[comp.protocols.iso.x400] X.403 test cases used by real conformance labs

andrewf@syacus.acus.oz.au (Andrew Friedman) (02/13/91)

Hi.

I have gained the impression that some of the X.403 test cases for X.400
(1984) are more "official" than others.  By this, I mean that real
conformance labs ignore some of the tests because either the tests
expect behaviour that can't be deduced from the recommendation or
implementor's guide, or that less than fully compliant behaviour is
acceptable in the real world and may in fact be desirable ( "be generous
in what you expect, rigorous in what you send ).

So, would any of you folks know which X.403 tests that the Eurolabs and
COS do not execute. Is there some document that indicates which tests
are usable. Is it a national decision?

Can I assume that all the documented test cases supplied with the COS
tester are executed when applying for a COS certification? Is this true
for the Danet tester and Eurolab certification?

If needed I'll post a list of those tests that I think are of doubtful
value.

BTW, are the X.403 abstract test cases available electronically?
The last time I checked, our Standards organisation didn't have a copy.
The Danet tester docs have most of the abstract test suite documented,
but I thought the CCITT version might be preferable.


Thanks for your help,

Andrew

andrewf@syacus.acus.oz.au (03/15/91)

* This is a repost. I didn't get any response last time. *
* I'm sure some of you folks know the answers.           *

Hi.

I have gained the impression that some of the X.403 test cases for X.400
(1984) are more "official" than others.  By this, I mean that real
conformance labs ignore some of the tests because either the tests
expect behaviour that can't be deduced from the recommendation or
implementor's guide, or that less than fully compliant behaviour is
acceptable in the real world and may in fact be desirable ( "be liberal
in what you accept, conservative in what you send ).

So, would any of you folks know which X.403 tests that the Eurolabs and
COS do not execute. Is there some document that indicates which tests
are usable. Is it a national decision?

Can I assume that all the documented test cases supplied with the COS
tester are executed when applying for a COS certification? Is this true
for the Danet tester and Eurolab certification?

If needed I'll post a list of those tests that I think are of doubtful
value.

BTW, are the X.403 abstract test cases available electronically?
The last time I checked, our Standards organisation didn't have a copy.
The Danet tester docs have most of the abstract test suite documented,
but I thought the CCITT version might be preferable.


Thanks for your help,

Andrew