Definition
Testing performed to expose faults in the interfaces and in the interaction between integrated components.
[Source: BCS]
Comment
Finds the bugs in all the different types of interfaces (parameters, files, global variables and so on) and reveals the consequences of inconsistent assumptions or bad communications.
To find these bugs prior to a major test where the functional interoperability of the different systems is tested.


On many programmes and large projects, testing will take up a significant portion of the budget. But it will receive less management attention than an activity of this size warrants.