THE CARD SERVICES PLATFORM - RAPID DELIVERY OF GIANT SYSTEMS

This paper describes the top-level integration strategy for delivering the Card Services Platform (CSP), formerly known as Cashless Services Replacement System (CSRS), probably the largest successful integratio n by a single BT team to date. This paper explains the need for such a strategy to evolve, leading to significant efficiency improvements. I t identifies the need for the careful management of integration testin g of the complex interfaces involved in a system comprised of over 40 large computer systems, spread across the country. It shows how potent ial operational difficulties can be identified in tile system testing phase and eradicated before impacting the product in a 'live' situatio n. It outlines testing techniques, test coverage, granularity of test results and 'measure of goodness' of the rested product.