 | |
| Software Testing and Quality Assurance |
Software underpins the
success or failure of any digital transformation initiative. In a world
increasingly driven by computers and automation, software stays at the heart of
a system executing things that were unthinkable in the past. It has helped
create a human machine interface thereby reducing the human effort to a large
extent. The customers of today have become the biggest beneficiaries of
machines (read computers, tablets and smartphones) that are run by software
wherein a host of activities gets done. These include paying utility bills,
shopping from eCommerce stores, watching movies, booking hotels, cabs, trains,
and airlines among others. However, executing these activities in a seamless
manner can only happen when the software behind them works optimally. If not,
the customer experience can eventually go for a toss. Thus, software testing and quality assurance
have become important cogs in the wheels of software development and delivery.
What is quality
assurance?
Quality assurance is a
series of activities that check if the software, and processes based on that,
deliver outcomes that conform to the business objectives. It checks and
validates the requirements and standards for a software in the entire SDLC. Quality assurance thus identifies
the bugs or glitches present in a software before its eventual deployment for
customer use.
With growing competition,
providing the best customer experience has become the primary objective of
businesses to achieve ROI. And a glitch prone software application would be a
detriment to realize that objective. Thus, software quality assurance testing has taken the centre stage in
any organization’s scheme of things. The software application testing activity reveals inconsistencies,
glitches, and redundancies in a newly developed software. It ensures the same
are flagged off and removed (by the developers)
to provide a better customer experience and longevity.
Where does software
quality assurance services come in SDLC?
Traditionally, QA used to
come after the development of software and before its eventual deployment.
Since this approach was found inadequate to meet challenges like accelerating
the time to market, testing the software across devices, platforms, devices,
and networks, and offering a robust customer experience, it was discarded in
favour of Agile-DevOps method of software development, testing and delivery.
Thus, in the Agile-DevOps methodology, QA is part of the development sprint
instead of operating in a silo.
Reasons to apply software
application testing
#1. Enhance the quality
of software: A bug filled software can
impact the customer experience by not functioning to its optimum or as per
expectations. It may lead to latency, downtime or render the features
ineffective. As a software is supposed to reduce human effort and offer
specific services, the presence of glitches can put paid to everything. And in
the competitive business environment where customers have a range of choices, a
glitch prone software can spell trouble for the business. For the customers
will not have second thoughts in discarding the software and moving to the
competitors.
#2. Prevent security
issues: The software application testing exercise,
especially security testing, can identify (and later eliminate with the help of
developers) malware, trojans and viruses present in the software. This prevents
hackers from siphoning off sensitive business and customer information or even
money. For example, eCommerce or banking apps make use of network banking,
credit and debit cards to make payments. However, if these apps are affected by
malware, it can result in customers losing money.
#3. Performance: Quality Assurance tests the performance of software by conducting
load test, stress test etc. These tests ensure the software runs to its optimum
when the workload increases. For example, eCommerce stores experience a rush of
customers during holidays or Sundays. So, if the online stores are not tested
beforehand for their performance, they can suffer from latency, downtime or
even server crashes. Needless to say, such outcomes can hit the customer
experience and bottom lines really hard.
#4. Saves time and money:
It is better to identify and fix glitches
early on in the SDLC rather than going through an elaborate exercise later. As
the saying goes, ‘a stitch in time saves nine,’ carrying out software testing
in the initial phase of software development can save time and money.
Conclusion
The quality of software
is arguably the most important attribute to garner customer approval. It is
important for any business engaged in the development of software to validate
the latter’s quality before delivery. By making a software quality compliant,
the company can boost its brand, market, and ROI.
No comments:
Post a Comment