Specifying a certification process for COTS software components using UML

The certification process of COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) components is getting more important as we move towards the software component marketplace. We identify specifications used for certification tests and associations between them. Specifications are defined using UML (Unified Modeling Language) notations and are shown in the example of the ASAM-GDI (Automation and Measuring Systems Generic Device Interface) standard, which defines standard interfaces to devices and device drivers in automation and measurement systems. It is shown that UML is suitable for this purpose. Furthermore, it offers a platform-independent notation, which can be mapped to a specific language and technology, i.e. to an execution model that is appropriate for integration in a client system. We propose that reusability of COTS components should include not only the COTS component, but also specifications defining test cases. This way, it is possible for the client to quickly verify COTS components and to avoid the component misuse problem