-going configuration management,control and planning, CASE may be

used to ascertain performance interrela-tionships of new equipment, system

software and applications. Using CApresent and projected workloads maspecified in machine independent

which facilitates rapid, automatic, tem redesign for analysis of vaconfigurations.

CASE/SMF INPUT PROCESSOR

To ease the input definition to CA

an auxiliary package is offered wautomatically generates CASE from SMF accounting tapes. The Cinput is extremely accurate, ass

precise simulations. But most imtantly, minimum time and effort required to prepare simulations.

The data created by the CASE/Input Processor may be used to sim

any hardware configuration desired. CASE input data is completely macindependent.

NETWORK ANALYSIS

CASE provides a thorough teleprocenetwork analysis unrestricted by number of communication compon

defined in the system. A thoroanalysis provides network compoutilization and queuing information.



TESDATAPRODUCTSUSERSINCLUDE

Amoco Production CompanyAmpex Corporation

Blue Cross AssociationCelanese Corporation

Control Data CorporationCIMA InsuranceVirginia Division of Motor Vehicles

Ernst & Ernst

Honeywell Information SystemsITALSIEL

Northwest Computer ServicesRalston Purina

Drugs & Chemicals, Inc.

U.S. Forest Service

Ontario Hydro

Western Electric

Naval Command Systems Support Activity

(NAVCOSSACT)

U.S. Army Computer Systems Command(USACSC)

American Telephone & TelegraphIllinois Bell TelephoneBoeing Computer Services, Inc.Naval Ordnance Systems CommandBankers Security Life InsuranceServi-Data ABPANDATA NVScholastic Magazines, Inc.Sandia Corporation

U.S. Naval Construction Batallion CenterARINC Research CorporationTransamerica/ISD

Firemans Fund Insurance Co.The Cleveland Electric Illuminating

CompanyConsolidated Edison Co. of New York, Inc.Del Monte CorporationState of OklahomaFraser EspanolHoneywell-ltalia

OlivettiDetroit Edison

Grumman Data Systems

Hallmark Cards, Inc.

Lockheed-Georgia CompanyMcGraw Hill, Inc.Northern States Power Company

Pacific Gas and Electric Co.Southern New England Telephone CompanySpring Mills, Inc.

Transamerica Corporation

Trans-World AirlinesUnion Oil Company

United Airlines

Weyerhaeuser Company

Burlington Northern

New York Life Insurance Co.

Owens-Illinois

RCA IndianapolisFirst National Bank of Boston

Woodward & Lothrop

Caterpillar Tractor CompanyDepartment of National Defence - Canada

National Revenue, Taxation - Canada

Defense Intelligence Agency

Shell-Canada

Manufacturers National Bank of Detroit

Crocker National Bank

ALMSA - U.S. Army

Delaware Data Services, Ltd.

Anheuser BuschLockheed Missiles & Space Co.

Southwestern BellSinger Information ServicesXerox Corporation

Whirlpool Corporation

Software International S.A.Internal Revenue ServiceHaskins & Sells

Massachusetts Blue Cross

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