Outsourced software testing: Is it right for you?
Most of us use software in our daily lives, whether it be on your desktop for work or a mobile app in your downtime. Software must therefore be fully functional to avoid a negative user experience. The way to ensure that software is performing as it should be is through QA testing. You can do this in-house or by bringing a testing team on board. This is where we come in and today we look at outsourced software testing in general.
Why outsource your software testing?
Testing is an incredibly complex discipline. The skills required to effectively analyse software performance are numerous. Testers assess usability, functionality and security. They must have a working knowledge of the latest technologies and best practices.
Some organisations have the benefit of being able to deploy in-house software testing teams. The majority of businesses do not have this luxury. Therefore, outsourcing becomes a very viable option. Indeed, the software testing market exceeded $40 billion in 2019 and this is set to grow in the years ahead.
So, is outsourcing for you? If you have your own team then probably not. If you do not, however… Whatever your situation, let’s look at some advantages and disadvantages anyhow. You may just find that outsourcing is just the ticket!
The pros and cons of outsourcing
Perhaps that should have read ‘cons and pros’, as we’ll begin with some negatives:
- Concerns over security
- Remote working
Security is a critical element of any software testing project. All of us at theICEway adopt security by design as standard. When outsourcing, you will be sharing sensitive data and so you need to be sure that the partner you choose does the same.
Remote working is not quite as daunting as it may have been in the pre-COVID world. It is still something to consider though, as outsourced teams often include testers from around the globe. This can have negative effects on communication. It also presents challenges around data privacy and QA standards.
Now for some positives:
- Outsourcing is cost-effective
- It allows for greater efficiency and wider test variety
Outsourcing saves money. It will also save you time in the long run, as you draw upon the skills and experience of a seasoned testing team. You also won’t need to invest in tools or hardware.
Outsourced software testers know which methods to use and when. They know the different types of testing that can be deployed. They should also know how best to combine manual testing and automated testing.
Best Practices for outsourced software testing
In other words, what should you consider before selecting an outsourced testing team?
- Credibility
- Resources / limitations / communication process
- Initial KPIs
Outsourced software testing must be completed by a credible organisation. Verify beforehand that they are viable and trustworthy – integrity is everything. Ask to see test documentation from their previous projects and check through case studies. You must also ensure they have the right sized team for your project. Do they have access to the tools required? If a lot of automated testing is needed, are they up to the task? Finally, be sure to set out measurable and attainable goals together before any work is done. Any respectable / reputable software testing company will be happy to do so.