A key guarantee for the interoperability of standards-based solutions is joint testing performed by the implementers and the availability of best practices to the users. One of the main tasks performed by the PDM IF is therefore drawing up best practices for implementing PDM2PDM collaboration scenarios based on the AP 242 business object model. Implementation guidelines (referred to as "recommended practices") are developed on the basis of the requirements identified in these scenarios and verified by the system vendors in joint rounds of testing. The PDM IF is promoted jointly by the prostep ivip and French AFNet and makes a strategic exchange of information possible for both users and system vendors.