ASTERIX Introduction of a Process Improvement Using Tools to Support System Testing

Abstract

Anite Systems Space and Defence Division is a mature organization, certified to ISO 9001 standards and possesses considerable experience in the application of the European Space Agency (ESA) Software Engineering Standards to major software systems development. We have been selected by the European Commission to perform a Process Improvement Experiment (PIE) under its European Systems and Software Initiative (ESSI). The project is entitled ASTERIX - Automated Software Testing for Enhanced Reliability In Execution. The project's objective is to determine how greater attention to system-level testing can improve software product quality whilst reducing overall costs as measured across the full software development lifecycle (including extended warranty periods). The project is scheduled to run from early 1997 to late 1998.

This paper is the project's ‘Interim Dissemination’ deliverable providing details on project progress to date. It highlights the benefits the project's results will bring to the Software Quality, Process Improvement, and Space Software communities.