Introduction to Interoperability Testing

Interoperability Testing is a type of testing where it is checked if a component can interact with other software components. It checks the functionality between two software systems as per the requirement of customers. It validates that end to end functionality between two systems is as required. It ensures that there is the end to end communication and reduces the compatibility issue between two systems when data is being transferred. It provides uniform data type and data format which is present between two software systems. This testing is an integral part as many different kinds of technologies and architecture are being used where seamless operations are to be performed. Other technically qualified software applications or specific software components from other relevant applications which, in effect, are linked to form an effective operating product as specified by the customer as a requirement.

Why do we need Interoperability Testing?

The need for Interoperability testing arises because it is important to make sure that end to end service is being provided across two or more software that is involved in the system. These systems can be of different vendors and may have different architectures or may be using different technologies.
The communication and data exchange between the systems should be smooth and the software that is included should be smooth. There should not be any compatibility issues for any communication which will take place.
As there can be different architectures, technologies, products, and vendors involved in a complete system all these components must be in working condition with one another. There should not be any issues arising between the different components involved.
It should be validated that the data which is being exchanged does not get modified and is in its original state. Data exchange can happen without any prior notice. It should also be noted that all applications in the network perform their expected behavior on their own.

Interoperability Testing Process

The testing process involves the below steps in Interoperability testing:

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Test Environment Setup
Create Test Case
Test Case Execution
Test Result Analysis
Retest

1. Test Environment Setup

This is the first step in testing. The environment needs to be set up to test interoperability. Without having a proper environment being setup it will not be possible to test. A formal statement of work needs to be set up for the infrastructure.

2. Create Test Case

Different test cases are created to check different scenarios and connection behaviors. To cover different scenarios different test cases should be created. This is done to perform testing more efficiently. Before this, all setup must be done like setting up automation tools to reduce test cases and reuse them. All database configurations should be made and metrics should be measured.

3. Test Case Execution

Once the test cases are made they need to be executed on the environment which is set up. The execution lets us know the actual behavior of software and lets us know how the software will behave when it goes live and how it communicates with the other components.

4. Test Result Analysis

Once the execution is complete all the test results should be analyzed and verified. The defects that are found should be noted and resolved. The test team should get the root cause of the failure that is found. These should be made sure that they are resolved.

5. Retest

The defects that are noted should be made sure are resolved. Once the development team resolves the defect then it should be made sure that the testing is performed again, and the entire process is repeated. The issues should now be resolved.

Once these activities are done it should be made sure all results are documented and a record is maintained of all test logs and test results.

Types of Interoperability Testing

There are five Types of Interoperability Testing

Data type Interoperability

It mainly focuses on checking that data types are being transferred from one type to another. There should not be any inconsistency of data when data is transferred among the systems.

Semantic Interoperability

This type focuses on the algorithm which is used to transfer the data. It checks for the semantics which is involved and verifies if the algorithm is reliable or not.

Physical Interoperability

This checks if the connections between the two or more systems are proper or not. The ports and cables which are used should not affect the speed or rate of transfer.

Protocol Interoperability

The protocol which is used for data transfer is checked for the security of data. Checksum should be enabled to transfer data without any error.

Data Format Interoperability

The format in which data is sent and received should be the same in both systems.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Interoperability Testing

Following are the advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Interoperability testing helps in having an establishment of the connection between two systems. This connection helps in getting a better picture of how the system will work in synchronization with other products. It helps in fostering better communication between two disparate systems.
It boosts efficiency. When data is presented consistently then decision making can be easier.
It ensures that uniform data type is being transferred and there are no mismatches with the data type. The data type should be uniform and compatible over the system so that there are no issues.
The data formatting ensures that there is uniform formatting followed in the entire system. All software is in sync and there is no incompatibility due to data formatting
It makes sure that all interacting systems have the same semantics or algorithm.

Disadvantages

It requires accurate measurements so that all systems can work well in an end to end environment
The network complexity is more in this testing as all components are to be tested
The requirements are inadequate in this testing.

Conclusion

It is very important when the end to end testing of a system comes into the picture. It ensures that all software components in the system are compatible and can work together as a unit. All different data types, formats, and semantics are verified in advance. The purpose of this testing is thus clear and it also mentions the test plan and strategy which needs to be followed when this testing is to be performed.

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