Rocket SmartTest
Rocket SmartTest: Interactive testing, transaction checks and coverage analysis for on-premises mainframe teams. Ranked #3 of 7 in Mainframe Testing Tools by our editors (8.5/10); pricing: Pricing on request; best for mainframe teams testing CICS, IMS, batch and DB2.
At a glance
- Editor score8.5 / 10
- PricingPricing on request
- Best forMainframe teams testing CICS, IMS, batch and DB2
- Automation levelAutomated
- Founded1990 · Waltham, Massachusetts, USA
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Tests CICS synchronous and asynchronous transactions, IMS/DC, batch and DB2 procedures
- Explores execution paths and data relationships in interactive sessions
- Reports test coverage at statement, paragraph and program levels
Where it doesn't
- Requires on-premises deployment in IBM z/OS environments
- Pricing is handled through contact with Rocket Software
- Its mainframe focus may not suit teams testing non-mainframe applications
Our verdict on Rocket SmartTest
For development and quality-assurance teams working on IBM z/OS applications, Rocket SmartTest brings interactive testing and debugging together with transaction and coverage testing. It supports COBOL and PL/I, with options for CICS, IMS/DC, batch and DB2 stored procedures. The fit is clearest for mid-market and enterprise mainframe teams that need to inspect application behavior in MVS TSO/ISPF and related environments, rather than teams seeking a general-purpose testing service.
The tool's mainframe-specific depth is a central strength. Testers can explore execution paths and data relationships, use environment-sensitive setup wizards, and test synchronous and asynchronous CICS transactions. Its COBOL and PL/I find facility helps locate language constructs; Fault Analyzer integration supports abend root-cause analysis. Test Coverage Analysis reports at statement, paragraph and program levels. SmartScope and Existing Systems Workbench are also listed integrations. This combination suits teams whose work spans interactive programs, system testing and transaction processing; organizations that need broad testing outside the mainframe should consider a different tool.
SmartTest is deployed on premises rather than as a self-service subscription. Rocket Software directs prospective buyers to contact an expert, so teams should expect a sales-led purchase process instead of choosing from published tiers. Rocket lists ticket, community and documentation support channels. The product makes sense where mainframe compatibility and testing breadth are priorities, especially across CICS, IMS, batch and DB2. It is a less natural choice for teams looking for cloud-hosted delivery, public plan-based pricing or testing focused on non-mainframe platforms.
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Rocket SmartTest pricing
Rocket SmartTest fact sheet
| Free plan | Not verified |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Not verified |
| Test types | interactive program, application and system testing; CICS transaction testing; IMS/DC testing; batch testing; test coverage analysis; DB2 stored-procedure testing |
| Mainframe platforms | IBM z/OS; MVS TSO/ISPF; CICS; IMS/DC |
| Automation level | Automated |
| Test data support | Yes |
| CI/CD integration | Not verified |
| Deployment options | On-premises |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Tickets, Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: Rocket SmartScope, Rocket Fault Analyzer, Rocket Existing Systems Workbench (ESW) |
| Pricing | Pricing on request |
| Website | rocketsoftware.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
Rocket SmartTest integrations
Rocket SmartTest lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- Rocket SmartScope
- Rocket Fault Analyzer
- Rocket Existing Systems Workbench (ESW)
Alternatives to Rocket SmartTest
- IBM Test Accelerator for ZA broad IBM Z testing framework for teams automating COBOL and functional tests.9.1
- IBM Z Unit TestA focused z/OS unit-testing tool, but IBM marks ZUnit deprecated and recommends its successor.8.8
- IBM Workload Simulator for z/OS and OS/390A focused workload simulator for teams testing applications on z/OS and OS/390.7.8
See all Rocket SmartTest alternatives →
Rocket SmartTest vs the competition
- Rocket SmartTest vs IBM Test Accelerator for Z
- Rocket SmartTest vs IBM Z Unit Test
- Rocket SmartTest vs IBM Workload Simulator for z/OS and OS/390
- Rocket SmartTest vs Galasa
- Rocket SmartTest vs Infotel Application Parallel Testing
- Rocket SmartTest vs ACCELQ
Compare Rocket SmartTest with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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