Software Testing Services - Regression Testing

Along with Software Development, software testing is also one of the most important factors that plays crucial role. There are many different methods for software testing. Let us take a look at Regression testing today.

Regression testing is one kind of software testing procedure that seeks to expose regression bugs/errors. Regression bugs arise whenever software functionality that worked fine in the past stops operating or no longer works in the similar way that was previously intended. Normally regression bugs arise as an accidental outcome of program changes.

The most common techniques of regression testing comprises re-running formerly run tests and checking whether formerly-fixed mistakes/defects have resurfaced. Previous experiences have revealed that as software is developed; such type of reemergence of bugs/defects is quite normal. Sometimes it arises because a fix gets vanished through improper/inadequate revision control exercises (or simple human mistake in review control), but just as often a solution for a trouble will be "delicate" - if some other modification is made to the program, the fix no longer performs.

Ultimately, it has frequently been the case that when some feature is revamped, the same errors will be made in the revamped solution that were made in the initial execution of the feature. So, in most software development states it is considered good exercise that when a bug is found and fixed, a test that exposes the error is traced and frequently retested after subsequent modifications to the program.

Although this may be completed through manual testing processes using programming methods, it is often done by automatic testing techniques, frequently, a 'test suite', software techniques that lets the testing environment to carry out all the regression test occurrences automatically; some assignments even set up automated mechanisms to automatically re-run all regression tests at stipulated times and report any regressions that arises.

Common approaches are to run such a mechanism after every successful compile (for small projects), each night, or once a week. Regression testing is an essential part of the considerable programming software development techniques. In this testing methodology, design documents are exchanged by extensive, repeatable, and automated testing of the whole software package at every phase in the software development life cycle.

Best Practices in Custom Software Outsourcing Process

With an increasing number of small to large organizations looking for custom software outsourcing process, establishment of competitive business model that benefits all the stakeholders is inevitable. With the involvement of higher stake in such a business process, adoption of mature engagement models is also advisable for both, clients & vendors. It will help in achieving business objectives and avoiding unnecessary risks of offshore software outsourcing process.

In the current IT scenario, many companies have been adopting custom software outsourcing at different stages of product development life cycle. But in this case identifying the ROI (Return on Investment) becomes difficult. Nevertheless proper offshore software outsourcing process surely guides and helps in minimizing some major business risks. Setting up clear business goals, defining suitable control methodology, in-depth research about service providers, defining engagement models, signing legal contracts are some of the most important practices that can be implemented to achieve maximum benefits from the custom software outsourcing.

Along with the prime objective of lower software development cost companies must distinguish which part of the business process life cycle is best suitable for offshore services and to what extent. The second stage is to define suitable control methodology which includes defining roles and responsibilities for each and every model. Market research about the vendor also includes in-depth analysis about the vendor’s market reputation and working methodology. Once the vendor is selected it is the most appropriate time to define the best engagement model that suits both parties- client and vendor. After implementing all above stages successfully, companies can enter into signing a legal contract to start offshore software outsourcing business process.

Apart from all above practices constant monitoring over the whole custom software outsourcing process is must. Criteria for successful completion and deployment of the project should also be defined at the time of signing the contract. And last criteria are to agreeing for the post delivery maintenance services. Apart from that continuing software development business relationship with the same service provider in the future is also advisable, as changing the vendor might require some greater amount of business and management practices.

Above is a simple guideline to enter into the safe custom software outsourcing business process. Organizations can add or deduct the dos and don’ts in engagement models as per their business needs.

Custom Software Outsourcing and Things to Keep in Mind

Custom Software Outsourcing brings many benefits and this has been proved time and again. However, there are a lot many things that need to be taken care of. Custom Software Outsourcing is very delicate business process. The prime concern in such business process is Data Privacy and Security.

Organizations, dealing through offshore outsourcing services, really need to critically consider which processes to outsource and which to deal with in-house. Chances of leakage or abuse of the data definitely arises when working with the overseas services providers. In order to avoid such circumstances, organizations must first prioritize the task that is very sensitive and should keep it in-house only and rest they can send overseas. India, China, Philippine and some more countries are very famous for custom software development work. These countries are involved in software outsourcing services for a longer period of time, but no one can guarantee for 100% data security. So it is advisable to take best judgment before getting involved in it.

Apart from the data privacy another important issues is to win the confidence of the internal staff. It is possible that Offshore Software Outsourcing might create some problems inside as employees might feel insecure with respect to their jobs. In this case communication channel between the management and the employees should be clear and direct. Management should also put their highly experienced resources to tackle custom software development process to avoid future problems. Proper investigation about the service provider is also equally important. Companies should also check the market credibility of the service provider before initiating any business process.

Above are some crucial points to keep in mind while dealing with custom software outsourcing business process.