Open-source testing tools like JMeter and Selenium have obvious appeal—no licensing fees, endless customisation, and a community to lean on. But, if you’re using open-source for mission-critical testing, you need to ask—is it really worth the risk?
Your testers find a critical bug the night before a major release. Should they have the power to stop the launch?
Testers provide essential insights into software quality and risk. Their analysis is critical for decision-makers, so would it make sense to give them the power to veto releases?
Would you intentionally plant defects to test your test team? Bebugging, as it’s known, is a technique where software flaws are purposely introduced to gauge testing effectiveness. Are there times and places where bebugging is a valid way to help improve processes, tighten up testing, or root out a potential weak link?
We have all witnessed an alarming rise in deceptive marketing practices that undermine customer decision-making and market integrity, with tool vendors increasingly comparing their tools to industry leaders using deliberately misleading information.
As a test professional, I’ve seen countless projects where defects are treated as disasters rather than learning opportunities. But what if we flipped that mindset? What if software development projects embraced failure as SpaceX does—not as an end, but as the beginning of progress?
Over the next five years, software and software testing are set to evolve at a rate we’ve never seen. In fact, it has already started. Over the last few years, everyone remotely involved in tech has witnessed the constant change in the way things are done. This seemingly non-stop innovation has been driven by emerging technologies, shifting development paradigms, and businesses reevaluating their priorities… and is set to accelerate.
In the race to protect us against rogue AI, our best defence might not be scientists or politicians, but the often-overlooked heroes of the tech world: software testers. As AI systems increasingly mediate healthcare, criminal justice, and military decisions, this unlikely profession could hold the key to preventing existential catastrophe.
You see them everywhere. Top 10 this, top 20 that. We have all searched for lists that rank products. Whether cars, phones, software, or anything else. But how trustworthy are the ‘top software’ lists on the internet?
Ah, software testing—where meticulous planning meets unexpected chaos and where even the most rigorous quality assurance can sometimes go awkwardly awry. As we bid farewell to 2024, it’s time to take a step back and indulge in some light-hearted reflection on the quirky side of our profession.
The World Quality Report (WQR) 2024-25 looks at the current state and future trends of Quality Engineering—albeit from a particular perspective. It is based on a survey of 1,775 executives across multiple sectors and regions. While it is a potentially interesting source of information, I’m always left asking the question: Is it useful?
Here’s a universal truth: Within minutes of a solution going live, the user base finds unexpected ways of using it. This is applicable across the board, from large-scale ERP implementations to websites, from graphic design software to video games.
In my latest Testing Times newsletter, I discussed Microsoft and their poor software quality. This led to a couple of conversations on LinkedIn comments concerning Microsoft’s approach to testing… and whether developers should ‘test their own homework’ as the saying goes. Click the newsletter link to read the comments in full.
You think you’ve found the perfect tool that ticks the speed, coverage, flexibility, support, and cost boxes—but there are good reasons to think again.
Microsoft (MS) has dominated the software landscape for decades, boasting vast resources and some of the brightest engineering minds. Yet, despite this wealth of talent, many users struggle with persistent issues that raise questions about the company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
What if I told you that, despite your best efforts, your brain could be sabotaging your testing approach? And that while you’ve spent your entire software testing career trying to find the biggest, juiciest bugs, your subconscious has had other goals altogether?
The Post Office Horizon scandal destroyed lives and livelihoods and is rooted in defective software. This insight looks at the scandal from a testing perspective and serves as a cautionary tale for all involved in deploying large-scale IT systems.
When considering the procurement of software tools, there is often a common misapprehension: Open Source = Free = Economical. But is it that simplistic?
Software testing, like all human activities, can have ecological consequences. This insight includes eight ways you can reduce the environmental impact of software testing and shape a greener future.
Software testing is the unsung hero of the tech industry. Without it, we would experience flawed software at every turn, applications constantly crashing, and security issues becoming commonplace. However, the importance of the software tester’s role often comes with immense pressure, tight deadlines, and high-stake projects. I’ve seen firsthand how these factors often impact testers’ mental health.
In the dynamic world of information technology, change is the only constant. Every technological innovation causes ripples in the existing status quo. These ripples often lead to profound transformations in how people and projects work and can even wipe out entire professions.
