DataPower IMS Callout Handler: ACK Removal or Configuration Option

This RFE proposes making the ACK mechanism in IBM DataPower IMS Callout Handler configurable or removable to address critical performance bottlenecks in production banking environments. By eliminating unnecessary ACK/NAK exchanges between DataPower and IMS backend systems, this enhancement will significantly improve transaction processing times, reduce network overhead, and optimize system resources throughout the integration stack.

Current Situation

• The DataPower IMS Callout Handler sends ICAL response messages with ACK
• DataPower waits for ACK responses from IMS before proceeding with transaction processing
• These ACK/NAK messages serve no functional purpose in DataPower processing logic
• The wait time and additional network exchanges create measurable performance degradation
• This issue particularly impacts high-volume transaction processing critical to banking operations

Business Impact

• Increased transaction response times negatively affecting customer experience
• Unnecessary consumption of valuable system resources
• Redundant TCP/IP network utilization in high-throughput environments
• Scalability constraints during peak processing periods affecting overall system performance

Proposed Enhancement

Implement a configuration option to control ACK behavior:

• Introduce a new parameter in the IMS Callout Handler configuration (e.g., "wait_for_ack") with values "yes" or "no"
• When set to "no," DataPower will send ICAL response messages without waiting for ACK responses from IMS ("fire-and-forget" mode)
• Maintain backward compatibility through configuration options
• Update relevant product documentation to reflect this enhancement