Independent Software Testing

Introduction

Independent software testing provides confidence that the system has been tested by people other than the developers. Independent testing ensures the following:

• The client’s specifications and requirements have not been compromised
• All modules of the software are working correctly
• All execution paths of the software are working correctly
• The software meets end to end functional requirements in all situations
• The software can handle maximum and minimum values of data input and output
• The system handles error conditions gracefully
• The software works efficiently under maximum load conditions
• The system is robust and reliable

We have a wealth of expertise in the testing of complex mission critical systems. These include large online systems, client/server applications and large legacy systems on mainframe and unix platforms.

Online Systems Testing

We only test online systems. We have tested large e-commerce systems including Internet casinos systems, Sports Betting Systems, Multiplayer Internet Casino Systems and Internet Lottery Systems. As these systems interact with customers and banks in real time, they are regarded as mission critical.

The principal consultants have developed standards for e-commerce systems. We have also developed a number of test plans and test procedures, which have been used for successful testing of several e-commerce systems worldwide. We project manage all our projects from beginning to end.

Software testing encompasses the following:

• Test planning (test strategy, test plans)
• Testing (running of test scripts )
• Project Management (project plan, managing resources, tracking progress/issues and providing timely and accurate feedback)

Test Planning

Appropriate test strategy and test plans are critical components of successful testing. We have extensive experience in the area of developing test strategies and test plans for a range of systems. Test planning requires close examination of specifications, system documentation, operating environments, and allocation of testing resources etc.

Testing

Correct implementation of test plans is the key to achieving the desired results in testing. The major areas of testing are unit testing, functional testing, regression testing, performance testing and integration testing.

Unit testing: Testing of individual modules in order to thoroughly exercise each module to its limits.

Functional testing: This is to test system requirements to verify that they meet functional specifications. The most common functional tests employed are as below:

• functional testing of all modules to verify correct operation
• testing of user interfaces
• testing of financial interfaces (banks, credit card service providers etc.)
• conduct controlled tests and produce reports to verify accuracy of data storage.
• review of network infrastructure and security

Regression testing: This is to ensure that software or hardware changes have not introduced new problems to previously tested components of the system.

Performance testing: Performance testing is to evaluate the response time and behavior of the system when the number of users and transactions are increased to levels expected in production mode.

Integration testing: This is to ensure that the entire system with the production release software, work correctly on the production infrastructure with final software and hardware configurations. Integration testing is done immediately prior to going live.

Project Management

This involves preparing project plan, tracking progress and issues, managing resources, maintaining excellent communication with stakeholders and providing timely and accurate feedback.