In the early days of SaaS, there were questions about security, reliability, scalability and value. This blog post explores SaaS’s evolution, focusing on the significant innovations that have brought us to enterprise-grade maturity.
Today, we address the potential elephant in the room that lurks within the software testing community. As software testers, are we contributing to buggy software by not pushing back against unrealistic deadlines?
In this article, we reveal the true cost of testing tools over a 3-5-year period. We examine the long-term costs associated with different options and provide guidance on how you can select the most cost-effective solution for your company.
If you’re a true test professional, then you know that it’s not enough to just run tests and deliver reports. Let’s be honest, anyone can run a test and record a result. Plus, test execution is increasingly automated, and some traditionally human tasks are gradually being replaced by AI. No,
We all thought 2021 was a crazy year, but then 2022 hit. The pandemic lingered on, war kicked off, energy prices surged, and interest rates started to climb. Suffice to say, things aren’t ideal at the moment. Throughout all this chaos, software testers have striven to increase quality, accelerate
Micro Focus, Capgemini and Sogeti released the 14th edition of the World Quality Report recently. In addition to the main report, the team also released a number of region-specific reports, including this UK-focused report. I am an enterprise software professional with over 3 decades of experience and regular, direct contact with many UK businesses
I spend a large percentage of my working week speaking with test managers about tools and budgets. One of the most common questions I ask is, ‘Have you considered the total cost of ownership?’. I estimate 80% answer ‘No’ – They do not consider the total cost of ownership. Even
Fun fact: A consultancy’s primary objective is to generate services revenue. They want you to spend your money on consultancy days, not on labour-saving tools. Therefore, it’s no surprise that they often lead customers down the open-source software route. Consultancies will dress it up in one way or another, but free tools
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the next best time is right now. The same applies to testing tools. If you want to improve, then at some point you must take the plunge. Now is the perfect time. Looking back at 2021, did everything go
No software is entirely free, no matter how small the license cost. In fact, free software products often end up costing the most in the long run. But there is an easy way to reduce your costs. Companies and procurement always want to get the best price for anything they buy. Software
I’ve been involved in the IT world for 30+ years, first as a developer and then as a software tester. Throughout that time there have been many trends, and another is starting to gain momentum. More and more often, I hear people use ‘Quality Engineering’ in place of ‘Quality Assurance’.
When it comes to software delivery, Service Virtualization is a real hidden gem. Not only does it help you keep development on track, but it also saves you money and accelerates testing. And yet, I bet you’re not using it? When you add Service Virtualization to your software project, you:
Mobile testing presents an ever-increasing challenge to the test team. Devices are already more important and more complex than ever before, and these trends are set to continue indefinitely. UFT Mobile is by far the best tool for this challenge, but hardly anybody knows about it. What is UFT Mobile?
SaaS Test Tools are becoming more and more popular, and for good reason; SaaS is the most convenient and easy way to purchase test tool licenses. If you haven’t made the change already, now is the right time for SaaS test tools. This insight looks at 5 clear reasons why SaaS
You’ve probably heard it said, Micro Focus is where software goes to die. Even if you haven’t heard it, it’s pithy enough to convey the sentiment; Micro Focus buy products to run them to end of life, milking their service contracts without investing in them. But is it true? In
Like me, you’re probably hearing a lot about AI (Artificial Intelligence) in software test automation. All the software-houses are pushing it, all the consultancies are talking about it. It’s one of the in-vogue phrases, like test automation once was, way back when. It’s easy to get caught up in the
According to our friends at the World Quality Report (WQR), test budgets are falling. At least as a percentage of overall IT spend. But are they really? I’m not convinced. Specifically, the WQR 2021 claims that over the last 5 years test budgets have fallen from 35% to 22%, as a percentage
Tricentis are making big waves in the testing pool, it’s what happens when you dump a lot of marketing budget in the shallow end. It makes sense – Tricentis have got a lot of ground to catch up on Micro Focus, and it’s much easier to tell than it is
The World Quality Report 2020-21 (WQR) is out and it’s a massive document. If you’ve not read it, I don’t blame you. There is, however, a lot of interesting content nestled within the WQR’s many pages. One such section focuses on this key idea: There is too much expectation on testers I
Rob Stock – Solutions Consultant with Micro Focus explains the Micro Focus approach to developing their software. Busting myths that have existed for years. Roadmap v backlog! Invest 30 seconds of your time to hear how Micro Focus approach developing all there software testing solutions, including old favourites like LoadRunner,
Interview with Rob Stock – Solutions Consultant with Micro Focus, discussing whether legacy software can stay relevant. We discuss LoadRunner, UFT and ALM/Quality Center. A frank conversation. Rob has 15 years experience working with all the Micro Focus software testing solutions and has worked with a significant number of their
The facts: “Web performance and load test functionality in Visual Studio is deprecated. Visual Studio 2019 will be the last version of Visual Studio containing web performance and load test features.” “Coded UI Test for automated UI-driven functional testing is deprecated. Visual Studio 2019 is the last version where Coded
Why do Dev Testers love Selenium? Why does Micro Focus UFT continue to sell 20+ years after it was launched (it has been through a few name changes – WinRunner, QTP, Functional Tester and then UFT) Opensource v paid tools is the big fight! Which is better? Watch my views
How do you choose the right Performance Testing tool? Ensuring that it will not only be fit for purpose, but also still be useful in the future. Before you buy a Performance Tool, spend some time thinking about the tool you need. So that you avoid a costly mistake.
