Importance of Software Testing in the IT Industry

Introduction and ImportanceSoftware development companies dedicate a substantial amount of resources and manpower for the development of applications according to requirements specified by enterprises or individuals. However, subsequent to development of such applications/software, companies are required to ensure that such software/applications perform in accordance with the client’s requirements. To ensure that any and all bugs in the software are identified prior to the deployment, various testing procedures are implemented by the IT industry. The importance of this is directly related to the ability of software to measure up to its potential. If the new software is unable to perform the task it was designed for, the client might face severe losses due to stoppage of work and also adversely affect the business of the software development company. The scope of these procedures is to facilitate identification of a problem in the software, fixing of such problems is not within in the scope of software testing. Some of the leading methodologies implemented by companies in the IT industry include General, Load, Functional and Regression Testing.General TestingThis refers to the general tests carried out on software/applications to ensure the functionality of newly developed software. Some of the common tests included as part of standard Quality Assurance procedures are web performance and usability testing. The web performance testing procedure is mostly engaged in evaluating the online performance of a web-based software application or a website. Usability testing is a mainly subjective approach, which ensures that the software is capable of being utilized effectively in a given set of circumstances. The purpose is to identify the general operating capability of the software/application being tested and to help developers determine some of the areas of improvement for the software. A software development company usually performs general testing of software/applications along with other more advanced methods to ensure that the software conforms to the pre-defined operational capabilities specified by the client/user group.Load TestingThe load testing procedure simulates operating conditions of the software/application during periods of higher/normal load to gauge the effect of such changes on the functioning of the software/application. This is not the same as stress testing, because load testing checks the operational capabilities in case of both normal load and high load conditions, while stress testing attempts to induce errors in normal operations by using increased system load. This is considered to be a type of non-functional testing, which is undertaken by software development companies to gauge the multi-user support capabilities of the application.As a commonly employed practice in the software industry, its specific goals are widely disputed and the term is often utilized in conjunctions with volume, reliability, software performance and concurrency testing. By using load testing, developers can attempt to determine the reason for slow performance of software. The common reasons for such slow response commonly include load balancing between multiple servers, client-side processing, network congestion/latency, available database service and/or bugs in the application server(s) or software. The use of load testing is recommended for software/applications, which are subjected to SLA (service level agreement) for ensuring that the software is capable of supporting multiple users. As the procedure simulates an increase in system load by using multiple virtual users, various software are currently available to carry out load testing. Some of the leading load-testing tools used by developers globally are IBM Rational Performance Tester, Apache JMeter, LoadRunner etc. Additionally, a load testing tool commonly favored by software testing companies in India is available as part of the Visual Studio Ultimate Edition of Microsoft.Functional Testing This type of testing is a type of black-box testing based on the specifications of the software components being tested. The functions of specific components of the software are feeding inputs and checking the output thus obtained. In functional testing, the internal structure of the program is seldom considered hence, it is classified as a type of black-box testing. The key steps involved in functional testing include identification of functions, which the software is expected to perform, creation of input data according to specifications of the identified functions, determining output based on the specifications of those functions, executing the test scenario followed by comparison of the obtained output vs. the expected output. Functional testing is not the same as system testing as system testing involves validation of a program in comparison to the published system or user requirements, whereas, functional testing is carried out by checking a program with respect to established specifications and available design documents for the software/applications.Regression TestingThe regression testing refers to any type of software testing, which attempts to identify bugs, which are present in either the functional or the non-functional areas of a system subsequent to making modifications such as configuration and patch changes. The key function of regression testing is to ensure that the use of a patch or upgrade does not lead to the introduction of a new bug into the existing system. Additionally, regression testing helps ensure that the changes in one section of the software do not induce changes in another part of the software’s code. Some of the commonly applied regression testing methods include the use of earlier tests to check for alterations in program operation and the search of any previously fixed bugs, which had re-emerged subsequent to introduction of the new code. Fixed bugs in software often re-emerge and regression testing is one of the leading methods to ensure that such re-emergence is identified and easily controlled before any lasting damage occurs. Software development companies repeatedly perform regression testing of software/applications after any change in coding such as use of patches etc. to ensure that the functionality of the application is unimpaired. Such repetitive testing is usually automated by using an external tool such as Bamboo, TeamCity, Jenkins, Hudson, Tinderbox or BuildBot. This type of testing is generally performed by the QA team in case of leading software development companies, however, smaller companies are often engaged in outsourcing such services to companies specializing in the field of software QA and testing.What’s Next?As new technologies emerge, more testing procedures are being developed and implemented by organizations all over the world to ensure that new software perform according to their requirements and specifications even when stress or when additional functionality is introduced into the software. The emerging testing solutions, which are powered by new technology, are designed to reduce the time and resources required for testing in order to streamline the quality control / quality assurance services associated with software development. Some additional types of testing, which are currently used in the software industry are white box testing, system testing, non-functional testing, acceptance testing and integration testing. Each of these testing was developed to identify and resolve application/software limitations in a specific set of conditions; hence they are useful for software testing carried out in case of specific quality assurance and testing procedures.

