Patent ID: 6678355
Filing Date: 2004-01-13
Classification: H04M,H04W

Abstract:
A method for testing one or more operational support systems (OSSs) of an incumbent provider for compliance with a regulatory scheme, the method performed by an independent testing entity attempting to emulate a competitive provider that would access the OSSs in attempting to compete with the incumbent provider in an open market, the method comprising for each test of an OSS:performing a test entrance review, according to predetermined review guidelines and prior to initiation of active testing of the OSS for the test, to ensure that all required entrance criteria for the test have been satisfied; conducting active testing of the OSS for the test according to a written detailed test plan for the test; evaluating performance of the incumbent provider during active testing according to predetermined evaluation criteria for the test; generating a written exception for each aspect of the test for which the testing entity determines during active testing that the incumbent provider fails to satisfy one or more applicable predetermined evaluation criteria, the exception describing such failure and the potential impact of the failure on competitive providers that would access the OSS in attempting to compete with the incumbent provider in an open market; for each exception: recording the exception in a master list of exceptions maintained in a computer-implemented centralized repository established for comprehensive cataloging, tracking, and reporting of exceptions across multiple tests, test domains, and jurisdications; submitting the exception to the incumbent provider for review; receiving a written response to the exception from the incumbent provider, the response describing one or more planned corrective activities of the incumbent provider to remediate the associated failure; subsequent to the corrective activities being performed, conducting additional active testing of the OSS according to the detailed test plan with respect to the corresponding aspect of the test; evaluating performance of the incumbent provider during the additional active testing according to the evaluation criteria applicable to the corresponding aspect of the test; if the exception is cleared, based on the incumbent provider satisfying the applicable evaluation criteria during the additional active testing, generating a written closure statement for the exception; and if the exception is not cleared, based on the incumbent provider again failing to satisfy the applicable evaluation criteria during the additional active testing, repeating the submitting, receiving, conducting, and evaluating steps until the exception is cleared or a predetermined time period for the test has elapsed; generating test results for the test; performing a test exit review, according to the predetermined review guidelines and subsequent to completion of active testing, to ensure that active testing was conducted in accordance with the detailed test plan, that the test results are appropriately supported, and that all required exit criteria for the test have been satisfied; and issuing a final report for the test providing a sufficient basis for a regulatory entity administering the regulatory scheme to determine the compliance of the incumbent provider with the regulatory scheme.