theICEway & eTestware: Q&A with Bertie Trevis
Our latest blog is on the theICEway & eTestware as we sit with eTestware General Manager Bertie Trevis for a Q&A session. In 2011, he joined ICE to help with their technology consultancy service. In the proceeding years he also took on an integral role for our software testing arm.
This article originally featured in theICEway’s regular ICEbreaker newsletter.
Initial impressions of ICE
Naturally I was a little nervous at the start but my nerves were swiftly alleviated when I met the people. I remember thinking that the team were very outgoing and friendly.
I’d also heard that they were delivering technology consultancy and IT solutions for the cruise industry. It is not often that you find a small, family-style company working alongside true juggernauts within their field. It wasn’t long before I understood exactly why ICE was such a great fit for them though.
Evolution
It became clear that [many of our clients] had software testing requirements as well as a need for assistance with cyber security. So the overall plan quickly developed to incorporate those aspects.
We knew that the successful delivery of tech consultancy, IT support and IT solutions in general required us to go the extra mile. The learning curve for that ‘extra mile’ was a steep one for me but again, the team at ICE were hugely supportive.
I quickly learned that Quality assurance (QA) is a crucial element whenever a new system is being developed or integrated.
We… decided to look at Estonia for our own [software testing] solution. That is where we found the basis for what would become eTestware.
eTestware
Establishing a company in Estonia is much more straightforward than in most countries I think… I was invited to take the challenge of growing eTestware with [a] fantastic team.
The bulk of that original team is still in place even now, which is important. theICEway in general has a tremendous retention rate and that is partly due to the way that Conor and Ian have set everything up. The core values* are reflected in everything we do, they aren’t just buzzwords.
*Integrity, people and innovation.
Software testing is an incredibly demanding discipline that takes patience and dedication. Our amazing team have those qualities and more. As much as I have learned over the last 11 years or so, some of the things they do just amazes me. The attention to detail required is incredible and when they then have to relay bugs and issues to developers, that in itself is a skill.
Looking ahead
On a personal level, I’m looking for eTestware to take another step forwards. We have had a great 8 years and now is the perfect time for myself and the team to raise awareness of the importance software testing has. The idea of conducting a system implementation or integration without then testing is a scary one for me now!
theICEway & eTestware will continue to advise our clients about testing. As far as I am concerned, it is right up there with the need for robust cyber security. Technology is continuously evolving and so we need to ensure that we are evolving alongside that.
Our ecosystem of IT brands includes theICEway & eTestware plus CRIBB Cyber Security. Nowadays, it is essential to provide a comprehensive, end-to-end digital solution.