Innovative Interface Includes A Test Scenario Generator

A new approach to database design includes a dialog panel called up by the user whenever a need arises to pretest a feature before actually using it

. This is accomplished by the addition of a customized table and software script that invokes a test scenario generator correlated precisely at the appropriate feature layer.

The database and interface design are also easily adaptable to future changes when new functions along with data table expansion is ordered for the business software. These new features become testable in the same manner as the original services were.

In addition, troubleshooting scenarios can be built into the test generator to allow for error tracking. This opens up the opportunity for normal maintenance tests to be conducted for greater assurance that the business entity is in a verifiable state of operation. By saving the original values of normal transactions in pre-populated data fields and using these as points of comparison, the testing procedures contain a strong reliability factor when debugging is in play.

The new technology is made possible by separating the business entity tables from the test generator tables though the use of xml record sets as test-scenario storage structures. Each new test-scenario is encapsulated with the tree like pattern of xml sub-tags. The associated software script is free to invoke the right test at the appropriate point of operation because the sub-tag location identifiers were embedded in corresponding record fields at the time that the application was designed and developed. These xml tags are there after associated in such a way as to correlate the system structure with the systems functions.

This kind of interface described in this article can be adapted to perform any number of new and innovated tasks. Imagine using the test scenario generator feature as a business simulator to synthesize and analyze market data, estimate profits or keep track of inventories and various costs incurred throughout the business enterprise.

Some other kinds of uses that might make good business sense is to establish all of the business requirement values in the xml sub-tag hierarchy and use this structure as a template for subsequent requirements validation and verification. All new and modified software entering the company IT network could follow these same procedures.

One final thought related to this database and auxiliary xml approach is the opportunity for adding additional layers of scenario testing to increase the level of security and introduce obfuscation at several predetermined hollow layers. These additional layers of potential security could apply to both system internals and external intrusion.

These security features by themselves could well be worth the cost of the software development when weighed against the reduction of business risks associated with systems internals and complex technologies growing more complex every day.

by: Tom Gruich

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