+---+
     | A |
     +---+

ACCEPTANCE TESTING

Formal testing conducted to determine whether or not a
system satisfies its acceptance criteria and to enable
the customer to determine whether or not to accept the
system.  (IEEE 729-1983)

Formal testing conducted to enable a user, customer, or
other authorized entity to determine whether to accept
a system or component. [IEEE]

ACTUAL OUTCOME

The behaviour actually produced when the object is
tested under specified conditions.(BCS)

AD HOC TESTING

Testing carried out using no recognised test case
design technique.(BCS)

ALPHA TESTING

Simulated or actual operational testing at an in-house
site not otherwise involved with the software
developers.  (BCS)

APPLICATION AREA

The grouping of applications / systems that support a
specific business area.  Typically accountable to a
senior executive.

APPLICATION

See System.  In a more specific sense, the use of a
system, that may have more fucntionality than is
required, to a specific business or technical
objective.  Applications exist to solve business or
technical objectives.

ARC TESTING

See branch testing.(BCS)

ASIC

Application Specific Integrated Circuit