The specification and testing of conformance in ODP systems

Abstract

Open Distributed Processing (ODP) is a joint standardisation activity of the ISO and lTV. A reference model has been defined which describes an architecture for building open distributed systems. This paper introduces the key aspects of the reference model of open distributed processing, including the ODP conformance framework. We discuss how specific formal techniques are used in the ODP viewpoints, along with the implications for conformance assessment using such techniques. Particular attention is given to the role of consistency in the conformance assessment process. Finally, we review the current work on an ODP conformance testing methodology.Keywords: Open Distributed Processing; Conformance; Formal Description Techniques. THE OPEN DISTRIBUTED PROCESSING MODELOpen Distributed Processing (ODP) (29) is a joint standardisation activity of the ISO and ITU. A reference model has been defined which describes an architecture for building open distributed systems [36,33). Central to this architecture is a viewpoints model. This enables distributed systems to be described from a number of different perspectives. There are five viewpoints : enterprise, in/ormation, computational, engineering and technology. Requirements and specifications of an ODP system can be made from any of these viewpoints.The framework for the standardization of Open Distributed Processing is provided by the Reference Model for Open Distributed Processing (RM-ODP), the essential, normative parts of which were completed early in 1995. The RM-ODP gives a structure for a family of standards for common interfaces, reusable components and supporting notations needed for the establishment of a wide range of distributed systems.The reference model is published as ISO 10746, and is in four parts (

Active Objects for Coordination in Distributed Testing

“…In the context of open distributed system, the IUT may be viewed as a system providing standardized interfaces for interacting with other systems. As illustrated in [8], the local interfaces can be defined as ODP conformance points in which the behavior of interactions can be observed.…”

Formalization of the RM-ODP foundations based on the Triune Continuum Paradigm

“…Bowman et al [7] considered a set of general ODP requirements and elaborated on the requirements for specific ODP viewpoints. Further research [5,6,24] defined a general meaning of the specification consistency in the context of the RM-ODP viewpoints. Based on these papers, relating formalisms used for different viewpoints became a standard approach for ODP formalization work.…”

Principles and Tools for Testing Open Distributed Systems

“…Figure 1 gives an abstract view of what could be an ODP testing architecture. It is a synthesis of the architectures that have been used or proposed until now in the context of testing ODP systems [1,5,6]. It consists of the IUT, its PCOs that could be reference points or not, and a test system which may be seen as an implementation of test cases.…”

“…Hence, some subset or all possible reference points may be declared as conformance points, stating the requirements to be met at each of them. Some other work has also been done on the subject [1,5,6]; however, much effort and considerable work are required before reaching a workable and accepted conformance testing methodology for open distributed processing.…”