Abstract: Maybe you’re considering software test tools for the first time. Or maybe you have experience but think your existing software test automation process needs retooling. Whatever your perspective, there are tips and tricks you may not know about test design and development. These 10 steps to building software test automation can help you shorten your time to market, improve the quality of your products, and save you money.

Abstract: Efforts to improve the efficiency and maturity of a quality assurance (QA) or test organization have largely been academic exercises, and difficult to apply to real-world software development environments. Today, with newer methods such as the Testing Maturity Model (TMM), it’s easier to assess, implement, and improve test processes. Learn about fresh techniques for assessing the effectiveness of QA organizations.

Abstract: Organizations must keep up with technology and adapt their quality assurance (QA) processes for continued success. Test management isn’t optional. The proper test management tool allows for objectivity and efficiency, while enabling you to monitor quality at every step of the testing cycle. Knowing where you are in the testing cycle is key, as is knowing how to mitigate the risks while controlling costs and saving time.

Abstract: Commerce One has partnered with Sagent Technology to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application. Also, Ariba has partnered with Informatica to add analytic tools to its enterprise e-purchasing application.

Abstract: RSW Software upgrades one product and releases a second. The products enable companies to test the function and load carrying capability of websites and middle tier applications.

Abstract: Tools under the business intelligence (BI) umbrella combine to convert data into information, and information into decisions for action. Dashboards and scorecards are two such tools. Though often confused, they have functional difference, especially in modern BI suites.

Abstract: This tutorial, part 2 of a two part series on Knowledge Based Selection, demonstrates the selection processes and capabilities of Knowledge Based Selection Methods and Tools. These tools, integrated with business decision making procedures, can arguably reduce selection risk and improve chances for success in IT projects. Given the appalling rate of IT project failures, selection can potentially help reduce risk in some 30% of cases, with an associated estimated cost of about $30B annually to industry according to some sources. In this tutorial, we illustrate a number of the procedures for rapid decision processing through the real-life selection of a PDA device. The process gave confidence to the argument to wait for the solution, while weighing risk against return.

Abstract: In going through a business decision process for complex technology selections, more and more use is being made of technologically driven processes using Decision support tools and captured knowledge. The use of these systems and the capability to drive a solution from them assumes an ability to accurately express business requirements and business value within these tools. In this article, we explore the marriage of knowledge management and decision support in forming knowledge based selection systems and procedures that can assist in reducing the current appalling record of IT project failures. This is illustrated by the process to select a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA).

Abstract: Progress Software offers customers the opportunity to test drive applications via the Internet.

Abstract: This article continues the examination of tools that a vendor may supply that can make the implementation of an ERP package easier for your project team, end users, and IT department. Read on to see what tools you may want to have in your toolbox before proceeding with the implementation.

Abstract: The only way to prevent chaos during testing is to have the process fully understood by all stakeholders, with defined roles and responsibilities. The result of a well-planned and well-designed approach is realizing the expected business benefits and return on investment (ROI). Whatever the project life cycle, a single test process can be used to great effect. Find out what you should consider in this type of project.

Abstract: Software developers need a powerful tool to control and plan the quality of their software applications. With a solution that offers project analysis, testing, and bug administration, you have options that can help increase the quality of your software products. Read about a software test tool that has administrative functions to help you more effectively plan, control, and evaluate your software as it’s developed.

Abstract: Microsoft development tools will help developers and independent Microsoft software vendors integrate Microsoft Dynamics GP with existing applications. This accounting and business management system includes many features and benefits, as well as guidelines to help developers choose the right tools for various development tasks and create custom applications that integrate with Microsoft Dynamics GP.

Abstract: Software testing is carried out primarily to unearth system defects, and to prevent defective products from reaching customers. It’s also carried out to convince customers that a product conforms to and fulfils the agreed-upon specifications and functionality. However, in order to evaluate potential approaches to estimating test efforts, it’s vital to understand what the activity of testing actually consists of.

Abstract: When vendors sunset test automation scripting tools without providing a forward compatible path for replacement, companies are forced to pay for change with no benefit. Most enterprise business processes span both old and new applications, and cannot be effectively tested without changing tools. Companies need to create a future-proof strategy for assuring that these costs never have to be repeated.

Abstract: The evolution of test automation towards data-driven and key/action word frameworks reflects the realization that the process becomes more efficient if there is less code to develop and maintain. Instead of taking twenty years to evolve towards efficiency, you can take a revolutionary leap with a code-free approach that makes it easier to implement, manage, and maintain automated tests.

Abstract: Ensuring the quality of software can be difficult given the copious amounts of code that accompanies an application. Software quality automation, however, can leverage prewritten code so analysts can develop and execute test without extensive programming knowledge.

Abstract: Conventional business intelligence (BI) tools are often not available to decision makers and are typically designed for use by trained business analysts. Learn about software-as-a-service (SaaS) BI tools designed to help non-IT people who struggle with the task of mining Microsoft Excel spreadsheets and other unstructured data sources to make sales forecasts, plan for resource utilization, or service customer accounts.