"Having a consistent standard is the first step to making AdvancedTCA a marketable solution for mainstream communications platforms. CP-TA is working to create a true 'industry standard' by narrowing the options for specification implementation and certifying interoperable building blocks. I see the efforts of the CP-TA as a key enabler for a new generation of communications platforms." ∼ Jim McGregor, Principal Analyst, In-Stat
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CP-TA Interoperability Documents

CP-TA announces the release of the Interoperability Compliance Document 1.1 and the Test Procedure Manual 1.1. The updated ICD hardens the interoperability requirements for AdvancedTCA communications platforms originally defined in the ICD 1.0. The updated document includes new thermal requirements as well as clarifies earlier requirements for manageability and data transport interoperability. The enhanced TPM reflects the changes to the ICD 1.1.

The ICD defines a set of interoperability requirements to build interoperable communications platforms. The TPM defines test procedures for those requirements. Together, these two documents will allow vendors to design and deliver interoperable open specifications-based products. Both documents have updates that will ensure easy and manageable testing.

The ICD and TPM address three integral areas of interest for communications’ providers who construct AdvancedTCA platforms – thermal, manageability and data transport.

Interoperability Compliance Document (ICD)

Test Procedure Manual (TPM)

For CP-TA, interoperability is defined as the ability of a system or product to operate in the intended environment, exchange information with another system or product and use that information without special effort by the customer. CP-TA is helping to create an environment of multi-vendor interoperability by making open specifications-based communications platforms a compelling alternative to proprietary architectures.

In the near future, CP-TA will also address interoperability requirements for PICMG’s MicroTCA and AMC specifications as well as specifications from Linux Foundation and the Service Availability Forum.

Periodic CP-TA interoperability plugfests provide a confidential environment for the CP-TA community to harmonize the execution of automated test suites, as well as offer a true multi-vendor environment for enhanced interoperability testing. CP-TA members are also working to define a certification program.

“When CP-TA launched, the group set out to address interoperability head-on. With the release of the ICD and TPM, CP-TA provides a consistent methodology for interoperability testing that has been needed in the industry.”
~ Brian Partridge, Senior Analyst, Communications Network Infrastructure, Yankee Group