Model Based Test Automation through Asynchronous Channels

There has been significant interest in model based testing (MBT), in which testing is based on a model of the required behaviour of the system under test (SUT) or some aspect of this required behaviour. Most MBT approaches use statebased languages such as input output transition systems (IOTSs) (see, for example, [1]) or finite state machines (FSMs) (see, for example, [2], [3]). Given a model M, it is then possible to automate many aspects of testing. For example, it is possible to generate test cases that achieve certain objectives and to check whether an observed behaviour is one allowed by M. The support for automation has led to significant interest in MBT and recent industrial experience suggests that it can lead to significant benefits [4].