Enterprises are increasingly focusing not just on rolling out their software on time but delivering an exceptional quality application on time. Software failures, glitches, lagging performance, and clunky interfaces are no more acceptable by customers which makes software testing a crucial part of the roll-out plan.

However, in reality, many a time when a project faces difficulties and delays, compromises are often made on testing with predictable consequences.  To avoid such unwanted and foreseen consequences, it is not only important to involve testing at every stage of the software development lifecycle but also incorporate the latest automation technologies like AI/ML.

Therefore, we can iterate the three key aspects that businesses have to consider while building a software application – Features, Time, and Quality – all with equal importance. Imagine using an application with excellent features but is very slow. Businesses especially with multiple product lines simply cannot afford to sacrifice quality but rather need to work on managing timelines and features.

3 Majors Areas to Focus on While Deriving a Testing Strategy:

To integrate testing with development, your testing strategy must take a holistic view of how to execute end-end testing that can span across the business and technical goals of the project.  This includes identifying all the areas of the application that can have a direct/indirect influence on the end-customer experience.

The testing model needs to focus on three major areas while designing a Testing Strategy which are,

  • Functional
  • Non-Functional
  • Tools & Process

Functional – This should determine the scope of testing, test automation approach, test data preparation, and so on. A simple example could be Lift & Shift Projects vs. Reengineering for Cloud projects. While the end goal is delivering a bug-free application, the testing strategies for these projects vary drastically. Hence, the testing strategy should cover in detail the different aspects of Functional testing that needs to be covered after a detailed study of the project objectives.

Non-Functional – This should focus on the various types of testing to be performed. For example, Load Testing, Performance Benchmarking, Security Testing, and so on. To determine this, an in-depth understanding of the business objectives, industry, and users is required.

Tools and processes Choosing the right automation tool and framework can have a significant impact on the maintenance efforts which in turn will impact the Cost of Quality. Organizations can also explore leveraging AI/ML-based solutions that can help them improve the overall testing efficiency consequently reducing the cost.

Implementing the right DevOps processes can help in a seamless integration of Testing alongside the development and operational activities.

idc webinar managed testing

Getting these 3 pieces right can provide you with a solid test strategy.

Check out the Hyper-Testing methodology that has worked for many enterprises. Click here to learn more. 

Including AI/ML in Testing

Automation is all about minimizing/eliminating manual work and AI/ML is something that can add intelligence to make it even smarter. AI-based testing frameworks are equipped with features like intelligence-driven testing and autonomous maintenance activities that can help in reducing the overall costs.

AI in test automation proves to be improving the testing team’s productivity largely. This can be made possible through reasoning, problem-solving, and machine learning based on repetitive patterns to detect and rectify issues immediately.

Check out AFTA 4.0, an AI-powered test automation framework.

Leveraging Managed Testing Services for the Best Results

Organizations have started to look out for managed testing services due to several challenges they face lately. They are under constant pressure to integrate solutions with rapidly changing buyer behavior which insists that they have to invest in technology and talent and simultaneously focus on getting higher ROI. Sometimes, it just becomes a little complicated to handle an internal team.  It is for these reasons, working with a managed testing services provider can prove to be beneficial.

But choosing the right Managed Testing Services provider is the most significant part.  It would be best to work with a provider who can understand both your software and the business.

Here is a quick checklist of the factors you need to look for in a managed testing services provider.
  • Clear SLA driven engagement and outcome-based ownership on quality
  • Flexi team model to ramp-up/ramp-down resources on demand
  • Single point of end-end ownership across diversified systems and business processes for accountability
  • A holistic approach of covering both functional and non-functional testing including Performance and Security Testing
  • Comprehensive test case libraries providing extensive coverage on functionalities combined with test automation
  • Adopt time-tested industry best practices/processes across the IT landscape of applications resulting in consistent quality output
  • Must exhibit Agile, CI/CD, and DevOps culture
  • Maintain a streamlined QA process focusing on test automation as a solution
  • Nearshore presence to support global requirements
  • Transparent governance model
  • Strong partner network

Listen to CIO, IDC Analyst, and CTO of WideOrbit address on Leveraging Managed Testing Services Partnerships to Advance Software Product Releases or Operations Agendas along with other testing experts in the industry. Check out the whitepaper

Follow us on Aspire Systems Testing to get detailed insights and updates about Testing!