diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci-cell.yml b/.github/workflows/ci-cell.yml
index 2b33a7c9..7b4d3b19 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci-cell.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci-cell.yml
@@ -19,6 +19,10 @@ on:
         required: false
         type: string
         default: Release
+      with-ace:
+        required: false
+        type: boolean
+        default: false
 
 jobs:
   build:
@@ -32,6 +36,10 @@ jobs:
         if: runner.os == 'Linux' && inputs.c-compiler == 'clang'
         run: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y clang
 
+      - name: Install ACE (Ubuntu)
+        if: inputs.with-ace && runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y libace-dev
+
       - name: Setup MSYS2 MinGW
         if: runner.os == 'Windows' && inputs.c-compiler == 'mingw'
         uses: msys2/setup-msys2@v2
@@ -61,7 +69,8 @@ jobs:
               -DCMAKE_DISABLE_FIND_PACKAGE_MFC=TRUE \
               -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX="$DEPS" \
               -DBUILD_EXAMPLES=OFF \
-              -DBUILD_TESTING=OFF
+              -DBUILD_TESTING=OFF \
+              -DNO_ACE=ON
             cmake --build "$STLINSTALL" --config "${{ inputs.build-type }}" --parallel
             cmake --install "$STLINSTALL" --config "${{ inputs.build-type }}"
           elif [ "${{ inputs.c-compiler }}" = "mingw" ]; then
@@ -70,7 +79,8 @@ jobs:
               -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE="${{ inputs.build-type }}" \
               -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX="$DEPS" \
               -DBUILD_EXAMPLES=OFF \
-              -DBUILD_TESTING=OFF
+              -DBUILD_TESTING=OFF \
+              -DNO_ACE=ON
             cmake --build "$STLINSTALL" --parallel 2
             cmake --install "$STLINSTALL"
           else
@@ -80,7 +90,8 @@ jobs:
               -DCMAKE_CXX_COMPILER="${{ inputs.cpp-compiler }}" \
               -DCMAKE_INSTALL_PREFIX="$DEPS" \
               -DBUILD_EXAMPLES=OFF \
-              -DBUILD_TESTING=OFF
+              -DBUILD_TESTING=OFF \
+              -DNO_ACE=ON
             cmake --build "$STLINSTALL" --parallel
             cmake --install "$STLINSTALL"
           fi
@@ -129,13 +140,19 @@ jobs:
         shell: bash
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
+          if [ "${{ inputs.with-ace }}" = "true" ]; then
+            ACE_FLAG="-DNO_ACE=OFF"
+          else
+            ACE_FLAG="-DNO_ACE=ON"
+          fi
           if [ "${{ inputs.c-compiler }}" = "cl" ]; then
             cmake -B build -S . \
               -DCMAKE_DISABLE_FIND_PACKAGE_MFC=TRUE \
               -DCMAKE_PREFIX_PATH="${RUNNER_TEMP}/sis-deps" \
               -DBUILD_EXAMPLES=ON \
               -DBUILD_TESTING=ON \
-              -DNO_SHWILD=TRUE
+              -DNO_SHWILD=TRUE \
+              $ACE_FLAG
           elif [ "${{ inputs.c-compiler }}" = "mingw" ]; then
             export PATH="/mingw64/bin:$PATH"
             cmake -B build -G "MinGW Makefiles" \
@@ -145,7 +162,8 @@ jobs:
               -DCMAKE_PREFIX_PATH="${RUNNER_TEMP}/sis-deps" \
               -DBUILD_EXAMPLES=ON \
               -DBUILD_TESTING=ON \
-              -DNO_SHWILD=TRUE
+              -DNO_SHWILD=TRUE \
+              $ACE_FLAG
           else
             cmake -B build -S . \
               -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE="${{ inputs.build-type }}" \
@@ -154,9 +172,30 @@ jobs:
               -DCMAKE_PREFIX_PATH="${RUNNER_TEMP}/sis-deps" \
               -DBUILD_EXAMPLES=ON \
               -DBUILD_TESTING=ON \
-              -DNO_SHWILD=TRUE
+              -DNO_SHWILD=TRUE \
+              $ACE_FLAG
           fi
 
+      - name: Verify ACE discovered
+        if: inputs.with-ace
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          ACE_LIB="$(grep -E '^ACE_LIBRARY:(FILEPATH|PATH)=' build/CMakeCache.txt | head -1 | cut -d= -f2-)"
+          ACE_INC="$(grep -E '^ACE_INCLUDE_DIR:(FILEPATH|PATH)=' build/CMakeCache.txt | head -1 | cut -d= -f2-)"
+          if [ -z "${ACE_LIB}" ] || [[ "${ACE_LIB}" == *NOTFOUND* ]]; then
+            echo "with-ace requested but ACE_LIBRARY was not found:" >&2
+            grep -i '^ACE_' build/CMakeCache.txt || true
+            exit 1
+          fi
+          if [ -z "${ACE_INC}" ] || [[ "${ACE_INC}" == *NOTFOUND* ]]; then
+            echo "with-ace requested but ACE_INCLUDE_DIR was not found:" >&2
+            grep -i '^ACE_' build/CMakeCache.txt || true
+            exit 1
+          fi
+          echo "ACE_LIBRARY=${ACE_LIB}"
+          echo "ACE_INCLUDE_DIR=${ACE_INC}"
+
       - name: Build
         shell: bash
         run: |
@@ -185,6 +224,10 @@ jobs:
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+      - name: Install ACE (Ubuntu)
+        if: inputs.with-ace && runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y libace-dev
+
       - name: Setup MSYS2 MinGW
         if: runner.os == 'Windows' && inputs.c-compiler == 'mingw'
         uses: msys2/setup-msys2@v2
@@ -199,6 +242,34 @@ jobs:
           name: sis-build-${{ inputs.cell-id }}
           path: build
 
