SPDE Test File Criteria

To demonstrate the capabilities, speed, and accuracy of Solimar solutions, customer application testing is available. Clients can submit AFPDS/ACIF, IPDS, LCDS/Metacode, line data, RJE, PCL, PDF, PostScript, and TIFF files with necessary resources for testing. Solimar technicians test conversion speeds, examine the fidelity of the output, and incorporate specific printing requirements during system configuration. A test result summary is provided and often includes recommendations and viewable PDF files.

Datastream Guidelines

Sending AFPDS

Solimar recommends creating an ACIF file for testing AFPDS applications. ACIF file creation is part of PSF on the mainframe. Using ACIF is easier than AFPDS files because PSF will take care of gathering all the necessary resources and data the test may require. Please read the Directions for Creating ACIF Files for testing prospect’s AFP applications. Please make the resources the first part of the concatenation to make testing easier. Note: Some host systems require that recfm=bm be added to the sysut2 dataset during ACIF file creation. If your prospect gets error messages during ACIF file creation have them add this setting.

Sending IPDS

To enable IPDS testing, a 30 day trial of iCONVERT is available in order to test your IPDS files. Please visit the iCONVERT Test File Page and complete the iCONVERT Test File Checklist.

Sending LCDS/Metacode

For sending Xerox DJDE, LCDS or Metacode files for testing, include sample data along with all necessary electronic printer resources, including: JSLs, fonts (FNT), forms (FRM), images (IMG), and logos (LGO). Write a brief description and include the START commands and JDEs/JDLs used, and the block and record size or data structure.

Sending PCL/PostScript

For sending PCL or PostScript test files, include sample data along with all necessary electronic printer resources, including: fonts and macros. All of the required resources are normally captured when using a printer driver to generate the output. To properly capture the PCL or PostScript data and resources from your application, simply direct the output to “Print to a File”. Note that PCL output needs to be 300 dpi.

Necessary Information to Include

  • Complete company name, address, telephone number, and email address
  • Name and title of main contact
  • Description of host systems, printers, and existing connectivity
  • Name of software programs and printer driver(s) used to create test files
  • Type of conversion(s) requested
  • Detail desired changes to printing environment and workflow
  • Indication of highlight or full-color text or images
  • Any existing printing challenges with the files
  • Desired media for returning test results
  • Sample hardcopy output from the test data provided, produced on the current printer.

Media Guidelines

To assist with test file reliability, please submit the files in Windows readable format. Files with the necessary test information can be submitted via FTP, email, courier, or regular mail. When sending electronically, attach compressed, self-executable files that include the data and printer resources. For sending files via mail or courier, include the data and resources.

Please complete the SPDE Test File Checklist to make sure you have supplied all the crucial information regarding your sample data. For testing reports with sensitive information, clients should generate fictitious data to assure the security of the transmitted information. File testing is performed daily, but allow up to 10 business days for results due to high demand peaks.

  • For IBM-compatible mainframe data without Barr/RJE, use a 9-track tape in FBM or VBM format
  • For Barr/RJE data, spool the file to a diskette or a Zip disk in Barr S/370 format
  • For offline data, create fixed records with 3211 or ANSI carriage control
  • For JSLs and printer resources on diskette, use only Xerox formatted diskettes
  • For FNTs, FRMs, IMGs, and LGOs on 9-track tape, use the COPY TAPE WRITE LABEL command.
  • For VIPP® data, please complete the SOLscript™ Test File Checklist

Instructions for Sending Test Files

Please send test files and resources to:

Solimar Systems, Inc.
Testing Department
1515 Second Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101
+1.619.849.2800 tel
Email: testing@solimarsystems.com
FTP Site: https://solftp.solimarsystems.com/