Sub-group Testing and Migration

1. Introduction

As soon as the T2S software application is delivered to the ECB, it needs first to be tested under the responsibility of the T2S team against the UDFS and the UR with the aim to deliver a stable and (ideally) bug-free system for the CSDs and other connected systems to use for their testing activities. When all those tests are completed successfully, the migration period starts, the objective of which is to achieve a smooth transition to the T2S system for all involved parties (CSDs, directly connected users, NCBs, RTGS systems and collateral management systems). Testing and migration are crucial for the success of the project and at the same time they introduce relatively high risks to the project. Preparing these frameworks at the early stages of the T2S project will effectively help to mitigate migration related risks and will allow future T2S users to better understand and prepare themselves for all related activities.

The tasks of the Sub-group on T2S Testing and Migration are (i) to prepare the external testing framework, (ii) to prepare the framework for the migration process of the T2S users from their local systems to the T2S platform.

Mandate

The activities of the Sub-group can be broken down into two main (partly overlapping) work streams, i.e. external testing and migration.

• The Sub-group's responsibilities concerning the external testing work stream consist of the definition of the testing strategy, and the preparation of generic acceptance and user testing plans and procedures on the T2S test platform for CSDs, directly connected participants and NCBs.
• The Sub-group's responsibilities concerning the migration process cover the definition of the migration strategy, as well as the preparation of a generic migration plan for those CSDs and directly connected CSD participants that will have committed to join T2S.. Furthermore, the group should also prepare the appropriate communication framework aimed at informing all stakeholders about all relevant aspects of the migration process.

The mandate of this Sub-group expires at the end of 2009 but may be renewed as required since other activities not listed in this mandate will need to be completed by and co-ordinated between the relevant stakeholders until the end of the migration process.

Composition

The Sub-group will be composed of:

• The Chairperson, appointed by the AG Chairperson The Chairperson shall (1) decide on the frequency, format and agenda of the meetings; (2) conduct the Sub-group meetings; (3) invite external experts and/or T2S Project Team members to the Sub-group meetings on specific topic; (4) represent the Sub-group in liaisons with other relevant European bodies and initiatives; (5) report to the AG.
• The Rapporteur The Rapporteur shall be a member of the T2S Project Team and (1) co-ordinate the organisation of the meetings and relevant documents; (2) support the Chairperson in preparations for the Sub-group's meetings; (3) draft the outcome of the meetings; (4) support the Chairperson in liaisons with other relevant European bodies and initiatives; (5) support the Chairperson in preparations for reporting to the AG.
• Members, appointed by the AG Chairperson Members shall (1) represent expertise on both functional and non-functional aspects of securities settlement processes relevant for the testing and migration activities, (2) have good knowledge of the T2S URD, (3) preferably participate also in other relevant European bodies and initiatives.

Participants in the Sub-group shall provide adequate resources anticipated for achieving progress within a short time period. Participation to the Sub-group is on a strictly personal basis. Should a member be unable to attend a meeting, he/she will in general not be able to designate an alternate. Exemptions to this rule can only be granted in exceptional cases by the AG Chairperson. In addition, regular attendance is a pre-requisite for membership in the Sub-group and membership will cease should a member be absent for at total of more than two meetings. Whenever a member has left the entity he/she represents, his/her membership will cease with immediate effect and his/her entity may propose a substitute member to the AG Chairman.

4. Working procedures

Meetings
The Sub-group on T2S Testing and Migration shall meet as regularly as required to fulfil its mandate and upon invitation of its Chairperson. The exact frequency and form of the meeting is ultimately a decision of the Chairperson of the sub-group. When considered feasible, written procedures may be applied.

Interactions with other initiatives and forums
The Subgroup may consult relevant T2S actors as considered necessary, upon decision by the Chairperson.

Mini-consultations
The Sub-group may decide to issue mini-consultations or questionnaires and involve NUGs on dedicated topics in order to better reflect the market needs.

Transparency
All documents that are discussed by the Sub-group are posted on the ECB website to ensure full transparency. In exceptional cases, the Chairperson may decide not to post individual documents on the ECB website if she/he considers such documents to be of confidential nature