+      - name: Restore executable bits
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          find build -type f \
+            \( \
+              \( -path '*/examples/*' \
+                 ! -name '*.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'CMakeLists.txt' \
+                 ! -name 'CTestTestfile.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'Makefile' \
+                 ! -name 'cmake_install.cmake' \
+              \) \
+              -o -name 'test.unit.*' -o -name 'test_unit*' \
+              -o -name 'test.component.*' -o -name 'test_component*' \
+              -o -name 'test.scratch.*' -o -name 'test_scratch*' \
+              -o -name 'test.performance.*' -o -name 'test_performance*' \
+            \) \
+            ! -path '*/CMakeFiles/*' \
+            ! -name '*.a' \
+            ! -name '*.d' \
+            ! -name '*.lib' \
+            ! -name '*.log' \
+            ! -name '*.o' \
+            ! -name '*.obj' \
+            ! -name '*.pdb' \
+            -exec chmod +x {} +
+
       - name: Run examples
         shell: bash
         run: |
@@ -216,6 +287,10 @@ jobs:
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+      - name: Install ACE (Ubuntu)
+        if: inputs.with-ace && runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y libace-dev
+
       - name: Setup MSYS2 MinGW
         if: runner.os == 'Windows' && inputs.c-compiler == 'mingw'
         uses: msys2/setup-msys2@v2
@@ -230,6 +305,34 @@ jobs:
           name: sis-build-${{ inputs.cell-id }}
           path: build
 
+      - name: Restore executable bits
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          find build -type f \
+            \( \
+              \( -path '*/examples/*' \
+                 ! -name '*.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'CMakeLists.txt' \
+                 ! -name 'CTestTestfile.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'Makefile' \
+                 ! -name 'cmake_install.cmake' \
+              \) \
+              -o -name 'test.unit.*' -o -name 'test_unit*' \
+              -o -name 'test.component.*' -o -name 'test_component*' \
+              -o -name 'test.scratch.*' -o -name 'test_scratch*' \
+              -o -name 'test.performance.*' -o -name 'test_performance*' \
+            \) \
+            ! -path '*/CMakeFiles/*' \
+            ! -name '*.a' \
+            ! -name '*.d' \
+            ! -name '*.lib' \
+            ! -name '*.log' \
+            ! -name '*.o' \
+            ! -name '*.obj' \
+            ! -name '*.pdb' \
+            -exec chmod +x {} +
+
       - name: Run unit tests
         shell: bash
         run: |
@@ -247,6 +350,10 @@ jobs:
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+      - name: Install ACE (Ubuntu)
+        if: inputs.with-ace && runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y libace-dev
+
       - name: Setup MSYS2 MinGW
         if: runner.os == 'Windows' && inputs.c-compiler == 'mingw'
         uses: msys2/setup-msys2@v2
@@ -261,6 +368,34 @@ jobs:
           name: sis-build-${{ inputs.cell-id }}
           path: build
 
+      - name: Restore executable bits
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          find build -type f \
+            \( \
+              \( -path '*/examples/*' \
+                 ! -name '*.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'CMakeLists.txt' \
+                 ! -name 'CTestTestfile.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'Makefile' \
+                 ! -name 'cmake_install.cmake' \
+              \) \
+              -o -name 'test.unit.*' -o -name 'test_unit*' \
+              -o -name 'test.component.*' -o -name 'test_component*' \
+              -o -name 'test.scratch.*' -o -name 'test_scratch*' \
+              -o -name 'test.performance.*' -o -name 'test_performance*' \
+            \) \
+            ! -path '*/CMakeFiles/*' \
+            ! -name '*.a' \
+            ! -name '*.d' \
+            ! -name '*.lib' \
+            ! -name '*.log' \
+            ! -name '*.o' \
+            ! -name '*.obj' \
+            ! -name '*.pdb' \
+            -exec chmod +x {} +
+
       - name: Run component tests
         shell: bash
         run: |
@@ -279,6 +414,10 @@ jobs:
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+      - name: Install ACE (Ubuntu)
+        if: inputs.with-ace && runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y libace-dev
+
       - name: Setup MSYS2 MinGW
         if: runner.os == 'Windows' && inputs.c-compiler == 'mingw'
         uses: msys2/setup-msys2@v2
@@ -293,6 +432,34 @@ jobs:
           name: sis-build-${{ inputs.cell-id }}
           path: build
 
+      - name: Restore executable bits
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          find build -type f \
+            \( \
+              \( -path '*/examples/*' \
+                 ! -name '*.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'CMakeLists.txt' \
+                 ! -name 'CTestTestfile.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'Makefile' \
+                 ! -name 'cmake_install.cmake' \
+              \) \
+              -o -name 'test.unit.*' -o -name 'test_unit*' \
+              -o -name 'test.component.*' -o -name 'test_component*' \
+              -o -name 'test.scratch.*' -o -name 'test_scratch*' \
+              -o -name 'test.performance.*' -o -name 'test_performance*' \
+            \) \
+            ! -path '*/CMakeFiles/*' \
+            ! -name '*.a' \
+            ! -name '*.d' \
+            ! -name '*.lib' \
+            ! -name '*.log' \
+            ! -name '*.o' \
+            ! -name '*.obj' \
+            ! -name '*.pdb' \
+            -exec chmod +x {} +
+
       - name: Run scratch tests
         shell: bash
         run: |
@@ -311,6 +478,10 @@ jobs:
     steps:
       - uses: actions/checkout@v4
 
+      - name: Install ACE (Ubuntu)
+        if: inputs.with-ace && runner.os == 'Linux'
+        run: sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get install -y libace-dev
+
       - name: Setup MSYS2 MinGW
         if: runner.os == 'Windows' && inputs.c-compiler == 'mingw'
         uses: msys2/setup-msys2@v2
@@ -325,6 +496,34 @@ jobs:
           name: sis-build-${{ inputs.cell-id }}
           path: build
 