The 2018-19 World Quality Report is supposed to show us the trends in QA and test globally, but I don’t think it accurately portrays reality on the ground. Most companies I know are struggling with different issues to the ones it highlights. Have you read it? Do you agree? Check
How do you get the testing tools you need without cutting corners. We all know that there is pressure to use free or cheap tools, however, are they really what you need? Will they help you do the job well or will you have to work round there short comings
We all know that quality testing tools cost. However, when looking at how to improve the productivity, repeatability, consistency, velocity, breadth and depth of testing it is worth considering a few things. If you would like to empower your people, have a look at this video. If you would
Whether it’s your mobile phone, laptop, Fitbit or games console, it’s unlikely you are still using the same model you bought even four or five years ago. Most people replace their tech regularly – out with the old, in with the new. At work, you may have “legacy” testing software that
Your friend says they are going to make a quick phone call, and whips out their mobile phone. You stare in astonishment. No screen… no Internet…. No apps. It’s an old-fashioned flip-phone, which has been obsolete for a decade or more. We all know people who continue to use clunky,
If you are working with legacy testing software that hasn’t kept pace with the technology you are using, and seems old-fashioned compared to the new tools on the market… You might be thinking of replacing it. Stop! That is not necessarily the best solution for your legacy software…. Or the
Have you ever started a DIY job and just not had the right tools? Frustrating, isn’t it! You know that the right tool will get the job don’t faster and to a higher standard. If using Quality Center and you are moving or have moved to Agile, then that
Website crashes due to a surge in demand online are often associated with retailers and Black Friday or Cyber Monday However, your website could still be vulnerable even if you don’t sell online! In my video ‘What is your Black Friday?’, you’ll discover when you need to worry about unusually
In 2017 Black Friday generated £1.39bn for UK retailers and this year is set to top that! But is your website ready for the increase in demand? Last year a big-name retailer had major website problems on the day because of the increase in demand, losing revenue and damaging
If you are running a test team what would you give for that clarity to know at the click of a button the status of all the test activity under your control. As a test manager, the reality is that you probably spend many hours each week checking on the
I didn’t realise until this year, but there are actually only 15 sports at the Winter Olympics, compared to 42 in the summer. That means that, as PyeongChang 2018 took place a few months back, you heard a lot about a tiny handful of sports, such as skiing, ice skating
One of your technical testers walks into your office. “Look, I know that you’re thinking about how we’ve going to test our mobile app, and I have a suggestion….. “I’ve found an amazing freeware testing tool that is almost perfect for the job.” You smile, because you can see how
Over the past year, I’ve caught up with many old contacts, some of whom have moved on to new companies. When I tell them that I’m now heading a HPE – Hewlett Packard Enterprise (now Micro Focus) Gold partner, selling testing software, many are very eager to hear more. But
It’s only natural that you have high expectations when you buy software to improve your testing. You want to improve your ability to test and to make life easier. You may be expecting to get greater traceability, visibility, test coverage, more automation, to save time – or all of these.
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