What Is The Need For Outsourcing Software Testing?
In the practice of outsourcing QA automation testing services, the tasks related to testing are given over to a testing company, independent tester, or third party. They do not participate in the entire development of the software except for the testing. The challenge is to find the best combination of skills required for a project that uses the latest technologies within the organization.
As an example, a project we worked on recently involved creating a dedicated team of testers from scratch with processes, methods, and tools. Team members were required to have a solid background in cloud and mobile testing, Mobile Automation, Rest API Testing, and SOAPUI knowledge, as well as a strong understanding of the Healthcare domain. The final requirement was a tester who had knowledge of Healthcare Automation, a testing strategy for Cloud environments, as well as Coding/Scripting (Python/Java) and Coding.
What Are The Skills That You Require? Can You Still Deliver Quality On Time If One Or More Of These Skills Are Missing?
Are you sure that organizations can employ testers who have the most similar skills and then train them to fill the gaps in their knowledge and get them ready to be placed on projects? Are you confident that they will be productive right from the start?
Many organizations do not provide Testing Services themselves. They don't have a Test Center Of Excellence set up, with SMEs, experienced testers, Test Managers, and Test Architects, as well as the latest technologies and tools to support the various testing needs of the projects within the organization.
They haven't kept up with global testing trends, adopted best practices, and optimized testing productivity using efficient methods. Comparing the cost of building and maintaining core competencies within an organization to the costs associated with outsourcing, it is quite costly.
Outsourcing QA is a good option for organizations that do not plan to develop a core competency in the testing area. Many organizations, particularly startups, cannot invest in TCOE. They cannot take time away from their product development to devote their resources and energy to setting up testing facilities.
In these cases, organizations find it difficult to deliver a high-quality product to their customers. As they are unable to adopt the most recent testing techniques and technologies, they have to make compromises on quality. It may be that the test is a once-off effort, and the company doesn't want to invest a lot of money in the testing process. They decide to hire domain experts to do the testing.
Many businesses make the mistake of thinking web and app quality assurance is something developers should handle themselves, leading them to hire specialists with appropriate testing expertise instead.
Another challenge lies in gathering an experienced group for both automated and manual testing, who can comment on bugs while contributing towards development improvements alongside providing feedback to developers on errors or defects found during tests. You may wish to consider outsourcing software testing and quality assurance (QA). But exactly what are they?
This article presents key strategies and advice on selecting an outsourcing service provider to save both time and money:
- Cyber Infrastructure Inc. is a QA testing company that can help you save time and resources while improving the quality of your final product.
- Outsourcing software testing has many benefits. These include efficiency, time savings, cost-effectiveness, and cost reduction. There are some cons.
- Two models exist for outsourcing testing: staff augmentation and general outsourcing. Our testers have provided examples.
- Testing services that you can contract out include those based on industry (gaming and eCommerce testing, for example). Documentation services, functional, usability and UI tests, etc.
- Find qualified testers who use different methodologies and types of QA for your product launch to make sure it is perfect.
Four Reasons to Outsource Software Testing
Let's first address why quality assurance might be beneficial: here are four major ones.
Launch New Features Quickly
Leveraging our professional QA testers' services will allow for speedy implementation of new features within tight deadlines. Modern customers have little tolerance for poor user experiences or app quality; therefore, launching quickly without compromising the quality is of vital importance to ensure success in today's environment.
Loss of Deadlines and Burnout in Core Teams
Did you realize that 30 percent of your team's time is dedicated to fixing bugs and issues immediately? This approach is neither cost-effective, as QA engineers typically receive lower pay than developers; moreover, it demotivates development team members, making outsourcing software testing and quality assurance a much more suitable option.
Hire for a Long Time
On average, hiring quality assurance engineers typically takes 12 months. But what if your project must launch much quicker? Cyber Infrastructure Inc will hire on your behalf at later dates--4-6 weeks is ideal--from its talent pool of specialists familiar with outsourced QA Testing or Staff Augmentation services, and professional workers only working for us will join.