How to Go About Choosing Software for Your Small Business

One of the biggest decisions a small business has to make is investing in the right software solutions. Technology is a key asset for any-sized business; day-to-day operations are dependent on it. In today’s competitive business landscape, it has become essential for small businesses to leverage technology – software solutions in particular – to maximize productivity and keep operational expenses low. Before start-ups can leverage technology, they must first purchase or acquire the right software solutions to meet the demands of their business. This task is not doubt an intensive one requiring time and effort. But it doesn’t have to drive you up the wall.Fix your budget As a small business, it’s natural that budget would be your first concern. You will need to decide what part of your total budget can be committed towards purchase of software. Will you be able to afford a large up-front payment or do you prefer to make monthly payments? Once you set your budget, you can explore sources of funding as well as payment arrangements.Determine your needsThe solution to any business problem starts with identifying needs. What value will the certain software solution deliver to your business? What software is good-to-have but not entirely necessary for your line of work? These are some decisions you need to make. The software needs of a small freight trucking business may be different from that of a content marketing start-up. By understanding your priorities and examining the processes you currently have in place and expect to include in the future, you can chalk out a list of key requirements. As part of this process, you will also be identifying the key areas within your business where software solutions can be deployed.Here is a look at some of the common areas of business where the use of software for daily operations becomes necessary:Accounting: Accounting and book-keeping are rather mundane tasks that you’d rather have a software product to help you with! On a serious note, it is imperative that your small business tracks finances efficiently and without any errors. If you need a centralized accounting and bookkeeping system from which you can pull tax or expenses data quickly, a well-rated accounting software is the way to go.Desktop accounting software for small businesses1. AccountEdge Pro 2012Pros: Fully-featured, easy to use, a good choice for multi-user supportCons: Importing data from other programs is not easy2. Intuit QuickBooks 2012Pros: A good choice for accounting newbies, easy set-up, a convenient calendar view, allows sharing of custom report templatesCons: A lack of inventory features, limited user supportSome online and SaaS (software as a service) accounting options1. FreshbooksPros: Helps in document and project management, offers several add-onsCons: Little online help, can get expensive for multiple users (starts out free and goes up to $149 per month)2. OutrightPros: Available for free, easy interfaceCons: Does not support electronic tax payments or state tax tracking3. KashooPros: Available free (allows a maximum of 20 transactions a month), excellent interfaceCons: Does not offer item-tracking or US payrollInventory management: If timely and efficient order fulfillment is the difference between gaining and losing customers, you will need assistance from a top-notch inventory management software. It will help you track and control inventory and handle orders, sales, purchases and deliveries.Free inventory management software:1. Pos MaidPros: Simple to build inventory database, automatic stock report generation, good customer serviceCons: none as far as small businesses go2. inFlow InventoryPros: Easy to use, excellent linking of inventory with sales and purchaseCons: Creation of custom documents is not as easy as it can beEcommerce software: If you are a B2B or B2C ecommerce business, you may want to invest in software applications that allow you to sell your offerings and conduct business online. The simplest shopping cart software, for instance, will serve as a real-world order form that allows convenient sale-purchase over the internet. There are different kinds of shopping cart software you can choose from, so you may want to consider the pros and cons of each before zeroing in on one. You have the option to buy or lease software; you can also choose open-source applications that have a strong developer community.Popular open source ecommerce platforms:1. MagentoPros: Market leader, highly scalable, built-in SEO, freeCons: Needs efficient and careful management (especially as your online store grows)2. osCommercePros: Easy to install and use, free, top-notch front-end features, simplified product managementCons: Not easily customizable, frustrating back-end3. Zen CartPros: Free, excellent product/service management, several free and paid templatesCons: Reporting is too basic, add-on integration is not easySocial media management software: If your social media presence is an important sales driver and you don’t have the time or the resources to offer real-time responses, investing in social conversation software like Hootsuite and Sprout Social makes sense. On the other hand, if you want to be an active social media player by understanding the interests and spheres of influence of social media participants, social influencer software like Klout could be useful. For creating customized Facebook applications and promotions on YouTube and other social media channels, opt for social marketing software.1. HootSuitePros: Easy to set up columns and search by list, hashtag, handle, etc; provides basic Facebook and Twitter analytics, easy to schedule tweetsCons: Nothing to speak of, very handy for small businesses2. VerticalResponsePros: Integrates email and social media very well, ideal for less tech-savvy business ownersCons: More tech-savvy business owners may prefer something less basic3. Sprout SocialPros: Easy user interface, useful feedbackCons: Small business plan is available for $39 per month and supports 20 profilesLogistics software: If you need to handle multiple shipping partners for your online import-export business, you can add a good logistics software to the list. Do a bit of research to identify the best paid and open source logistics software in the market.Data analysis software: If your work involves extracting, analyzing and manipulating data on a regular basis, a data analysis software can help. The software is also useful to handle massive amounts of data – you can accumulate and organize it easily, efficiently and quickly. Some of the big data pools you may need to handle in a well-organized manner include employee information, product information and customer information. The right CRM or HR software can help you accomplish this and stay on top of your business.Project management software: Managing multiple projects takes more than just a highly-competent project manager; it requires clearly defined objectives and steps of action from planning to implementation. Project management software can provide a roadmap, help manage risks and define goals/work for every member of the project team.Project management software can help with milestones, calendars, scheduling and tasks. It can also provide chat and forum support by enabling online communication between teams, vendors and freelancers.Tips on choosing project management software:It must fit your business and allow business systems to integrate
Must be flexible and scalable, supporting growth and multiple users
Must streamline operations and reduce costs
Buy a subscription to web-based project management software – you can pay by the month or year as opposed to an outright purchase.
Opt for business project management software packages that offer free 15-day or one month trials. This can help you make an informed decisionIs there a solution for your needs? Depending on the niche you operate in, you will have to research to determine if there actually exists a software solution for your specific need(s). Even if there isn’t one that completely addresses your niche-specific requirement, can it be modified by the provider or even at your end? Do you have the means to get a custom software system/application designed from scratch? These are some of the questions that need answering.Making an informed decisionThe decision-making process must involve participation from not just you – the business owner – but also employees who will be using the product. A product rating system based on appropriate criteria can help you arrive at an informed choice. Some helpful tips in this regard are:Opting for product demonstrations without identifying your requirements
Starting without a shortlist of products and adopting a “let’s see how we go” attitude
Testing the software product without a scenario
Getting swayed by any extra or added functionality that is not really a critical requirementIt goes without saying that you should give due attention to product ratings (from customer reviews), product support and vendor reputation before committing your small business dollars and time.

