Test services provider

A method for automated testing, comprising:

• providing test methods that are arranged to test an electronic system;
• providing test services that are associated with a test harness;
• registering the test services with a test services provider;
• executing one of the test methods;
• and
• invoking a registered test service in response to a request from the executing test method, wherein the references are stored in response to requests by the test harness.

A system having computer-executable components, comprising:

• a test case scenario object that comprises test methods that are arranged to test an electronic system;
• a test harness that is arranged to provide system test services;
• and
• a test services provider that is arranged to register the system test services and to invoke a particular registered test service from the test harness in response to a request from a test case scenario object test method requesting the particular registered test service, wherein the test services provider is further arranged to store references to test service objects that implement the system test services, wherein the references are stored in response to requests by the test harness.

A test automation system, comprising:

• means for providing test methods that are arranged to test an electronic system;
• means for providing test services that are associated with a test harness;
• means for registering the test services with a test services provider;
• means for executing one of the test methods;
• and
• means for invoking a registered test service in response to a request from the executing test method, further comprising means for storing references to test service objects that implement the system test services, wherein the references are stored in response to requests by the test harness.