Integrity Lifecycle Manager Agent is required to support Automated Test Execution Framework (ATEF). The ATEF allows you to schedule and automate test execution environment by integrating Integrity Lifecycle Manager test management functionality with an external testing tool. The framework relies on an adapter that connects with an external testing tool, runs the required Test Case items, and returns the results to Integrity Lifecycle Manager. You can then view, edit, and report on the results through the Integrity Lifecycle Manager client.

The Integrity Lifecycle Manager Agent relies on a separate communication port and operates as a separate service from the Integrity Lifecycle Manager Server. The Agent establishes a new connection to the server through the integration API, as defined by the author of the adapter. Connections between the agent and server can be closed when they are not required.

For more information on automated testing, see the Integrating MKS Integrity 2009 for Automated Test Execution guide, available in the PTC Integrity eSupport portal.