This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Jenifer
The software industry is evolving at a frantic pace; no wonder it is growing in terms of competition across the globe. This is the bright side; the dark side behind the scenes is due to this ever-increasing cut-throat competition. More and more companies are facing unexpected challenges regarding development and testing, especially in the context of in-house development. Thank god, we have outsourcing as an option. More or less, outsourcing software development services is no longer an option but a strategic decision to fasten development projects; all you need to seek around is an appropriate partner who has a knack for offering unmatchable services irrespective of your business niche.
There is no denying the fact that outsourcing is a complicated and cost-prohibitive procedure; however, the key is to choose the right software outsourcing vendor. In case if you don’t want to conduct a development project thoroughly, you can try considering outsourcing software testing.
What is Software Testing Outsourcing?
It is the ultimate practice of delegating a wide range of software testing activities, especially to external service providers. Since the term outsourcing is here, this calls for integrating well with third-party vendors or a dedicated software testing company to conduct a wide range of testing activities in regards to functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and usability testing. By conducting software testing overseas, you can make the most of skilled professionals who have a track record of conducting a comprehensive and reliable testing procedure.
Why is there a need to outsource software testing?
Of course, we are humans, we won’t do anything unless it turns out to be beneficial in the long run. Outsourcing software testing brings a wide range of benefits, one of which is gaining an instant competitive edge. Apart from them, take a look below.
Easy Access to Expertise
Since we are talking about outsourcing software testing projects, it means you have a plethora of options to choose from. Yes, you are bound to have instant and unrestricted access to a pool of experienced testing professionals who definitely possess relevant skills and expertise.
And since these professionals tend to work offshore, they are well-versed in different types of industry verticals and technologies. All you need to do is choose the right one and ask them to bring in valuable insights and best practices to succeed.
Enhanced Software Quality
I am not saying that in-house testing professionals won’t offer fruitful outcomes, but yes, this is a given: choosing dedicated testers means you are receiving services right from an unbiased perspective. Here you are bound to receive a fresh set of eyes, especially about spotting out defects, vulnerabilities, and usability issues. These are certain things which might be overlooked, especially in-house.
It has been proven that outsourcing vendors do have a strong focus when it comes to quality assurance and are found successfully adopting robust testing procedures. These experts ensure to conduct comprehensive functional testing, performance testing, security testing, and, of course, usability testing to spot issues, bugs, as well as rectify them on the spot, ensuring that the end product is highly reliable, stable, and user-friendly.
Cost-Effective
The next reason to choose software testing outsourcing is that much life development it turns out to be a pretty cost-effective method. In comparison to in-house testing teams, outsourcing minimizes the need for any upfront investments in infrastructure, testing tools, or even hiring and training them.
In addition, all the ongoing costs that are required for maintaining a dedicated testing department throughout the year can be eliminated, I am talking in terms of monthly salaries, benefits, and other overhead expenses. And lastly, when you outsource, you can either scale up or scale down the testing team, depending on project requirements.
Focus on Core Competencies
The next benefit of offshore software testing is that you get to focus on core competencies. Now, development and testing are two such phases that require absolute dedicated time, effort, and precision. So when you can entrust testing responsibilities to external experts, you can set yourself free and focus on core competencies as well as business objectives, which does assist well in enhancing overall productivity and efficiency.
Quick time-to-market
Of course, outsourcing software testing accelerates the software development cycle and allows professionals to deliver faster time-to-market. Since you happen to choose testing teams featuring adequate expertise and resources, the consequences are bound to happen a bit early. Several things can be completed within the desired timelines.
Challenges often faced when conducting offshore testing
Of course, offshore software testing as a concept comes with lots of pros, but at the same time, there are several challenges faced when doing the same. Let us address them one by one.
Communication Gap
Communication gap or miscommunication has led to several unwanted goof-ups and issues, there is no debate about and since we are talking about having long-distance relationships with your tech partner, these aspects or challenges are pretty much bound to happen. It is very important to reduce the collaboration gap as much as possible to ensure smooth collaboration among onsite teams as well as offshore testing teams, including offshore software testing centers, allowing effective communication protocols, which leads to successful project outcomes.
Reducing the communication gap turns out to be an extremely crucial step to take. Try utilizing different kinds of synchronous and asynchronous tools, such as video conferencing, enabling real-time conversations, use of project management software, allowing tracking of current progress and responsibilities, regularly keeping tabs, and conducting feedback sessions, so that it is possible to identify all the relevant problems and issues.