Cost of Hiring Internal Team
If this project requires specific expertise that you don't possess internally (or don't have a team), hiring an outside QA company might be worth your while. A qualified member from either existing team(s) or even just hired solely to work on this particular task will join their current or new one to complete it successfully - meaning no taxes or vacation time costs.
Your task may require the support of an internal team; however, paying for one that only operates at 50% capacity would not be cost-effective. Sounds appealing? Well, consider outsourcing quality assurance models instead; outsourcing offers its own set of benefits too.
Pros and Cons of Outsourcing
Quality Assurance Expert opinions differ regarding outsourcing benefits and drawbacks; here, we examine their significance when applied to software testing and quality assurance outsourcing software development services. In this article, we'll focus specifically on their advantages and disadvantages when outsourcing testing/quality assurance functions.
Pros
Let's examine some of the positive attributes associated with outsourcing.
Cost-Effectiveness
Hiring, training, and installing software would cost money and time; when outsourcing quality assurance software, this additional expenditure doesn't incur.
Efficiency
Our experts possess more expertise than regular developers with little QA knowledge. A professional's fresh perspective may often resolve problems faster; testers may discover novel approaches for finding solutions to complex issues that have proven ineffective elsewhere.
Diverse Tech Skills
No matter the complexity of your project, our testing experts possess a range of software abilities and experience in testing algorithms and software that meet your individual requirements for outstanding results.
Simple Adaptation
Simple Solutions At Cyber Infrastructure Inc, you will gain access to individuals with extensive software testing expertise who understand a range of projects and scales; therefore, they won't be undone by tight deadlines and complex problems should anything unexpected come up.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
No Bias
As your software quality assurance process is not integrated into the running of your business, any testing results, concerns, and recommendations won't contain any bias that might impact performance negatively. Cyber Infrastructure Inc. believes software quality should always be treated honestly for maximum efficacy in any company.
Cons
Let's now examine some of the downsides. Let this serve as a warning: all these cons can be easily avoided by choosing an ideal partner.
Security
When selecting a provider for software QA or testing services, security must always be an important consideration. Your contractor must receive access to large amounts of confidential customer and corporate data to achieve optimal results. Cyber Infrastructure Inc. recognizes this fact; therefore, our specialists sign Nondisclosure Agreements before undertaking any projects so as to assure they won't steal or misuse this valuable asset.
Quality
Unfortunately, you have little or no influence over the quality of the software tested by the QA testing company you hire to perform quality assurance (QA). If you select an affordable quote under the assumption that everything will go as planned when releasing the app (such as "Everything will be fine with the app we are about to release"), then chances are high you could end up with a bug-riddled app that fails before the release date.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. employs a three-step hiring process in which we first collect applicants before narrowing our choices based on commitment, hard work and long-term dedication.
- Pre-interviewing them allows us to determine if we share the same values.
- The team leaders conduct interviews to check the candidate's knowledge and test their skills.
- Interview the candidates to ensure you are working with professionals.
- Our clients are always welcome to contact our testers in order to learn about the status of their projects, the problems that they face, and the solutions they find.
Location-Based Concerns
One of the main obstacles to outsourcing testing overseas can be time zones, which is one reason we at Cyber Infrastructure Inc have created working hours so you can check on their progress - an opportunity for you and your team members to communicate. No longer interested in joining the debate surrounding outsourcing software development. Why join such an alliance when there is the option to focus on positives while sidestepping negatives?
Staff augmentation and outsourcing models provide two excellent methods for meeting this objective. Hence, it's crucial that you fully comprehend their differences so as to select which method would work best for your client.
Software Testing Outsourcing Models
Software testing outsourcing models Outsourcing is often discussed, yet few understand its advantages and disadvantages. When outsourcing quality assurance for software projects, there are two options to consider when outsourcing: staff augmenting and full outsourcing - each can bring distinct advantages for your business based on individual preferences; continue reading for further insights from our lead QA expert's long-standing experience.
Software Testing and Quality Assurance Fully Outsourced
When is outsourcing a good model?
- No QA team?
