Outsourced testing service provider pros & cons
To outsource or not to outsource? It is a question many organisations face, particularly when they require a specific service. Software testing requires a huge amount of skill and patience. It is a crucial aspect of any product launch project. You may have an internal team of testers but in our experience, that is an atypical position. It follows then that outsourcing testing becomes the option for the majority. Here are some outsourced testing service provider advantages and disadvantages to help you make that decision.
What is outsourced software testing?
Simply put, it is when you secure the services of a tester or testing team. They are then responsible for carrying out the steps needed to complete the testing process. Often, their experience and knowledge allows them to create agile test scenarios, which leads to huge time savings. On the other hand, communication can often be difficult.
Pros (Advantages)
- Increase in efficiency
- Eliminate and reduce costs in hardware
- Save time
Software testing experts will typically be able to identify exactly the right types of testing required. They will devise a test plan to ensure maximum efficiency.
By bringing a testing service on board you can look to save on training and hardware costs. There is no need to invest in your own resources either, and you only pay for the testing carried out.
Perhaps the greatest benefit can be the saving of time. As aforementioned, outsourced software testing teams can identify exactly what is required and when. They will then also know exactly who to give tasks to.
Cons (Disadvantages)
- You lose control
- Communication can be a problem
- There is an increase in the need for security
Anything conducted solely in-house gives you a greater degree of control. With outsourcing, you must relinquish it to an extent to allow the testing team to do what they do best. This can sometimes prove difficult, specifically amongst those who prefer to be ‘hands-on’.
Even with the best line of communication in place, liaising with external testers can also be difficult. If you are outsourcing internationally, there are considerations to keep in mind. For example, language barriers and a reliance upon technology to relay key messages can prove troublesome.
Of course, with external resources on board there is a need for additional security measures. You must take care when relaying sensitive information and consider implementing different access levels. Today, cyber security is more of a priority than ever before. Luckily, eTestware is part of theICEway ecosystem of companies along with CRIBB Cyber Security. All of our projects are underpinned by a security by design ethos.
Did we miss anything in our outsourced testing service provider pros & cons lists? Please feel free to leave a comment or contact us if you would like to know more.