+      - name: Restore executable bits
+        shell: bash
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          find build -type f \
+            \( \
+              \( -path '*/examples/*' \
+                 ! -name '*.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'CMakeLists.txt' \
+                 ! -name 'CTestTestfile.cmake' \
+                 ! -name 'Makefile' \
+                 ! -name 'cmake_install.cmake' \
+              \) \
+              -o -name 'test.unit.*' -o -name 'test_unit*' \
+              -o -name 'test.component.*' -o -name 'test_component*' \
+              -o -name 'test.scratch.*' -o -name 'test_scratch*' \
+              -o -name 'test.performance.*' -o -name 'test_performance*' \
+            \) \
+            ! -path '*/CMakeFiles/*' \
+            ! -name '*.a' \
+            ! -name '*.d' \
+            ! -name '*.lib' \
+            ! -name '*.log' \
+            ! -name '*.o' \
+            ! -name '*.obj' \
+            ! -name '*.pdb' \
+            -exec chmod +x {} +
+
       - name: Run performance tests
         shell: bash
         run: |
diff --git a/.github/workflows/ci.yml b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
index 7967e49d..86b76b3f 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/ci.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/ci.yml
@@ -9,6 +9,7 @@ on:
       - idiomatic
       - update.3
       - update.4
+      - ace
       - rc1
       - rc2
       - rc3
@@ -61,6 +62,27 @@ jobs:
       c-compiler: ${{ matrix.c_compiler }}
       cpp-compiler: ${{ matrix.cpp_compiler }}
       build-type: Release
+      with-ace: false
+    secrets: inherit
+
+  cell-ace:
+    name: CI ACE (${{ matrix.id }})
+    strategy:
+      fail-fast: false
+      matrix:
+        include:
+          - id: linux-gcc-ace
+            os: ubuntu-latest
+            c_compiler: gcc
+            cpp_compiler: g++
+    uses: ./.github/workflows/ci-cell.yml
+    with:
+      cell-id: ${{ matrix.id }}
+      os: ${{ matrix.os }}
+      c-compiler: ${{ matrix.c_compiler }}
+      cpp-compiler: ${{ matrix.cpp_compiler }}
+      build-type: Release
+      with-ace: true
     secrets: inherit
 
   install-smoke:
diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 71e9f794..51ee7adf 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -140,11 +140,35 @@ option(BUILD_TESTING "Build tests" ON)
 # - xTests - required for testing;
 #
 # optional:
+# - ACE - enables ACESTL examples/tests when found (NO_ACE / --no-ace suppresses);
 # - cstring - facilitates some C tests;
 # - shwild - enhances xTests for testing;
 # - UNIXem - required for examples/testing on Windows if USE_UNIXEM and WIN32 are defined;
 
 
+# ############################
+# ACE
+#
+# Discovery (when NO_ACE is not set): find_package(ACE) via cmake/FindACE.cmake
+# (system packages such as libace-dev, or ACE / ACE_ROOT hints).
+
+set(HAS_ACE OFF)
+
+if(NOT NO_ACE)
+
+	find_package(ACE QUIET)
+
+	if(ACE_FOUND)
+
+		set(HAS_ACE ON)
+
+		add_compile_definitions(STLSOFT_HAS_ACE)
+
+		message("-- ACE found")
+	endif()
+endif()
+
+
 # ############################
 # STLSoft
 #
diff --git a/INSTALL.md b/INSTALL.md
index 05a3e629..e4f3793d 100644
--- a/INSTALL.md
+++ b/INSTALL.md
@@ -76,6 +76,8 @@ $ ./prepare_cmake.sh -m -v
 >
 > Use the `'--help'` flag for the full usage of this script.
 >
+> To exercise **ACESTL**, install **ACE** (for example `libace-dev` on Ubuntu, or set **`ACE`** / **`ACE_ROOT`**) before configuring; pass **`--no-ace`** to **prepare_cmake.sh** to skip **ACE** discovery.
+>
 > To build and exercise the **STLSoft** unit-tests and you are installing **STLSoft** _for the first time_, then you must do the following steps:
 > 1. Configure and install **STLSoft** _without_ tests, by specifying flags `-E` and `-T`;
 > 2. Configure, build, and install **xTests**;
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index 5a8d8319..fbc21a9e 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -151,6 +151,7 @@ If you'd like to help out with the project, please raise an issue via [GitHub Is
 | Dependency | Role | Required? |
 | ---------- | ---- | --------- |
 | — | Installation and use of **STLSoft** (100% header-only) | ✅ None |
+| **ACE** | **ACESTL** examples / tests | ⚪ Optional (`NO_ACE` / **`--no-ace`**; `ACE` / `ACE_ROOT` or system package) |
 | [**xTests**](https://github.com/synesissoftware/xTests) | Component- / unit-tests (`BUILD_TESTING`) | ⚪ Tests only |
 
 
diff --git a/TODO.md b/TODO.md
index 4cc3f9a1..6b929679 100644
--- a/TODO.md
+++ b/TODO.md
@@ -28,7 +28,9 @@
 ### 1.11.1
 
 * [ ] Remove **WTL**;
-* [ ] ACESTL: implement `invoke_ACE_OS_snprintf` in terms of `stlsoft_C_snprintf()`;
+* [x] ~~~ACESTL: implement `invoke_ACE_OS_snprintf` in terms of `stlsoft_C_snprintf()`~~~ - ✅;
+* [ ] CI: exercise **MFCSTL** on a Windows cell (drop / gate `CMAKE_DISABLE_FIND_PACKAGE_MFC`; confirm MSVC+MFC on the runner);
+* [ ] Resolve finally the structure and semantics of the top-level execution scripts (**run_all_unit_tests.sh**, **run_all_scratch_tests.sh**, **run_all_examples.sh**, **execute_performance_tests.sh**, and Windows `.cmd` counterparts) on all platforms — discovery globs, execute-bit / artifact restore, zero-match failure, verbosity, and CI wiring;
 