- Doubts about your resources to conduct a thorough testing.
- The core business is too important for you to handle the entire process yourself.
- Your team/you lack technical expertise.
You have the app, but you don't really know where to start or who to contact. You're overwhelmed and anxious when faced with such a scenario, and you don't have the time to deal with it all yourself. You can apply to our Discovery Phase service, and our experts will determine what you require for an effective testing process.
- You need a team that is right for you
- What will it cost?
- The project is ready to be tested, launched, and verified.
Your project is ready to be tested, launched, and verified. Once you've developed a plan for its next steps, either our entire team of QA specialists or just one can assess it according to budget, skill set, and timeline plan. Alternatively, another QA firm might work better. We may suggest some specific skills as needed by your team.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. Case Example
Ruslana, our Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist for Cyber Infrastructure Inc., has taken part in SDCN's logistic tech infrastructure project as lead QA expert collaborating with our software testing team at Cyber Infrastructure Inc. The client knows their exact requirements but lacks both time and resources necessary for software development or testing independently. Ruslana serves as both lead QA expert as well as leading automated testing for software development team on this logistic tech infrastructure initiative for them.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc has retained us to put together a team of specialists. Their responsibilities include quality testing and promotion of customer features that could prove advantageous. Through constant collaboration and communication with their client, this group identified suitable temporary staff for this project. Communication is of utmost importance since our clients don't always have time to understand every technical detail of a job.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc's testing team is charged with persuading clients to add features by altering code; explaining to them why each new function is beneficial; as a team, they make decisions regarding which ones should be included and select those best suited.
Read More: Developing an Effective Software Development Outsourcing Plan
Staff Augmentation: Adding Quality Talent to Your Existing Testing Team
Are You Seeking Solutions To Your Issues, But Your Team Is Filled Up Already? Staff augmentation can provide the solution that's just what's needed: Add Quality Talent To Your Testing Team.
- If you have the time but not enough resources, it is possible to do this yourself
- Your own testing or project team is in place, but you still need help
- Want a different/new methodology?
- Who do you need?
Who are you searching for? Contact us to provide details of how many specialists and requirements that candidates should possess; share any specifics such as healthcare or gaming-related fields that interest you - then relax knowing we will find skilled individuals that excel as team players to complete your team or PM's workload. Our experts can assist in discovering solutions to problems you once thought were insurmountable.
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. Case Example
Quartz Network was another project our Lead QA has assisted on. They approached Cyber Infrastructure Inc. after being approached by a large multinational corporation that needed extra testers for their revolutionary B2B project, knowing exactly when and what their testing requirements would be.
Staffing Types, Personnel Quantity
What Can They Be Doing? Quartz Network's Project Managers (PMs) oversee all project-related matters and aim to complete tasks to an exceptionally high standard. We schedule weekly calls with representatives of your company so we can update you on progress - no overly intrusive arrangements here, just an excellent collaboration that yields fruitful outcomes.
Our testers are expert at using Scrum Network. Additionally, it's wonderful that our experts possess knowledge across a spectrum of technologies. Differences lie in the degree of control and responsibility given to employees; both models work for us well, and we communicate clearly with our clients so they approve everything before proceeding further. "Whether it's guidance you seek or simply hard work that gets the desired result achieved - rest assured we have your back."
Cyber Infrastructure Inc. can still assist if the process seems overwhelming; our Discovery Phase Services offer assistance by discussing your needs, budget, and required specialists.
List of Outsourced Software Testing Services
Outsourcing QA Testing Services:
- Automated testing
- Tests of compatibility
- Testing cross-browser
- Documentation Services
- Online testing
- Testing exploratory
- Full Cycle Testing
- Functional Testing
- Test your game
- Installation testing
- Testing for localization
- Testing mobile applications
- Testing on multiple platforms
- Performance Testing
- Tests of security
- SEO Testing
- Writing tests
- Testing UI
- Tests of Usability
Simply outsourcing testing will save time and energy if you follow our quality assurance outsourcing advice.
