Model-based quality assurance of protocol documentation: tools and methodology

Abstract

Microsoft is producing interoperability documentation for Windows client–server and server–server protocols. The Protocol Engineering Team in the Windows organization is responsible for verifying the documentation to ensure that it is of the highest quality. Various test-driven methods are being applied including, when appropriate, a model-based approach. This paper describes core aspects of the quality assurance process and tools that were put in place, and specifically focuses on model-based testing (MBT). Experience so far confirms that MBT works and that it scales, provided it is accompanied by sound tool support and clear methodological guidance.