- Business Director (Loans) Global 500 Bank
Domain Role in the Testing Process
Domain focus helps the testing partner ensure functional coverage of the entire testing process. It is this domain knowledge that helps visualise scenarios replicating the business user thought process. Domain focused testing teams are able to acquire knowledge quickly and comprehensively, as they are already familiar with the workings of the financial services sector. Customers find that product/process knowledge transfer to such teams is much faster than that to test teams who are not specialised in financial services.
Testing Core Competence Structured Methodology
Structured test methodology, right from scoping/ sizing up to rigorous test execution and defect management is a key success factor. This comes from the learning's and best practices garnered over multiple engagements so that you do not "reinvent the wheel".
Metrics based Effort Estimation
Many a time, functional test effort estimation is done by adhoc techniques such as percentage of development effort, or effort based on time/resource availability, etc. A scientific approach to estimation leads to proper project planning and avoids last minute crisis.
Disciplined Test Management
Some of the key components of test management include effective systems of reviews, metrics-driven testing processes, standardised documentation of test ware, and optimum usage of automation techniques.
Proactive Risk Mitigation
As testing is the last control point before the software goes live and as this phase is usually the most compressed due to delays, proactive risk mitigation is the key to ensure adequate testing within available timelines.
Global Testing Delivery Model
Can your testing partner bring a proven global delivery model, especially in an area with high business user involvement?
Pioneering Testing Careers
Testing being a specialised activity, the partner needs to be effective in building careers in testing. In an organisation which offers software development, maintenance, etc., apart from testing, testing tenures are seen as "Punishment postings" and are often looked down upon. A specialist testing partner can create levels of excellence within testing thus providing a fulfilling career path.