Outsourcing Quality Assurance: Tips and Strategies for Success
Below are a few strategies designed to ensure a smooth experience when outsourcing software testing services.
Coordination Between Your Managers/Team And Outsourced/Outstaffed Team
Communication is vitally important to successful collaboration, so establishing proper channels between both parties should not only facilitate smooth working relations but will ensure better collaboration outcomes as a result.
Signing NDAs or SLAs
Non-disclosure Agreements, also referred to as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), must be signed before accessing sensitive data about an app, customer, company, etc. Additionally, Service Level Agreements (SLAs) set out guidelines and deadlines for testing during various stages. Cyber Infrastructure Inc experts sign SLAs so they can deliver an optimal experience during each testing phase.
Establish Regular Reporting
Implement a regular reporting and online meeting regimen Keeping informed and in control are two critical components to any process.
Communication and Interview
Scheduling calls between your software experienced developers and QA specialists will allow for smoother coordination, as well as help prevent miscommunication down the road.
Which Testing Technique Should We Prioritize In Project Quality Assurance: Manual Or Machine Testing?
They both play equal roles. Machine testing can help perform tasks such as broad coverage of tests. Many experts currently prefer it over manual testing; however, we have found from experience that manual testing adds greater depth to tests while helping find more complex UI/UX issues and their source. Therefore it may prove more successful at uncovering the root cause than automated solutions.
No project requires just one type of testing unless there's nothing else available; every application needs multiple layers to detect all bugs effectively. When outsourcing QA services, it is key that they understand which forms of testing they will employ for your software, as this provides us with valuable insight when choosing an outsourced testing provider.
What is the Best Software Testing Outsourcing Company?
This topic has been broken down into an easy-to-read guide with questions to consider when researching, checking, and selecting software QA service providers for outsourcing purposes:
- Location: Where do you expect your testers to live in the future? What options are there for location? What are your communication plans? What is their expectation in terms of salary?
- Mindset: is something that not all companies pay attention to. Are your values in line? What will be the staff's attitude towards your project? What is the importance of a long-term collaboration with them?
- Experience: How many different types of software QA outsourcing does this company have? Are they manual testers, or are all their tests automated? What is the level of familiarity with your products that their testers have?
- Price: What commission will you pay the agency? What are the hidden charges in small print? What is the estimated final cost?
- Product Security: How will you protect your data during collaboration? Which documentation does the tester sign in order to ensure its security?
Securise Product Security Incorporation How will your data remain safe throughout the collaboration? Is there documentation signed off that ensures its protection (PS).
Cyber Infrastructure Inc: Why Choose Them As Your Qa Outsourcing Partner?
Service excellence is at the core of what Cyber Infrastructure Inc does best; thus, our aim to develop long-term client relationships by offering superior services at reasonable rates is what sets us apart from competitors. Located in Central Europe with lower living expenses makes us cost competitive while never compromising quality loss for price reduction.
At our testing labs, our focus is to meet your goals rather than deliver high-quality tests. Only experienced professionals with extensive knowledge of your industry's software applications and the ability to administer various kinds of tests should be considered for consideration.
Want More Information About Our Services? Talk to Our Consultants!
Conclusion
When outsourcing custom software development services, your expectation should include receiving top-quality services at reasonable costs with great results. At Cyber Infrastructure Inc., we work diligently toward meeting that expectation; without making judgment calls.
Why Outsource Software Development Projects? This method offers many advantages that benefit both time-to-market, resource savings, and quality software production. Other benefits may also be enjoyed, such as cost-effectiveness, time-saving, team adaptability, multiple methodologies, etc.
Outsourcing and Staff Augmentation are your two options when considering quality assurance (QA) testing services, respectively. Although both models can be useful depending on resources and project needs, finding an organization capable of offering reliable QA testing services for both situations may require searching out reliable providers who specialize in both tests - making an interview appointment to make sure your interests and values align.
For further inquiries or more details, we offer our Discovery Phase service, where our experts can determine what will best serve your needs and inform you how many staff will be needed and other details about what services are required for long-term relationships with QA testers who specialize in your software's unique characteristics.
