Validation

Ensure source code put in to escrow is valid and complete

Our validation service (also known as software testing) checks the source code before it is placed in to escrow. We test the source code provided by the software developer, reassuring software users that it is accessible and useable should they need it. Our source code testing service is provided by TSG, a leading provider of software testing and quality management services.

Source code validation levels

We provide several levels of source code validation to address different levels of business risk. Checks vary from simply making sure code is readable and virus free to actually building software from the code to making sure it works properly.

Our packages:

• 1. Bronze source code validation

  Bronze source code validation provides entry-level source code protection. It makes sure that the source placed in escrow:

  • Is accessible
  • Is readable
  • Are virus-free
  • Contains valid source code
  • Can be uncompressed (if compressed)
  • Is encrypted and associated encryption keys/passwords are correct
  • Include instructions explaining how to compile source files.
  • With bronze source code validation you'll receive a report that includes:
  • A summary of what's been place in escrow
  • The results for each area described above
  • A summary of how to build the software from the source code
  • Some information about code quality and licence usage.

• 2. Silver source code validation

  Silver source code validation includes Bronze validation, plus services to check the source code can be built into the software that the end user needs. We'll perform silver source code validation on the software owner's premises. The report you receive will cover:

  • What applications and tools are required to build the software
  • How the files produced during the build compare to the software itself
  • The steps to follow in order to install a working version of the software
  • The results of a test of the software's core functions
  • Analysis of how the software complies with its licence.

• 3. Gold source code validation

  Gold source code validation includes Silver validation, plus services to replicate the build process as it would occur at the end user's site.
  As part of gold source code validation we can create and retain a copy of the environment used to build and install the application.

  The report you receive will cover:

  • Key differences between building the software in an independent environment and at the software user's premises
  • The exact process required to install a working version of the software at the user's premises
  • The results of user acceptance testing
  • Source code analysis to check maintainability, performance and security.

• 4. Platinum source code validation

  Platinum source code validation includes Gold validation, plus very thorough analysis of the source code placed in escrow.
  The report you receive will cover:

  • Licence compliance management analysis. This determines if code from other sources has been used and, if so, validates its ownership and usage
  • Code quality management analysis. This checks the code's quality against our coding standards databases
  • Code maintainability, sustainability, security and performance. A thorough analysis of these areas.

  If you are interested in finding out more about our validation software testing services then please contact us here with details of your enquiry and you will be contacted shortly to discuss.

Contact us if you have any questions:

• 

  Georgina McCall

  Business Services Manager
  T +44 (0) 20 7331 2195
  E georgina.mccall@techukescrow.org

• 

  Mariana Obetzanova

  Business Services Executive
  T +44 (0) 20 7331 2195
  E mariana.obetzanova@techukescrow.org