Software testing makes the progression of your Information Technology (IT) implementations visible. Having a defined target while knowing exactly where you stand will help you take smart strategic decisions.
IT is necessary and important. The use of IT is visible everywhere, yet it is a ‘big blackbox’ for users and decision makers. Of course this is no reason to be ashamed of; after all we know how to use IT very well, in general. Take for example WiFi, the battery of you laptop, the smart meter at home, the digital panel on your AC remote control etc. We do not know exactly how they work, but the displays give us the best instructions. Think about the message you receive when it’s time to plug-in the laptop into a power source.
I don't understand how it works but I need it big time
“Even though I use Wi-Fi the entire day, I still find it magical how an invisible signal can give me access to funny YouTube videos.”
And yes, the Internet is loaded with information about the mechanics of Wi-Fi and honestly, next to Wi-Fi there are plenty other IT matters I don’t really understand but I do consider lifesavers, like e.g. traveling with GPS in unfamiliar places. Do I really need all the knowledge to use IT? The answer is NO! The only thing is; I do require the indicators to tell me the availability of IT.
Professional Testing makes the IT implementations in your company visible
The only discipline focusing in the progression based on the clients expectation is IT Quality Assurance. Professional Testing makes the progression of the implementations visible to the management and gives insights into quality, speed and resources required to determine the total cost. Based on monitoring tools these results are extrapolated to generate forecasting. Exactly these forecasting are necessary for strategic decisions!
Test professionals are communicators
“While every planning is telling a nice story, testers will give you the real facts as-is.”
In order to evaluate any quality attribute like performance, functionality and maintainability, testers need to understand the business risks. They need to also prioritize in implementation challenges and communicate to all shareholders about the coordination into the desired direction. These communications skills are only obtained by education and work experience.
Direction driven by facts
Testing monitors your implementations Key Performance Indicators (KPI's), identify bottlenecks and is the perfect resource for making strategic decisions considering your internal growth. Basic instinct is good but it is tricky when talking millions.
By Julian Diaz de Pool, MSc.
Test architect @ Rectia