IBM HourGlass is a system-level clock and date simulation tool for IBM Z (z/OS) that returns simulated date/time values to applications without modifying application code, enabling controlled testing of end-of-period, time-zone, and future-date scenarios.
Published Aug 24, 2026
| Starting Price | Quote-based (not publicly listed) | Quote-based (not publicly listed) | Quote-based (not publicly listed) |
| Suitable For | Enterprises needing z/OS-focused date/time simulation for testing time-sensitive applications without code changes | Organizations needing cross-platform time simulation (z/OS plus Linux/Unix/Windows) and time synchronization across platforms | IBM environments seeking an IBM-provided time simulation capability (feature ranges and dates differ by catalog descriptions) |
| Key Strength | Deep z/OS integration; explicit support for CICS/IMS/Db2 patterns and control elements | Broader OS coverage and advertised time synchronization across platforms | Positioned within IBM’s portfolio; legacy-oriented catalog presence |
| Key Weakness | Limited public peer-review coverage; z/OS-only scope; pricing opacity | Public validation of some vendor claims is limited; implementation complexity likely | Feature range and depth are unclear without detailed IBM materials; limited public reviews |
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