Managing Time Zone Differences
The next big challenge to address is minimizing time-zone differences, since we are talking about offshore or outsourcing software testing services. It assists well in ensuring that overall offshore testing leads to a smooth workflow without having to compromise with the team or quality, or even facing unwanted delays in meeting the project timelines.
So how to overcome such challenges, QA teams need to conduct strategic alignment and schedule mechanisms that lead to maximizing project deliverables.
Developing overlapping hours: Keep a close eye on time-zone differences, spot out times when you can find team members from other zones easily accessible, and then try collaborating. This does ensure real-time feedback and easy decision-making.
Set clear expectations: Make sure to keep everyone on the same page, especially when the work begins and ends, so that there is no scope for unwanted confusion.
Do Not Opt for Low-Skilled Testers and Expertise.
The next challenge that needs to be overcome is opting for low-skilled expertise. If you want to keep the standards high, you need to exclude freshers at any cost, you see the quality of testing highly depends on overall software quality control and client satisfaction.
Unfortunately, non-techie businesses tend to ignore such an aspect, which leads to lower-end performance and user satisfaction. So yes, it is highly considered to choose professionals with experience.
- Give importance to their previous works.
- Conduct face-to-face interviews
- Ask for more references and case studies
Choosing the Right Offshore Software Testing Company
Define Project Requirements
Defining proper requirements and trying to achieve project objectives is a must. Before trying to choose the correct offshore testing, make sure you end up offering exact requirements with precise communication and stick to your expectations. What you can do is,
- Determine all the key features
- Establish measurable objectives
- Request instant feedback
- Maintain an extensive record for a clear picture.
Research Different Companies’ Skills, Experience, and Services
Once you are done with understanding project requirements, time to look around for experience, skills, and different sets of services of all the potential software testing firms so that you are 100% sure that these guys are highly knowledgeable and carry relevant skills to meet the different needs of the project.
The next thing you need to do is review the portfolio, especially regarding their past projects, and make sure to include mobile app tests and risk management. In addition, check if the chosen software testing company features:
- Skilled testers with expertise in DevOps
- Experienced project managers with a high focus on client partnerships
- Strong communication abilities for effective collaboration
Do not forget to review their credentials; this surely reflects their credibility.
Evaluate Different Portfolios
The next step to consider when hiring a relevant outsourcing software testing, conduct appropriate portfolio analysis and client comments, keep regular checks on their overall work quality, and see how they have a track record of satisfying their customers. Here are certain things you need to take care of:
- See if they have managed handling similar projects to yours
- Can they assess flexibility and scalability
- What are their bug detection rates
- Make sure to read in-depth client reviews, as this will give you a better perception of the working relationship and outcome.
Choose the Right Pricing Model.
The next step to consider is choosing the right pricing model. Of course, once you have decided on an offshore software testing company, it doesn’t mean the story is over. It means you need to consider the right pricing model as well; it is very important to set rates in advance. Different pricing models tend to have a significant impact on the overall duration of the project and the level of collaboration.
So, try to be knowledgeable with various models and choose a relevant approach that is aligned with project requirements and cost objectives. Some of the standard methods include dedicated teams, project pricing, and pay-per-test methods; each one is of a kind!
- Establish the size, complexity, and overall duration
- Evaluate all financial means and maximize cost-effectiveness
- Choose a model that is adaptable to evolving project needs.
Ensure Strong Communication and Practices.
The next aspect to take care of is establishing strong communication practices. You see, this point is something that encourages good teamwork and the best possible outcomes. So, try setting clear communication guidelines, keep using video conferences, and chats as a strong mode of communication. Schedule overlapping working times, and ensure to establish great unity among onsite and offshore staff.
Consider Security and Data Protection.
The next one to consider is prioritizing security, compliance, as well as absolute data protection, just to ensure all the sensitive and confidential information is safeguarded and quality is upheld while testing.
- See whether your tech partners adhere to high standards
- You can take a look at their security certifications
- Make sure to conduct routine audits and evaluations, as this will help you to see whether the offshore software testing company complied with relevant standards and best practices or not.
- Set explicit data-handling guidelines so that all stakeholders know their part in ensuring security.
Final Words
Understanding all these aspects in more detail can give you an upper hand in conducting a successful offshore testing project. Make sure to stick to best practices such as establishing clear communication, collaboration, and project management.
Outsourcing software testing procedures is extremely important, since it is a sure-shot way to get the best of both worlds, concentrating on new concepts while maintaining high standards of quality assurance.
I hope you did find the following post worth taking into account. In case you have any more doubts or concerns, feel free to mention them in the comment section below. Wish you all the very best for your upcoming development project.
This content originally appeared on DEV Community and was authored by Jenifer