 
 ### 1.11.2
diff --git a/cmake/FindACE.cmake b/cmake/FindACE.cmake
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..4da2a042
--- /dev/null
+++ b/cmake/FindACE.cmake
@@ -0,0 +1,92 @@
+# FindACE.cmake
+#
+# Locates the ACE (Adaptive Communication Environment) headers and library.
+#
+# Sets:
+#   ACE_FOUND
+#   ACE_INCLUDE_DIRS
+#   ACE_LIBRARIES
+#
+# Provides imported target:
+#   ACE::ACE
+#
+# Optional hints (directory containing `ace/ACE.h`, or `include/ace/ACE.h`):
+#   CMake/env ACE or ACE_ROOT
+
+
+set(_ACE_INCLUDE_HINTS)
+set(_ACE_LIBRARY_HINTS)
+
+foreach(_ace_root IN ITEMS
+	"${ACE}"
+	"${ACE_ROOT}"
+	"$ENV{ACE}"
+	"$ENV{ACE_ROOT}"
+)
+
+	if(_ace_root)
+
+		get_filename_component(_ace_root_abs "${_ace_root}" ABSOLUTE)
+
+		list(APPEND _ACE_INCLUDE_HINTS
+			"${_ace_root_abs}"
+			"${_ace_root_abs}/include"
+		)
+		list(APPEND _ACE_LIBRARY_HINTS
+			"${_ace_root_abs}"
+			"${_ace_root_abs}/lib"
+			"${_ace_root_abs}/ace"
+		)
+	endif()
+endforeach()
+
+find_path(ACE_INCLUDE_DIR
+	NAMES
+		ace/ACE.h
+	HINTS
+		${_ACE_INCLUDE_HINTS}
+	DOC
+		"Directory containing ace/ACE.h"
+)
+
+find_library(ACE_LIBRARY
+	NAMES
+		ACE
+		ace
+	HINTS
+		${_ACE_LIBRARY_HINTS}
+	DOC
+		"ACE library"
+)
+
+unset(_ACE_INCLUDE_HINTS)
+unset(_ACE_LIBRARY_HINTS)
+
+include(FindPackageHandleStandardArgs)
+
+find_package_handle_standard_args(ACE
+	REQUIRED_VARS
+		ACE_LIBRARY
+		ACE_INCLUDE_DIR
+)
+
+if(ACE_FOUND)
+
+	set(ACE_INCLUDE_DIRS "${ACE_INCLUDE_DIR}")
+	set(ACE_LIBRARIES "${ACE_LIBRARY}")
+
+	if(NOT TARGET ACE::ACE)
+
+		add_library(ACE::ACE UNKNOWN IMPORTED)
+		set_target_properties(ACE::ACE
+			PROPERTIES
+				IMPORTED_LOCATION "${ACE_LIBRARY}"
+				INTERFACE_INCLUDE_DIRECTORIES "${ACE_INCLUDE_DIR}"
+		)
+	endif()
+endif()
+
+mark_as_advanced(ACE_INCLUDE_DIR ACE_LIBRARY)
+
+
+# ############################## end of file ############################# #
diff --git a/include/acestl/shims/access/string/time_value.hpp b/include/acestl/shims/access/string/time_value.hpp
index e83b50ee..21495ad5 100644
--- a/include/acestl/shims/access/string/time_value.hpp
+++ b/include/acestl/shims/access/string/time_value.hpp
@@ -4,11 +4,11 @@
  * Purpose:     Helper functions for the ACE_Time_Value class.
  *
  * Created:     2nd December 2004
- * Updated:     20th March 2025
+ * Updated:     7th August 2026
  *
  * Home:        http://stlsoft.org/
  *
- * Copyright (c) 2019-2025, Matthew Wilson and Synesis Information Systems
+ * Copyright (c) 2019-2026, Matthew Wilson and Synesis Information Systems
  * Copyright (c) 2004-2019, Matthew Wilson and Synesis Software
  * All rights reserved.
  *
@@ -54,8 +54,8 @@
 #ifndef STLSOFT_DOCUMENTATION_SKIP_SECTION
 # define ACESTL_VER_ACESTL_SHIMS_ACCESS_STRING_HPP_TIME_VALUE_MAJOR     2
 # define ACESTL_VER_ACESTL_SHIMS_ACCESS_STRING_HPP_TIME_VALUE_MINOR     0
-# define ACESTL_VER_ACESTL_SHIMS_ACCESS_STRING_HPP_TIME_VALUE_REVISION  10
-# define ACESTL_VER_ACESTL_SHIMS_ACCESS_STRING_HPP_TIME_VALUE_EDIT      54
+# define ACESTL_VER_ACESTL_SHIMS_ACCESS_STRING_HPP_TIME_VALUE_REVISION  12
+# define ACESTL_VER_ACESTL_SHIMS_ACCESS_STRING_HPP_TIME_VALUE_EDIT      56
 #endif /* !STLSOFT_DOCUMENTATION_SKIP_SECTION */
 
 
@@ -79,6 +79,9 @@
 #ifndef STLSOFT_INCL_STLSOFT_MEMORY_HPP_AUTO_BUFFER
 # include <stlsoft/memory/auto_buffer.hpp>
 #endif /* !STLSOFT_INCL_STLSOFT_MEMORY_HPP_AUTO_BUFFER */
+#ifndef STLSOFT_INCL_STLSOFT_UTIL_STRING_H_SNPRINTF
+# include <stlsoft/util/string/snprintf.h>
+#endif /* !STLSOFT_INCL_STLSOFT_UTIL_STRING_H_SNPRINTF */
 
 #ifndef STLSOFT_INCL_ACE_H_TIME_VALUE
 # define STLSOFT_INCL_ACE_H_TIME_VALUE
@@ -127,35 +130,34 @@ namespace acestl_project
 #ifndef STLSOFT_DOCUMENTATION_SKIP_SECTION
 namespace acestl_time_access_string_util
 {
-    template <ss_typename_param_k S>
-    void stream_insert(S& s, ACE_Time_Value const& t)
+    inline int invoke_ACE_OS_snprintf(ACE_TCHAR s2[], as_size_t size, ACE_TCHAR const* fmt, as_char_a_t const* s1, long ms)
     {
-        char                s1[20];
-        ACE_TCHAR           s2[24];
-
-        long const          s   =   t.sec();
-        long const          us  =   t.usec();
-        struct tm* const    tm  =   ACE_OS::localtime(&static_cast<time_t const&>(s));
-        as_size_t           len =   ACE_OS::strftime(s1, STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s1), "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S", tm);
+# ifndef ACE_USES_WCHAR
+        return stlsoft_C_snprintf(s2, size, fmt, s1, ms);
+# else /* ? ACE_USES_WCHAR */
+        stlsoft::auto_buffer<as_char_a_t>   buff(1 + size);
+        int                                 res;
 
-        ACESTL_ASSERT(len == 1 + STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s1));
+        s2[0] = '\0';
 
-        len = ACE_OS::snprintf(s2, STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s2), ACE_TEXT("%s.%03ld"), ACE_TEXT_CHAR_TO_TCHAR(s1), us / 1000);
+        res = stlsoft_C_snprintf(&buff[0], buff.size(), ACE_TEXT_ALWAYS_CHAR(fmt), s1, ms);
 
