Early fault detection with model-based testing

Abstract: Current and future trends for software include increasingly complex requirements on interaction between systems. As a result, the difficulty of system testing increases. Model based testing is a test technique where test cases are generated from a model of the system. In this study we explore model-based testing on the system-level, starting from early development. We apply model-based testing to a subsystem of a message gateway product in order to improve early fault detection. Based on our experiences, we present a set of challenges and recommendations for system-level, model-based testing. Early results indicate that model-based testing significantly increases the number of faults detected during system testing.