Importance of Telecommunication and Career Opportunities

It will not be wrong if we say the world of today is totally dependent on telecommunication. This technology has no limits and every other day is bringing new and amazing invention in front of us. There is a dire need of professionals in the field of telecommunication.Many institutes offer online and offline degree programs in telecommunication. These programs are both bachelors and masters level courses.Telecommunication programs are designed with a view to inculcate basic knowledge and then further development of the skills to make students proficient enough to handle small and large scale telecommunication systems. A degree in telecommunication means developing a practical skill, which obviously keeps you a step ahead of those who are studying theoretical subjects.Telecommunication degree programs are developed carefully by very experienced telecom engineers, who have vast knowledge and instructional abilities. Courses are designed keeping in view market needs and trends. Basic aim is to produce quality telecom engineers which can serve in field.Following subjects form part of basic telecommunication degree.• Computer Programming
• Understanding Signals
• Developing Circuits
• Computer and Communication Hardware
• Software
• Calculus
• Electronic Chemistry
• Electronics
• Communication Skills
• Physics
• EngineeringCareer OpportunitiesAs already explained, telecommunication sector has a lot of potential. Advanced trends in the telecom industry have compelled the business holders to develop new things. There are a lot of telecom companies around the globe, providing different services. After successful completion of telecommunication education, you can have following career opportunities.• Telecom Consultants
• Project Designer
• Communication Engineer
• Network Supervisor
• Data Transfer Manager
• Technical Assistant or Advisor
• Transmitter Engineer
• System Analyst
• Telecom Administrator
• Telecom EngineerIn all, it is a vast field and there are no limits to innovation. Today it is one of the most lucrative fields. Though there is a lot potential in telecommunication, but only the hardworking and skillful professionals can survive.