-        ACESTL_ASSERT(len == 1 + STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s2));
+        if (0 < res)
+        {
+            ACESTL_ASSERT(static_cast<ss_size_t>(res) < buff.size());
 
-        s.write(&s2[0], len);
-    }
+            ::mbstowcs(s2, buff.data(), res);
+            s2[res] = '\0';
+        }
 
-    inline int invoke_ACE_OS_snprintf(ACE_TCHAR s2[], as_size_t size, ACE_TCHAR const* fmt, as_char_a_t const* s1, long ms)
-    {
-        return ACE_OS::snprintf(s2, size, fmt, ACE_TEXT_CHAR_TO_TCHAR(s1), ms);
+        return res;
+# endif /* ACE_USES_WCHAR */
     }
 
 # ifdef ACE_USES_WCHAR
     inline int invoke_ACE_OS_snprintf(as_char_a_t s2[], as_size_t size, as_char_w_t const* fmt, as_char_a_t const* s1, long ms)
     {
-        return ACE_OS::snprintf(s2, size, ACE_TEXT_ALWAYS_CHAR(fmt), s1, ms);
+        return stlsoft_C_snprintf(s2, size, ACE_TEXT_ALWAYS_CHAR(fmt), s1, ms);
     }
 # else /* ? ACE_USES_WCHAR */
     inline int invoke_ACE_OS_snprintf(as_char_w_t s2[], as_size_t size, as_char_a_t const* fmt, as_char_a_t const* s1, long ms)
@@ -165,7 +167,7 @@ namespace acestl_time_access_string_util
 
         s2[0] = '\0';
 
-        res = ACE_OS::snprintf(&buff[0], buff.size(), ACE_TEXT_ALWAYS_CHAR(fmt), s1, ms);
+        res = stlsoft_C_snprintf(&buff[0], buff.size(), ACE_TEXT_ALWAYS_CHAR(fmt), s1, ms);
 
         if (0 < res)
         {
@@ -179,6 +181,26 @@ namespace acestl_time_access_string_util
     }
 # endif /* ACE_USES_WCHAR */
 
+    template <ss_typename_param_k S>
+    void stream_insert(S& s, ACE_Time_Value const& t)
+    {
+        char                s1[20];
+        ACE_TCHAR           s2[24];
+
+        long const          secs    =   t.sec();
+        long const          us      =   t.usec();
+        struct tm* const    tm      =   ACE_OS::localtime(&static_cast<time_t const&>(secs));
+        as_size_t           len     =   ACE_OS::strftime(s1, STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s1), "%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S", tm);
+
+        ACESTL_ASSERT(1 + len == STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s1));
+
+        len = invoke_ACE_OS_snprintf(s2, STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s2), ACE_TEXT("%s.%03ld"), s1, us / 1000);
+
+        ACESTL_ASSERT(1 + len == STLSOFT_NUM_ELEMENTS(s2));
+
+        s.write(&s2[0], len);
+    }
+
     template <ss_typename_param_k C>
     inline
     ::stlsoft::basic_shim_string<C>
diff --git a/prepare_cmake.sh b/prepare_cmake.sh
index 48f32a74..b1f2da31 100755
--- a/prepare_cmake.sh
+++ b/prepare_cmake.sh
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@ Configuration=Release
 ExamplesDisabled=0
 MSVC_MT=0
 MinGW="${MinGW:=0}"
+NO_ACE=0
 NO_cstring=0
 NO_shwild=0
 RunMake=0
@@ -59,6 +60,10 @@ while [[ $# -gt 0 ]]; do
 
       MSVC_MT=1
       ;;
+    --no-ace)
+
+      NO_ACE=1
+      ;;
     --no-cstring)
 
       NO_cstring=1
@@ -117,6 +122,12 @@ Flags/options:
         selected; the default is the dynamic runtime library. Has no effect
         when not using Visual C++
 
+    --no-ace
+        suppresses discovery of ACE (ACESTL examples/tests will not be built)
+
+    --no-cstring
+        suppresses discovery of cstring package
+
     --no-shwild
         suppresses discovery of shwild package
 
@@ -165,6 +176,7 @@ echo "Executing CMake for ${ProjectName} (in ${CMakeDir})"
 
 if [ $ExamplesDisabled -eq 0 ]; then CMakeBuildExamplesFlag="ON" ; else CMakeBuildExamplesFlag="OFF" ; fi
 if [ $MSVC_MT -eq 0 ]; then CMakeMsvcMtFlag="OFF" ; else CMakeMsvcMtFlag="ON" ; fi
+if [ $NO_ACE -eq 0 ]; then CMakeNoACE="OFF" ; else CMakeNoACE="ON" ; fi
 if [ $NO_cstring -eq 0 ]; then CMakeNoCstring="OFF" ; else CMakeNoCstring="ON" ; fi
 if [ $NO_shwild -eq 0 ]; then CMakeNoShwild="OFF" ; else CMakeNoShwild="ON" ; fi
 if [ $TestingDisabled -eq 0 ]; then CMakeBuildTestingFlag="ON" ; else CMakeBuildTestingFlag="OFF" ; fi
@@ -177,6 +189,7 @@ if [ $MinGW -ne 0 ]; then
     -DBUILD_EXAMPLES:BOOL=$CMakeBuildExamplesFlag \
     -DBUILD_TESTING:BOOL=$CMakeBuildTestingFlag \
     -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=$Configuration \
+    -DNO_ACE:BOOL=$CMakeNoACE \
     -DNO_CSTRING:BOOL=$CMakeNoCstring \
     -DNO_SHWILD:BOOL=$CMakeNoShwild \
     -DUSE_UNIXEM:BOOL=$CMakeUSE_UNIXem \
@@ -192,6 +205,7 @@ else
     -DCMAKE_BUILD_TYPE=$Configuration \
     -DCMAKE_VERBOSE_MAKEFILE:BOOL=$CMakeVerboseMakefileFlag \
     -DMSVC_USE_MT:BOOL=$CMakeMsvcMtFlag \
+    -DNO_ACE:BOOL=$CMakeNoACE \
     -DNO_CSTRING:BOOL=$CMakeNoCstring \
     -DNO_SHWILD:BOOL=$CMakeNoShwild \
     -DUSE_UNIXEM:BOOL=$CMakeUSE_UNIXem \
diff --git a/run_all_examples.sh b/run_all_examples.sh
index d03e7dab..09362e68 100755
--- a/run_all_examples.sh
+++ b/run_all_examples.sh
@@ -206,7 +206,36 @@ if [ $status -eq 0 ]; then
     echo "Running all ${ProjectName} example programs"
   fi
 
