Certification mark for Software
Scope:
The certification mark applies to B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) user software (e.g. accounting software). User software is the term for programs enabling users to process special tasks.
Basis of certification:
The certification mark is awarded within the framework of voluntary testing and certification. Use of the TÜV SÜD certification mark requires annual re-certification. Re-certification covers testing of all technical, process-related and functional changes/upgrades added during the year. If re-certification is completed with a positive result, the certificate is extended by a year.
Key words of the certification mark:
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Software
The functionality, user-friendliness (ergonomics/usability) and data security of the software product are tested, audited and certified.
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Ergonomics
The test criteria are based on the EN ISO 9241, Part 110 series of standards, “Ergonomics of human-system interactions – Dialogue principles”. Testing covers aspects including the software's adequacy, self-descriptiveness, suitability for learning and suitability for Individualisation.
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Functionality
The test criteria are based on the ISO/IEC 25051:2014 standard. Testing covers aspects such as the correctness of the functions and the consistency, reliability and robustness of the software product.
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Data Security
Testing ensures that the software product offers an adequate level of data security. Testing of the “data security” criterion is based on legal requirements, in as far as they are relevant and applicable.
These requirements are regulated in laws and regulations including the German Federal Data Protection Act , the German Telemedia Act, the German Telecommunications Act and the IT-Grundschutz Catalogues of the German Federal Office for Information Security (Bundesamt für Sicherheit in der Informationstechnik, BSI).
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GoBS
This statement is based on the generally accepted principles of computer-aided accounting systems (Grundsätze ordnungsmäßiger DV-gestützter Buchführungssysteme, GoBS), of the IDW Auditing Standard (IDW PS 800) and the IDW Accounting Practice Statements (IDW RS FAIT 1, IDW RS FAIT 3).