AgInTeF: Agile Interoperability Testing Framework for Orchestrating Overarching Procedures in Verifying Digital Public Services

Abstract

The implementation of interoperability as a key driver for pan-European procurement procedures requires well organized and coordinated testing procedures. Different interoperability principles must be verified within complex project situations, while adapting to vastly differing business requirements. Literature and common best practices already describe a large set of different testing methods covering conformance, compliance, and interoperability testing. However, these methods are not orchestrated in an overarching testing procedure, which is clearly mapped to the required interoperability characteristics. To fill up this gap, a framework for agile interoperability testing procedures (Agile Interoperability Testing Framework, AgInTeF) is proposed following the principles of Design Science Research. The framework offers three levels of testing components, orchestrated across three process layers that help to divide the overall complexity in an incremental fashion. The testing itself follows up to four testing steps that cover five identified key interoperability characteristics. Finally, AgInTeF is exemplified by applying it to the European project INTERPROC to verify its real-world feasibility.