-  for f in $(find "$CMakeDir/examples" -type f -exec test -x {} \; -print | sort)
+  # Exclude CMake / build artefacts that can become +x after artifact restore.
+  ExamplePrograms=( $(find "$CMakeDir/examples" -type f \
+    ! -path '*/CMakeFiles/*' \
+    ! -name '*.a' \
+    ! -name '*.cmake' \
+    ! -name '*.d' \
+    ! -name '*.lib' \
+    ! -name '*.log' \
+    ! -name '*.o' \
+    ! -name '*.obj' \
+    ! -name '*.pdb' \
+    ! -name 'CMakeLists.txt' \
+    ! -name 'CTestTestfile.cmake' \
+    ! -name 'Makefile' \
+    ! -name 'cmake_install.cmake' \
+    -exec test -x {} \; -print | sort) )
+
+  echo "discovered ${#ExamplePrograms[@]} example program(s)"
+
+  if [ ${#ExamplePrograms[@]} -eq 0 ]; then
+
+    >&2 echo "$ScriptPath: no matching executable example programs under '$CMakeDir/examples' (execute bits missing after artifact download?)"
+
+    if [ $ListOnly -eq 0 ]; then
+
+      status=1
+    fi
+  fi
+
+  for f in "${ExamplePrograms[@]}"
   do
 
     if is_skipped_interactive_example "$f"; then
diff --git a/run_all_unit_tests.sh b/run_all_unit_tests.sh
index 937dcc27..0d7e147d 100755
--- a/run_all_unit_tests.sh
+++ b/run_all_unit_tests.sh
@@ -181,7 +181,32 @@ if [ $status -eq 0 ]; then
     find_name_expr=( \( -name 'test_unit*' -o -name 'test.unit.*' -o -name 'test_component*' -o -name 'test.component.*' \) )
   fi
 
-  for f in $(find "$CMakeDir" -type f "${find_name_expr[@]}" -exec test -x {} \; -print | sort)
+  # Exclude build artefacts that can match suite name globs (CMake object
+  # files under CMakeFiles/, etc.).
+  TestPrograms=( $(find "$CMakeDir" -type f "${find_name_expr[@]}" \
+    ! -path '*/CMakeFiles/*' \
+    ! -name '*.a' \
+    ! -name '*.d' \
+    ! -name '*.lib' \
+    ! -name '*.log' \
+    ! -name '*.o' \
+    ! -name '*.obj' \
+    ! -name '*.pdb' \
+    -exec test -x {} \; -print | sort) )
+
+  echo "discovered ${#TestPrograms[@]} ${TestKindDescription} program(s)"
+
+  if [ ${#TestPrograms[@]} -eq 0 ]; then
+
+    >&2 echo "$ScriptPath: no matching executable ${TestKindDescription} programs under '$CMakeDir' (execute bits missing after artifact download?)"
+
+    if [ $ListOnly -eq 0 ]; then
+
+      status=1
+    fi
+  fi
+
+  for f in "${TestPrograms[@]}"
   do
 
     if [ $ListOnly -ne 0 ]; then
diff --git a/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/CMakeLists.txt b/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/CMakeLists.txt
index 8c336873..ae5ff223 100644
--- a/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1 +1,8 @@
 define_example_program(test.scratch.versions.iostreams versions.cpp)
+
+if(HAS_ACE)
+
+	target_link_libraries(test.scratch.versions.iostreams
+		ACE::ACE
+	)
+endif()
diff --git a/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/versions.cpp b/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/versions.cpp
index 759d6ea8..377a7e0c 100644
--- a/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/versions.cpp
+++ b/test/scratch/versions/versions.iostreams/versions.cpp
@@ -9,6 +9,9 @@
 # include <inetstl/inetstl.h>
 # include <winstl/winstl.h>
 #endif
+#ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_ACE
+# include <acestl/acestl.hpp>
+#endif
 
 #include <iomanip>
 #include <iostream>
@@ -57,6 +60,33 @@ int main(int /* argc */, char* /* argv */[])
 
         std::cout << std::endl;
     }
+    #ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_ACE
+
+
+    // _ACESTL_VER
+
+    {
+        std::cout
+            << "ACESTL = "
+            << ((_ACESTL_VER >> 24) & 0xff)
+            << "."
+            << ((_ACESTL_VER >> 16) & 0xff)
+            << "."
+            << ((_ACESTL_VER >> 8) & 0xff)
+            << "."
+            << ((_ACESTL_VER >> 0) & 0xff)
+            << std::endl
+            ;
+        std::cout
+            << "_ACESTL_VER = 0x"
+            << std::hex << std::setfill('0') << std::setw(8) << _ACESTL_VER
+            << std::dec
+            << std::endl
+            ;
+
+        std::cout << std::endl;
+    }
+#endif /* STLSOFT_HAS_ACE */
 
 
     // _PLATFORMSTL_VER
@@ -136,10 +166,6 @@ int main(int /* argc */, char* /* argv */[])
         std::cout << std::endl;
     }
 #endif
-
-
-
-
 #if 0
 #elif defined(PLATFORMSTL_OS_IS_UNIX) || \
       defined(PLATFORMSTL_OS_IS_WINDOWS)
diff --git a/test/unit/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/CMakeLists.txt
index ab425b8d..efbe40c7 100644
--- a/test/unit/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/test/unit/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
 
