In the period 2000-2006, software was tested for compliance (rather than interoperability) with the MultiSpeak Specification Versions 1.1 and 2.2. Software which tested as “compliant” to these earlier versions of the MultiSpeak specification is listed in Appendix C.
MultiSpeak Specification Version 1 Compliance Tests
(Performed during 2000 – 2004)
MultiSpeak Version 1.1 defined a model for batch file data transfers. Vendors were tested using a file of sample test data which was imported into their software. Once the data were deemed to be successfully imported into the vendor software, the data was manipulated per the tester’s instructions, and then exported back out. The data file was checked for proper XML validation and examined to ensure that the required data manipulations were handled correctly.
The thoroughness of Version 1.1 application integration depended in large extent on how completely the vendors sharing an interface implemented the specification. The Version 1.1 specification defined many data items, only a few of which were considered to be mandatory for testing purposes. If any of the vendors chose not to implement non-mandatory items required to support a real business process, the utility sometimes found the interface to be lacking.
MultiSpeak Specification Version 2 Compliance Tests
(Performed during 2003-2006)
The MultiSpeak Version 2 standard supported both file-based (batch) and real-time data transfers. Compliance testing was conducted on both batch interfaces and real-time interfaces. A vendor's real time software interface was tested against a real-time connected server (via the internet) which accepted and replied to MultiSpeak requests, and generated "real-world" requests to the vendor's software. It also logged all transactions and reported inconsistencies.
The Version 2 test suite was been developed to reflect actual data requirements to implement utility business practices, thus it addressed the shortcomings sometimes identified in the Version 1.1-compliant interfaces.
In many cases, vendors supplying software that was tested to Versions 1.1 and 2.2 vendors have moved well beyond the capabilities of the software applications tested at that time.
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