Java-based automated test systems: management considerations for an open architecture for test

The advent of Sun's Java Platform is the culmination of years of research and evolution in multiple areas of software technology. This paper will propose an architecture with an open framework for ATS systems based on the emergence of Java as an open-systems, object-oriented computing environment. Java blends the features of a platform-independent runtime environment with object-oriented architecture and distributed systems capabilities. The platform offers a unique opportunity to explore maximizing the reuse and integration of a large population of Java-based components to the development of automated test systems. In this paper the goals for such an architecture will be outlined and a vision for a Java-based ATS will be presented. Applying this new technology to automated test applications will enable software developers and their customers to achieve significant cost savings by increasing flexibility and productivity in the engineering of automated test program solutions.