EFT Capacity Testing via Mainframe Copy Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) systems face high cost barriers for smaller entities due to reliance on mainframe processing, leading to outsourcing to third-party vendors, and require effective testing to handle varying transaction volumes and types, especially under extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system capable of performing stress tests on EFT systems by simulating high transaction volumes and types, using multiple processors to measure response times and queue depths, with scripting capabilities to replicate production environments and provide detailed logging and reporting for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mainframe processing systems are used for EFT transactions, then data processing integrity and service levels are maintained, but cost barriers increase substantially for smaller entities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mainframe copies to simulate production environments for capacity testing. Multiple mainframe copies are created to represent different production scenarios, allowing testing of system capacity without requiring actual production mainframes. This enables smaller entities to perform comprehensive capacity planning at lower costs while maintaining test accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes transaction volumes, message rates, and test parameters during capacity testing. By varying these parameters, the system can identify capacity thresholds and performance degradation points without requiring permanent infrastructure changes, reducing costs while maintaining reliability validation.
2Ease of manufacture
If third-party vendors are used for EFT transaction operations, then cost per transaction decreases for smaller entities, but control and customization capabilities are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables organizations to perform their own capacity testing and planning using automated mainframe copy-based testing systems. This self-service approach eliminates dependence on third-party vendors for capacity assessment, allowing entities to maintain full control and customization of their EFT operations while achieving cost efficiency through in-house testing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is divided into modular components including mainframe copies, capacity planning software, and analysis tools. This segmentation allows smaller entities to implement only the necessary testing capabilities they need, providing customizable solutions at lower costs compared to comprehensive third-party vendor services.
3Reliability
If capacity testing is performed to determine maximum transaction rates, then operational extremes and system weaknesses are identified, but testing complexity and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Mainframe copies are used to create simplified test environments that replicate production system behavior. These copies capture essential system characteristics without requiring the full complexity of production mainframes, enabling comprehensive capacity testing with reduced testing system complexity and resource requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Mainframe copies are prepared in advance with pre-configured transaction scripts and test scenarios. This preliminary action allows capacity testing to proceed systematically without requiring complex real-time setup, reducing testing complexity while maintaining thoroughness in identifying system capacity limits.
Data Source
AI summary
The system of the invention provides for testing of Electronic Funds Transfer host systems. A first personal computer is used to generate test scripts. The test scripts are downloaded to a number of second personal computers that are operated under control of the first processor to provide EFT test messages to the host system. The number of the second personal computers is selected to provide a maximum rate of providing test transactions to the host. Data collection is utilized to permit the first processor to display the host system response time to varying loads or transaction rates.