Application perceptions (was Re: MIDRANGE-L digest, Vol 1 #776 - 16 msgs )

On Thu, 29 November 2001, "Leif Svalgaard" wrote:

>
> From: Richard B Baird <rbaird@esourceconsulting.com>
> > my memory isn't the best even on things I did yesterday.  Maybe it was top
> > to bottom.  I do remember that HP's rep told us that they did it because it
> > was percieved by their test users that it was slower than 5250, so they
> > kept the screen "blank" till all data had been painted.
>
> There is a psychological effect here. I once had a similar experience.
> The (character mode) screen was fed by a slow modem and the
> contents kind of "dribbled" down the screen. Users were complaining
> about "slow response". We changed the system to buffer up all
> incoming data until we had it all and then "flashing" it onto the screen
> in one go. Users got their information slower, but all applauded us
> for the "great improvement in response time".

20+ yrs ago, I was aware of the technique of placing delay loops in the first 
applications built on new systems. The delays could be set initially to make 
the new system respond similar to the old or maybe a little faster.

As additional applications were built/installed and the system workload 
increased, the loop cycles would be reduced. This prevented any perception that 
the system was getting slower and, properly handled, could even make it seem to 
be getting faster.

Tom Liotta

--
Tom Liotta
The PowerTech Group, Inc.
19426 68th Avenue South
Kent, WA 98032
Phone  253-872-7788
Fax  253-872-7904
http://www.400Security.com


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