SQA and Test Tool Usage Today

Topics of Discussion

Traditional and New Roles of QA

Examples of QA Best Practices

Benefits of a QA program

Criteria for Success

QA Practices - Traditional Roles and New Emphases

Assess Standards and Procedures Importance of Performance Standards

Assess Application/Software Quality Increase focus on Web-site

performance/quality Provide Technical Advice (i.e. Test

techniques, Defect Management) Process, Requirements and Test Tools

Analyze and Track Errors (defect management and quality metrics)

Testing Standards The methods and procedures programmers, testers, Users and architecture support will follow in the planning, design, execution and reporting of testing

Control Standards The methods by which computer systems and programs will be controlled (i.e. change and version control)

Performance Standards The level or criteria achieved in doing work (i.e. response times, Usage models, server capacity, etc)

Requirements Standards The completeness, clarity and testability of Functional and Performance Requirements

Review the system for: Verification that it meets specifications Adequacy of internal controls Satisfying needs of users

Determine that the system makes efficient and economic use of organization’s hardware, software and other resources

Determine that ALL types of Testing is adequate as new coverage and Testing criteria changes for Speed-to-Market environment

Examples of QA Best Practices

Incorporate Requirements into Test Processes

Improve Test Management, Scheduling and Reporting - Iterative Development calls for creative test scheduling

Establish Meaningful Metrics to measure progress/improvements

Advise Business Analysts, Development and Test teams on evaluation, selection and implementation of Tools

Insert QA and Post Implementation Reviews into lifecycle

Benefits of QA

Improve the methods of scheduling, measuring, testing and reporting software quality

Balance the Speed to Market and Software Quality

Align these Best Practices and Capabilities with Current and Potential Customers

Criteria for Success

Successful implementation of changes rely on upper management support consistent and effective communication training in SQM practices hiring QA, QC and Automated Test resources proper allocation per Development project procurement and implementation of tools