In today’s competitive world, it’s no longer enough to be able to release an innovative new software product.
Reputation is everything. Unless your product is bug-free, user-friendly, and secure, your new product release will soon get overshadowed by the next latest and greatest invention.
So when it comes to testing, you need testing experts who will be efficient, reliable, and thorough. Here are seven essential tips on how to find the best software testing companies.
- The Team’s Experience
A team with plenty of experience is going to add value to your test process. Start by looking at the company portfolio and any testimonials from past customers, and try reading online reviews.
That will provide an insight into past work they have carried out and how closely aligned that is to what you need you can Download Presentation for samples. If the business doesn’t have a portfolio, ask for a client reference instead.
Experienced teams will be able to familiarize themselves quickly with any new software. That will allow the testing team to set up the automation correctly and carry out thorough testing processes.
You want to make sure the team’s experience extends beyond the broader testing process. The team should have experience in the software and testing procedures you will need as part of your service.
- The SLA (Service Level Agreement)
Service Level Agreements might seem like a dry topic. After all, it’s similar to a contract. But when it comes to getting the type of testing service you need on your new software development, an effective SLA is essential.
An SLA outlines how the testing company is going to deliver the test service for your business. To get the most out of your investment, you need to ensure this SLA is tight and that it covers all bases in terms of the testing you expect.
Remember, your primary purpose of testing software for businesses is to get your product available for the market.
You need a software testing process that is thorough enough, with good feedback loops, to get your product bug-free and streamlined.
A good testing company will have a standard but detailed SLA that you can look at long before signing a contract.
If that SLA doesn’t meet your needs, speak to the prospective testing customer about creating a custom one for your test requirements.
- Documentation
A good testing organization will have strong documentation standards. That means that they will thoroughly report and record every testing procedure before releasing them to the client.
Good documentation will help you keep track of what testing the team has completed and the status of each test. That will allow your development team to work through the issues and make changes to the software.
Good documentation also means solid change control. That will let you know that you always have the most up-to-date report when you get testing documentation back from the testing company.
- Security and Confidentiality
There are two sides to security when it comes to picking the right testing software company.
First, you need to ensure that all your prototypes are safe, including access to networks and code. The company will typically offer a commitment to confidentiality, which is crucial for any business.
Suppose you are releasing new software that you intend to promote as first to market. In that case, that assurance of confidentiality is crucial to stop commercial knowledge from getting into the hands of your competitors.
The other side to security is how effective the software testing company will be at aspects such as penetration testing.
If you are releasing an app where security is a high priority (such as finance), you want a company with specialist security knowledge.
You will need to ensure the business can thoroughly test the security design within the software and the underlying infrastructure where the software is stored.
- Scope
Testing software is broader than simply testing the end product. Testing might include functional testing, load testing, accessibility testing, testing integrations with other platforms, and security.
Testing can be automated or manual. And it might be carried out using tools or large teams of people.
When choosing a testing company, take note of the scope of the testing, such as this list from Quality Logic: https://www.qualitylogic.com/testing-solutions/.
What do they offer? Is it a narrow scope, like usability testing, and is this sufficient for your needs? Or do you need a software testing company that will cover the complete end-to-end quality assurance process?
- Specialization
Getting a company that does a wide range of testing is essential for a fantastic end product. But what about the depth of knowledge that the company has on your software niche?
Specialization is just as crucial as scope. You want a company that not only understands how to carry out a full test of your software but knows enough about the type of testing to be able to do a thorough job.
For example, say you are building an app. You want a company with experience in app testing rather than a testing company specializing in web-based applications.
When you are considering a testing company, speak to the lead test engineers to get an insight into their specializations and whether these are a good match for your business needs.
- The People
Having a reliable and professional testing company means finding a great team of people with whom you can build a strong relationship.
Software developments are stressful and often on tight timescales. Having a fantastic relationship with your testing company can make all the difference when the pressure builds.
It will keep the communication flowing between the two organizations when you need it the most.
Speak to the sales team and spend time chatting to the testing team. You’ll get a feel for whether you can work with these testers, and the right company will feel like a natural extension of your software development team.
Software Testing Companies That Stand Out From the Crowd
When it comes to finding software testing companies who can support your software development, it’s worth taking the time to find the right company for your needs.
Excellent testing is the difference between a successful, smooth, and stress-free software launch and one beset by problems, delays, and bugs. We know which option we’d choose!
If you enjoyed this article, check out our software section now for other tips on how to plan a successful software product launch.
