Purpose:
Code cleanup
Description:
Moved a utility function out so other tests can use the same
function and avoid code duplication. Future utility functions
can also benefit from this move.
Platforms tested:
SunOS 5.7 (arabica)
Linux 2.4 (eirene)
IRIX 6.5.11 (modi4)
HPUX 11.00 (kelgia)
