Conformance Model

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Discussion

A Conformance Model defines the structure used to determine whether an identified subject satisfies applicable Requirements and therefore achieves Conformance.

A Conformance Model identifies the subject of evaluation, the applicable Requirements, Conformance Criteria, Conformance Points, Evidence expectations, and Traceability relationships used to support a conformance determination.

The Conformance Model separates the definition of Conformance from the particular tools, test procedures, products, deployment environments, or implementation technologies used to perform an evaluation.

A Conformance Model differs from a test suite. A test suite contains executable or procedural tests. A Conformance Model establishes what Conformance means, which Requirements apply, where an evaluator inspects Conformance, and which Evidence supports the determination.

Definition

defined structure specifying the subjects, requirements, criteria, conformance points, and evidence used to determine conformance

Source

, Section 6.4.6, Implementation Conformance Model

Note

A Conformance Model supports consistent evaluation across different implementation technologies, deployment environments, and tooling choices.

A Conformance Model does not itself constitute a conformance determination. Evaluation of an identified subject against the applicable Conformance Criteria produces the information used to determine Conformance.

Example

A DIDO-TE Conformance Model identifies the applicable Requirements, Conformance Criteria, Conformance Points, expected Evidence, and evaluation relationships used to determine whether a DIDO-TE implementation conforms to the applicable requirement set.

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