+if(HAS_ACE)
+
+	add_subdirectory(acestl)
+endif(HAS_ACE)
 if(_BUILD_AS_WIN32)
 
 	add_subdirectory(comstl)
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/acestl/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a1bc6d7e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+add_subdirectory(shims)
+
+
+# ############################## end of file ############################# #
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/shims/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/acestl/shims/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..f660029a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/shims/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+add_subdirectory(access)
+
+
+# ############################## end of file ############################# #
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..c16d98e1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,4 @@
+add_subdirectory(string)
+
+
+# ############################## end of file ############################# #
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..5418729f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+add_subdirectory(test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base)
+add_subdirectory(test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value)
+
+
+# ############################## end of file ############################# #
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9816b5c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+define_automated_test_program(test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base entry.cpp)
+
+target_link_libraries(test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base
+	ACE::ACE
+)
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base/entry.cpp b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base/entry.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..48a8dd71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base/entry.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,141 @@
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * File:    test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base/entry.cpp
+ *
+ * Purpose: Unit-tests for string-access-shims for `ACE_String_Base`.
+ *
+ * Created: 7th August 2026
+ * Updated: 7th August 2026
+ *
+ * ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// */
+
+
+#define STLSOFT_MINIMUM_SAS_INCLUDES
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * includes
+ */
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////
+ * test component header file include(s)
+ */
+
+#include <acestl/shims/access/string/string_base.hpp>
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////
+ * general includes
+ */
+
+/* xTests header files */
+#include <xtests/terse-api.h>
+
+/* STLSoft header files */
+#include <stlsoft/stlsoft.h>
+
+/* ACE header files */
+#include <ace/SString.h>
+
+/* Standard C header files */
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <string.h>
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * forward declarations
+ */
+
+namespace {
+
+    static void TEST_calls_possible();
+    static void TEST_empty_string();
+    static void TEST_non_empty_string();
+} // anonymous namespace
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * main
+ */
+
+int main(int argc, char* argv[])
+{
+    int retCode = EXIT_SUCCESS;
+    int verbosity = 2;
+
+    XTESTS_COMMANDLINE_PARSEVERBOSITY(argc, argv, &verbosity);
+
+    if (XTESTS_START_RUNNER("test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.string_base", verbosity))
+    {
+        XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST_calls_possible);
+        XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST_empty_string);
+        XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST_non_empty_string);
+
+        XTESTS_PRINT_RESULTS();
+
+        XTESTS_END_RUNNER_UPDATE_EXITCODE(&retCode);
+    }
+
+    return retCode;
+}
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * test function implementations
+ */
+
+namespace {
+
+static void TEST_calls_possible()
+{
+    ACE_CString const s("acestl");
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_data_a(s);
+    stlsoft::c_str_data(s);
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_len_a(s);
+    stlsoft::c_str_len(s);
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr_a(s);
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr(s);
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null_a(s);
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null(s);
+
+    XTESTS_TEST_PASSED();
+}
+
+static void TEST_empty_string()
+{
+    ACE_CString const s;
+
+    TEST_INT_EQ(0u, stlsoft::c_str_len_a(s));
+    TEST_INT_EQ(0u, stlsoft::c_str_len(s));
+
+    TEST_PTR_EQ(NULL, stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null_a(s));
+    TEST_PTR_EQ(NULL, stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null(s));
+
+    TEST_MS_EQ("", stlsoft::c_str_ptr_a(s));
+    TEST_MS_EQ("", stlsoft::c_str_ptr(s));
+}
+
+static void TEST_non_empty_string()
+{
+    char const* const expected = "ACE STL";
+    ACE_CString const s(expected);
+
+    TEST_INT_EQ(::strlen(expected), stlsoft::c_str_len_a(s));
+    TEST_INT_EQ(::strlen(expected), stlsoft::c_str_len(s));
+
+    TEST_MS_EQ(expected, stlsoft::c_str_ptr_a(s));
+    TEST_MS_EQ(expected, stlsoft::c_str_ptr(s));
+
+    TEST_MS_EQ(expected, stlsoft::c_str_data_a(s));
+    TEST_MS_EQ(expected, stlsoft::c_str_data(s));
+
+    TEST_PTR_NE(NULL, stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null_a(s));
+    TEST_MS_EQ(expected, stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null_a(s));
+}
+
+} // anonymous namespace
+
+
+/* ///////////////////////////// end of file //////////////////////////// */
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value/CMakeLists.txt
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..a3042fc2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+define_automated_test_program(test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value entry.cpp)
+
+target_link_libraries(test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value
+	ACE::ACE
+)
diff --git a/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value/entry.cpp b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value/entry.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..9d38d457
--- /dev/null
+++ b/test/unit/acestl/shims/access/string/test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value/entry.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,170 @@
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * File:    test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value/entry.cpp
+ *
+ * Purpose: Unit-tests for string-access-shims for `ACE_Time_Value`.
+ *
+ * Created: 7th August 2026
+ * Updated: 7th August 2026
+ *
+ * ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// */
+
+
+#define STLSOFT_MINIMUM_SAS_INCLUDES
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * includes
+ */
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////
+ * test component header file include(s)
+ */
+
+#include <acestl/shims/access/string/time_value.hpp>
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////
+ * general includes
+ */
+
+/* xTests header files */
+#include <xtests/terse-api.h>
+
+/* STLSoft header files */
+#include <stlsoft/stlsoft.h>
+
+/* Standard C header files */
+#include <stdio.h>
+#include <stdlib.h>
+#include <string.h>
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * forward declarations
+ */
+
+namespace {
+
+    static void TEST_calls_possible();
+    static void TEST_c_str_len();
+    static void TEST_c_str_ptr_format_and_milliseconds();
+} // anonymous namespace
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * main
+ */
+
+int main(int argc, char* argv[])
+{
+    int retCode = EXIT_SUCCESS;
+    int verbosity = 2;
+
+    XTESTS_COMMANDLINE_PARSEVERBOSITY(argc, argv, &verbosity);
+
+    if (XTESTS_START_RUNNER("test.unit.acestl.shims.access.string.time_value", verbosity))
+    {
+        XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST_calls_possible);
+        XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST_c_str_len);
+        XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST_c_str_ptr_format_and_milliseconds);
+
+        XTESTS_PRINT_RESULTS();
+
+        XTESTS_END_RUNNER_UPDATE_EXITCODE(&retCode);
+    }
+
+    return retCode;
+}
+
+
+/* /////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
+ * test function implementations
+ */
+
+namespace {
+
+static void TEST_calls_possible()
+{
+    ACE_Time_Value const tv(1, 234567);
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_data_a(tv);
+    stlsoft::c_str_data(tv);
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_len_a(tv);
+    stlsoft::c_str_len(tv);
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr_a(tv);
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr(tv);
+
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null_a(tv);
+    stlsoft::c_str_ptr_null(tv);
+
+    XTESTS_TEST_PASSED();
+}
+
+static void TEST_c_str_len()
+{
+    ACE_Time_Value const tv(1, 234567);
+
+    TEST_INT_EQ(23u, stlsoft::c_str_len_a(tv));
+    TEST_INT_EQ(23u, stlsoft::c_str_len(tv));
+}
+
+static void TEST_c_str_ptr_format_and_milliseconds()
+{
+    /* Format is localtime("%Y-%m-%d %H:%M:%S") + ".%03ld" milliseconds
+     * (usec / 1000). Length is fixed at 23; avoid absolute wall-clock
+     * equality because localtime is timezone-dependent.
+     */
+    long const sec = 1;
+    long const usec = 234567;
+    long const msec = usec / 1000;
+
+    ACE_Time_Value const tv(sec, usec);
+    stlsoft::basic_shim_string<char> const s = stlsoft::c_str_ptr_a(tv);
+    char const* const ptr = s.data();
+
+    TEST_INT_EQ(23u, s.size());
+    TEST_INT_EQ(23, static_cast<int>(::strlen(ptr)));
+
+    int year = 0;
+    int month = 0;
+    int day = 0;
+    int hour = 0;
+    int minute = 0;
+    int second = 0;
+    int millis = -1;
+
+    TEST_INT_EQ(
+        7
+    ,   ::sscanf(
+            ptr
+        ,   "%d-%d-%d %d:%d:%d.%d"
+        ,   &year
+        ,   &month
+        ,   &day
+        ,   &hour
+        ,   &minute
+        ,   &second
+        ,   &millis
+        )
+    );
+
+    TEST_BOOLEAN_TRUE(year >= 1970);
+    TEST_BOOLEAN_TRUE(month >= 1 && month <= 12);
+    TEST_BOOLEAN_TRUE(day >= 1 && day <= 31);
+    TEST_BOOLEAN_TRUE(hour >= 0 && hour <= 23);
+    TEST_BOOLEAN_TRUE(minute >= 0 && minute <= 59);
+    TEST_BOOLEAN_TRUE(second >= 0 && second <= 60);
+    TEST_INT_EQ(msec, millis);
+
+    char expected_suffix[8];
+
+    TEST_INT_EQ(4, ::snprintf(expected_suffix, sizeof(expected_suffix), ".%03ld", msec));
+
+    TEST_MS_EQ(expected_suffix, ptr + 19);
+}
+
+} // anonymous namespace
+
+
+/* ///////////////////////////// end of file //////////////////////////// */
diff --git a/test/unit/test.unit.versions/CMakeLists.txt b/test/unit/test.unit.versions/CMakeLists.txt
index 0d887c37..9ee86a0b 100644
--- a/test/unit/test.unit.versions/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/test/unit/test.unit.versions/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,2 +1,8 @@
-# SIS:AUTO_GENERATED: Remove this line if you edit the file, otherwise it will be overwritten
 define_automated_test_program(test.unit.versions entry.cpp)
+
+if(HAS_ACE)
+
+	target_link_libraries(test.unit.versions
+		ACE::ACE
+	)
+endif()
diff --git a/test/unit/test.unit.versions/entry.cpp b/test/unit/test.unit.versions/entry.cpp
index 048bd9ed..fd615684 100644
--- a/test/unit/test.unit.versions/entry.cpp
+++ b/test/unit/test.unit.versions/entry.cpp
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
  * Purpose: Unit-tests for versions
  *
  * Created: 23rd August 2025
- * Updated: 2nd August 2026
+ * Updated: 7th August 2026
  *
  * ////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// */
 
