Serena Comparex - Application Availability Solution
Essential Tool for Software Reliability
SerenaT Comparex®, Application Availability Solution, is an essential tool for software
quality assurance and efficient application testing. It performs fast, accurate, single-step
comparisons of the contents of any two libraries, directories, files or databases. Comparex Bullet
Points Designed to detect differences between files of like and dissimilar content, structure or record 
length, Serena Comparex can isolate any changes and generate a detailed Differences Report. An on-line
ISPF interface or batch utility enables even novice users to take advantage of it's advanced comparison
functions.
Serena Comparex has been adopted by Fortune 1000 companies as a standard because of its flexibility in handling any type of file comparison problem.
Selective Comparisons
Serena Comparex minimizes the scope of comparisons by utilizing keywords to compare only specific portions of a file. Users can tailor comparisons by using the more than 35 keywords available, including MASK and FIELD. The MASK keyword enables users to ignore portions of a record during a comparison. With the FIELD keyword, users may select specific portions of a record for comparison.
Sophisticated Comparisons
To expedite data comparisons, Serena Comparex uses a look-ahead logic to process record-to-record relationships against matched or unmatched conditions until all records are exhausted. It flags not only differences in code, but also "out-of-sync" conditions (i.e., the code is the same but it is not in the same relative position in the file). This allows Serena Comparex to perform logical comparisons regardless of record order. Users do not have to process files multiple times to determine similarities and differences. Within the load module, Serena Comparex compares CSECTs with the same name, regardless of the link-edit sequence. While comparing directories, Serena Comparex can be directed to compare libraries and highlight similarities and differences in the directory structure in order to quickly identify mismatched members.
Serena Comparex has direct interfaces for IMS, DB2, Oracle, ADABAS, CA-DATACOM, CA-IDMS, CA-RAMIS, VSAM, PDS, CA-Panvalet, CA-Librarian, CA-ROSCOE, WYLBUR and FOCUS. Serena Comparex eliminates the need to create intermediate flat files by directly comparing databases in a single step without file size or record length restrictions. This not only improves performance, but also simplifies processing setup. Serena Comparex can compare like databases (DB2 to DB2), as well as dissimilar file types (VSAM to DB2.)
Dynamic Data and Text Comparisons
Serena Comparex quickly and efficiently performs both data and text comparisons. Users can take advantage of data mode synchronization on up to 40 positions with independent keys with any combination of character, zoned, decimal, packed decimal or binary attributes.
During text comparisons, Serena Comparex compares files line-by-line. If a difference is detected during a comparison, the fade-in fade-out feature displays the lines of text preceding and following the change. This enables users to view the difference within the context of other code.
A-IDENTITY
The A-IDENTITY is a new keyword that works in conjunction with the IDENTITY keyword to allow multiple selection criteria on a single record. It allows a user to compare multiple logical record layouts in a file in a single pass. The A-IDENTITY keyword extends the IDENTITY keyword to include Boolean statements. Serena Comparex provides the AND logic applied to the IDENTITY keyword to allow field descriptions to be associated with a more complex set of discriminators.
Date Field Comparison
Date field comparison allows users to define and compares dates in different formats for equality. For example, if the date format in one file is MMDDYY and the date format in the other file is MMDDYYYY or MMDDCCYY, Serena Comparex will accurately compare the two fields and highlight the differences. If the century is not specified, Serena Comparex will treat the year as the 20th and 21st century. This feature is particularly useful when comparing the old file that has a six-digit date field to the new file that has the expanded eight-digit date field.
Comprehensive Reporting
Serena Comparex automatically documents differences between two files and creates an electronic audit trail. The flexible reporting functions enable users to customize the format, structure and content of each report. Various output models are provided including alphanumeric or hexadecimal display, and vertical or horizontal layout. Reports clearly identify not only expected but also unexpected changes, enabling users to make modifications quickly and accurately.
Automated Delta File Creation
When a comparison is performed, the differences or similarities can be written to a third file or delta file. The delta file can be used for specific functions, including generating test data and reconciling software upgrades. Serena Comparex can produce delta files formatted for IEBUPDTE, CA-Panvalet, CA-Librarian, GEM and Change Man.
EUROEXIT Option
EUROEXIT is an optional currency conversion exit specifically designed to reflect the triangulation rules of the European Monetary Union. EUROEXIT enables Serena Comparex to perform fast, accurate conversions when comparing currency values: Euro to local, local to Euro, or local to local. This function helps users perform EMU conversions.
Operating Systems Supported
MVS/SP, MVS/XA, MVS/ESA, DOS/VSE, VSE/ESA, VM/CMS, OS/390