An Internet-based database for test industry products and services

This paper describes the design of an Internet-based database, called SmartTest^TM, which enables test vendors and potential buyers to quickly describe the test products and services they sell or seek. This task is especially daunting for the test profession because it is lacking a common approach to specifying products. In fact, definitions of test related terms are seldom held in common. Additionally, particular test equipment may have many uses, so different buyers look for different specifications. SmartTest provides a means for better test descriptions that both buyers and sellers can use to communicate. It also creates a test community forum where registered users can exchange test related information.