Beta test the new Validator

Since COUNTER’s validation tool was first built, we’ve relied on volunteer efforts – and particularly Bernd Oberknapp – to keep it running. Over the years the tool has become increasingly important. In Release 5.1 we included use of the tool as the first stage of the COUNTER audit process.

One of our key objectives is to be operationally resilient, including using appropriate tools and technology to maintain business continuity. Given that objective, and the importance of the validation tool to our whole community, in 2024 the Board agreed that we needed to make a significant investment in the tool. After reviewing responses to our call for proposals, we elected to work with our long-standing partners Big Dig Data to develop the new Validator.

This update uses the existing tool as its core testing module, so the results of validations will not change. The new validator instead offers increased security, upgrades to the user interface, administrative tools, and control systems. It is also linked to the Registry, which makes it easier than ever to check the status of a COUNTER API server. We’ve been running a limited testing process for the new Validator over the last month and are delighted to move into a public beta testing phase today, ahead of presenting it at the COUNTER Conference this afternoon.

The new Validator has a different user management system than the old tool. This means you will need to register for a new account to use it. Once you’re registered, you’ll be able to validate files (TSV, XLSX, JSON) and COUNTER APIs, with clear and simple messaging about the validation results. You can of course download the results for offline review.