VOCAL: A framework for test identification and deployment

Abstract

Viewpoint oriented verification and validation (VOCAL) is a novel technique for the identification and application of a structured life-cycle based software testing process to a broad array of systems. Application of the technique can be specfically tailored to embedded, interactive and multimedia applications, as well as those systems requiring a well defined approach in the quality assurance process. The authors introduce an approach for performance enhancement during the testing process. Problems faced when constructing software systems in time-constrained, market-driven development processes are highlighted. Emphasis is given to test process improvements by stressing some of the ‘failures’ encountered when using traditional test models. Traditionally, testing follows the stages of specify, develop, test and release in a standard waterfall based approach. The use of viewpoints will be introduced as a technique for structuring, identification, organisation and deployment of test information. Finally, the method is illustrated with a small example using a bank ATM machine. In conclusion, the authors evaluate VOCAL, and outline areas of future work.