The Director’s Chair
		Time Saver
		New Feature
		Advanced Techniques
by James Patrick		The Resource Analyzer Challenge
		FOCUS 101
		Quick Tips
		User Group Meeting Schedule

Assessing Your FOCUS Usage Almost 100 mainframe FOCUS customers already have taken advantage of Information Builders’ Resource Analyzer Challenge. Whereas standard mainframe monitors reveal total resource consumption by FOCUS, the Resource Analyzer utility, which we provide for free, produces an accurate portrayal of resource utilization within FOCUS jobs. This helps us pinpoint areas needing improvement. We capture the usage statistics by installing the FOCUS Resource Analyzer and running it in the background during FOCUS sessions. Resource Analyzer collects detailed information about who runs which FOCEXECs against which files or fields and what the resulting CPU costs are over a period of time. Participants in the program receive a week of a FOCUS System Engineer’s time as well as free use of the Resource Analyzer product for the duration of the Challenge program. The SE installs Resource Analyzer, works with the FOCUS coordinator to monitor FOCUS usage, analyzes the raw data, and then summarizes the findings, implications, and recommendations in a formal presentation to management. Analysis of day-to-day FOCUS usage statistics typically provides answers to these questions: How widespread is our use, and who runs which FOCEXECs? Do some of our applications appear to waste computer resources? Could simple adjustments here and there return substantial savings? Do our usage patterns suggest that features from recent releases might significantly lower operating costs? Participants often express surprise at their level of day-to-day FOCUS usage and at the number of critical FOCUS applications they run. Most have told us it was a worthwhile experience. Information Builders is making this offer to help customers assess their current use and needs, and also to consider suggestions for enhancing their use of FOCUS. If you wish to schedule a presentation at your site or to sign up for the Resource Analyzer Challenge, go to www.informationbuilders.com/focus-usage or call your local branch office.