Service Virtualization with iTKO LISA

Virtualization

Virtualization is the creation of a simulated physical asset. In the IT world, there are many types of virtualization buzzing around: Hardware, Software, Network and Storage to name a few.

When people hear the word “virtualization”, many tend to think about “hardware virtualization”, where the physical characteristics of a computing system are hidden from the users. We can take one physical asset, a computer, and create multiple “virtual computers” from it using software such as VMWare, Virtual PC, or Hyper-V. Each virtual computer acts like it’s a separate physical asset, even though it is just a simulation of a physical asset. This helps IT shops cut down on the number of physical servers they use - and the cost of the associated electric bill!

Service Virtualization

iTKO has taken the concept of virtualization to a different layer – the Service.

LISA_PROJ_ROOT

Starting with version 5, the concept of a LISA "Project" has been enforced by iTKO. All LISA model assets (test cases, virtual services, data sets, etc.) must be under a LISA "Project". LISA workstation can only have one Project opened at any given time.

To keep LISA projects portable, it is a best practice to use relative paths when referring to the various LISA assets within a project relative to the root directory of our project. This allows us to move the location of the project (maybe from "C:/data/Project1" to "D:/lisadata/Project1") without having to change all the paths to the assets referenced in our models.

LISA’s Project Config

Another change with LISA 5.0 is the concept of a Project Configuration file. "Project.config" is the default configuration file for a LISA Project. Like previously, you can add additional "alternate" configuration files to support the different environments you will access. You can make any of the configurations the "active" configuration for your project. When you make a configuration active, it applies to the whole project, not to individual virtual service models or test case. LISA will still automatically add properties to your configuration as you develop your tests.

HP Software Universe

The 2010 HP Software Universe was a success once again. I had the chance to talk to a lot of people about LISA Virtualize and even demonstrate some of the capabilities.

My presentation "How service virtualization can improve your testing efforts" went well on Friday. I was happy to see about 30 people in attendance. If you are interested, you can download the slides from my presentation at http://www.lisaconsultants.com/docs/1610_FINAL.pdf

It was great talking to everyone. Hope to see you again next year.

-Randy