Z39.50 Interoperability Testbed ready

Greetings:

For the past year, we have been preparing a Z39.50 interoperability
testbed.  It is now open for use!  Please see the Call for Participation
at:

http://www.unt.edu/zinterop/ZinteropNew/Documents/CallForParticipationMarch2002.pdf

The Z39.50 Interoperability Testbed is a project funded by the U.S.
Federal Institute of Museum and Library Services.  The Texas Center for
Digital Knowledge at the University of North Texas is hosting this
testbed.  For information about the project, see the website at:

http://www.unt.edu/zinterop/

Phase 1 testing focuses on the specifications from the Bath Profile and
the U.S. National Profile for Library Applications. Specifically, we can
provide interoperability assessment for Functional Area A, Level 0. 
Z39.50 vendors, implementors, and libraries are invited to test Z39.50
client and server implementations. Please see:

http://www.unt.edu/zinterop/Z39.50InteroperabilityTestingPhaseOne02_2002.htm

Much of our effort has been in preparing a test dataset of MARC 21
records (contributed by OCLC) and setting up reference implementations
of Bath-compliant Z39.50 server and client (in collaboration with SIRSI
Corporation and Sea Change Corporation).  We have documented the testbed
logic and analysis procedures to assure trustworthiness in the testbed.
A list of the documents available is at:

http://www.unt.edu/zinterop/PhaseOneTestingDocs.htm

The goal of the testbed is to improve semantic interoperability of
Z39.50 applications for libraries.  The Bath and US National profiles
provide the specifications for testing.  Our approach is to work with
testbed participants to identify conformance issues and implications. 
Results of individual organizations and vendors participating in the
testbed will be shared only with individual participants.  Our intention
is to create a trusted and reliable testing environment to improve
configuration and operation of Z39.50 clients and servers.

If you are interested in more information about the testbed or would
like to participate, please send me an email.

Thank you.

Cheers,
Bill Moen
Z39.50 Interoperability Testbed, Principal Investigator