Z39.50 Interoperability Testing -- Phase 1

The Z39.50 (Z-Interop) interoperability testbed is now ready for Phase 1 testing.  There are three objectives for this phase:

• Validate logical, analytical, and procedural methods used to prepare the testbed
• Explore unanticipated issues related to procedures used in interoperability testing
• Carry out actual interoperability testing and report the results to the participant.

For the past 6-9 months the research team has worked to prepare a test dataset, configure reference implementations, and develop test searches for use in interoperability testing.  We have documented our logic, analysis, and procedures in a set of Z-Interop Testbed Documents -- Phase 1.  We look forward to your review of these documents and comments on our approach for setting up the Z-Interop testbed.

If you are interested in participating in interoperability testing, here's what you need to do:

• Read the Z-Interop Call for Participation
• Send a message of interest to Dr. William E. Moen <wemoen@unt.edu>
• Read the Z-Interop Interoperability Testing Policies and Procedures, Phase 1 Testing document
• If testing a Z39.50 server, sign and return (via fax or mail) a copy of the Third Party Vendor Agreement for appropriate use of the test dataset of OCLC MARC 21 records.

A overarching goal of Z-Interop is to provide a rigorous and trusted interoperability testing environment, and the document, Z-Interop Interoperability Testing Policies and Procedures, Phase 1 Testing, is intended to provide appropriate policies to establish trustworthiness. 

[Page last updated March 1, 2002]