Software Certifications

CSTE Body of Knowledge
Knowledge Category 8

Testing Software Developed by Outside Organizations

Many organizations do not have the resources to develop the type and/or volume of software needed to effectively manage their business. The solution is to obtain or contract for software developed by another organization. Software can be acquired by purchasing off the shelf software (COTS) or contracting for all or parts of the software development to be done by outside organizations, often referred to as outsourcing. Software testers need to be involved in the process of testing software acquired from outsourcers. Specifically, this category addresses:

The difference in testing software developed in-house versus software developed by outside organizations.

Differences between testing software developed in-house and software developed by outside organizations:

1. COTS Software – testers normally do not have access to the methods in which the software was developed or the people who developed it. 2. Contractors/Outsourced – the contractual provisions will determine whether testers can perform verification activities during development; and the ability of testers to access the developers.

Selection Process for Acquired Software:

1. Selecting COTS Software. This involves first determining the needed requirements; second, the available software that might meet the requirements, and then third, evaluating those software packages against the selection criteria. Testers can perform or should participate in this process. Note that the acquisition of test tools follows this same process.

2. Selecting organizations to build all or part of the needed software. Testers should be involved in these activities, specifically to:

a. Assure that requirements are testable.

b. Review the adequacy of the test plan to be performed by the outsourcing organization.

c. Oversee acceptance testing.

d. Issue a report on the adequacy of the software to meet the contractual specifications.

e. Assure compatibility of software standards, communications, change control etc. between the two organizations.

Testing Acquired Software

Uses the same approach as used for in-house software, but may need to be modified based on documentation available from the developer.

Testers Involvement in Testing Changes for Purchased/Contracted Software

The objectives of involving testers in testing changes include:

1. Testing the changed portion of the software.

2. Perform regression testing.

3. Compare the documentation to the actual execution of the software.

4. Issue a report regarding the status of the new version of the software.

Bibliographic References

IMPORTANT: It is each candidate's responsibility to stay current in the field and to be aware of published works and materials available for professional study and development. Software Certifications recommends that candidates for certification continually research and stay aware of current literature and trends in the field. There are many valuable references that have not been listed here. These references are offered for informational purposes only.

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