Case Study: Extreme Test Platform

ETP is a test management environment for automating test and validation systems. It provides many features that are not found in any commercial test solution.

Overview

The Extreme Test Platform (ETP) is a test management environment for automating test and validation systems. It was written by Maintainable Software to be a standard platform for Extreme Networks, a leading provider of network infrastructure equipment.

ETP revolutionizes Extreme's test capabilities by providing many features that are not available in any commercial test solution. We developed the software using a combination of Python and Ruby. It is now being deployed on hundreds of systems in Extreme's manufacturing operations worldwide.

Features

Parallel Test Execution

Built on the stability of UNIX, the system was designed from the ground up to manage parallel execution of many UUTs (Units Under Test). Tests run fully isolated and can never crash the executive.

Programming Languages

ETP is capable of running test software written in any language. Open APIs based on XML are used to communicate with the system. Full native drivers are provided for all popular programming languages.

Database Support

ETP fully integrates with a database out of the box. Both parametric and log data are automatically stored in the database. A variety of search and reporting functions work out of the box.

Web-Based User Interface

The entire user interface runs in the browser and uses the latest web technologies to provide the feel of a desktop application. Tests running under ETP have sophisticated APIs for controlling the user interface and can even build custom dialog boxes.

Seamless Localization

Every function of the system is fully localized and the locale can be switched at any time without interrupting any tests that may be running. Configuring the system for new locales is simple.

Factory Networking

The ETP platform includes extensive networking support. Test systems built on ETP can network together to share test results and provide factory line monitoring. An extension module provides connectivity to shop floor systems.

Extensive Documentation

The high-quality user manuals are fully integrated into the product for online viewing. Written in DocBook XML, they are also automatically generated in print and PDF formats.

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