@@ -28,6 +28,9 @@
 # include <comstl/comstl.h>
 # include <winstl/winstl.h>
 #endif
+#ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_ACE
+# include <acestl/acestl.hpp>
+#endif
 #ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_MFC
 # include <mfcstl/mfcstl.hpp>
 #endif
@@ -53,6 +56,9 @@
 namespace {
 
     static void TEST__STLSOFT_VER();
+#ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_ACE
+    static void TEST__ACESTL_VER();
+#endif
     static void TEST__PLATFORMSTL_VER();
 #if 0
 #elif defined(PLATFORMSTL_OS_IS_UNIX)
@@ -83,6 +89,9 @@ int main(int argc, char **argv)
     if (XTESTS_START_RUNNER("test.unit.versions", verbosity))
     {
         XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST__STLSOFT_VER);
+#ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_ACE
+        XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST__ACESTL_VER);
+#endif
         XTESTS_RUN_CASE(TEST__PLATFORMSTL_VER);
 #if 0
 #elif defined(PLATFORMSTL_OS_IS_UNIX)
@@ -116,6 +125,14 @@ static void TEST__STLSOFT_VER()
 {
 	TEST_INT_EQ(_STLSOFT_VER_1_11_1_RC5, _STLSOFT_VER);
 }
+#ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_ACE
+
+static void TEST__ACESTL_VER()
+{
+    TEST_INT_EQ(_ACESTL_VER_1_2_1, _ACESTL_VER);
+}
+#endif
+
 static void TEST__PLATFORMSTL_VER()
 {
 	TEST_INT_EQ(_PLATFORMSTL_VER_1_10_0_B01, _PLATFORMSTL_VER);
@@ -128,7 +145,6 @@ static void TEST__UNIXSTL_VER()
 {
 	TEST_INT_EQ(_UNIXSTL_VER_1_8_6_B06, _UNIXSTL_VER);
 }
-
 #elif defined(PLATFORMSTL_OS_IS_WINDOWS)
 
 static void TEST__COMSTL_VER()
@@ -141,8 +157,8 @@ static void TEST__WINSTL_VER()
 	TEST_INT_EQ(_WINSTL_VER_1_13_0_B02, _WINSTL_VER);
 }
 #endif
-
 #ifdef STLSOFT_HAS_MFC
+
 static void TEST__MFCSTL_VER()
 {
     TEST_INT_EQ(_MFCSTL_VER_1_6_1, MFCSTL_VER);