An evaluation of MIA conformance tests

NTT has developed a set of specifications called Multivendor Integration Architecture (MIA) for open systems codeveloped with vendors, etc. NTT then implemented conformance testing for MIA products, and is now using it's results for procurement. We evaluate the results of this implemented MIA conformance testing. The proportion of nonconformances detected by test programs when tests were run as an integral part of the debugging process, was eight times as great as the proportion detected when testing was done after debugging had been completed. On the basis of these results, it is important to make it easy for the vendors to use the test programs as one of the debugging tools in order to promote their efficient use, and therefore we mention some further requirements that would be desirable to help make this happen.