qaSignature News

CardScan Optimizes the Results of Software Test Automation by Incorporating Virtual Machine Technology

Completed the Testing of 129 Systems Simultaneously on 12 Computers in 22 Hours

Introduction

CardScan, the leader in contact capture and management solutions, needed a more efficient way to assure the delivery of high quality products to the marketplace. Three applications, three operating systems, eight languages, backward releases and compatibility with over seven different partner applications, quickly tallied 129 different combinations, each requiring quality assurance testing. And the complexity of the test requirements was continuing to escalate. CardScan decided its best option was look outside for a cost effective solution.

"We quickly realized that we could not continue to throw more resources at the problem. We needed a solution for today as well as the flexibility for growth in the future."
Dexter Sealy, VP of Engineering

Company Background

CardScan offers an array of solutions to contact management challenges. With a suite of tools powered by proprietary interpretive technology, customers can easily capture, synchronize and update vital contact information and use it in virtually any way they want, any time they want from anywhere they want.

Business Challenge

CardScan identified four important objectives to be achieved by the automated testing solution.

  1. Expand the test coverage in order to improve product quality
  2. Reduce the release cycle time in order to get the products to market faster
  3. Reduce the cost of quality by incorporating technology in the software and hardware quality assurance testing
  4. Build a solution that will be easily expandable to satisfy growing requirements
"Standard Automation approaches were lacking. We had to leverage the best technology available to get the optimum impact."
Lisa VanZant, Director of Quality Assurance

qaSignature Solution:

qaSignature created an automated test suite for 129 systems, by integrating a complex set of requirements.

  • Operating systems: Windows 2000, XP and Vista
  • Languages: English, French, German Spanish, Italian, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch
  • Products: Executive, Team and Personal versions
  • Compatibility with Third-Party Solutions: Outlook, ACT!, Notes, GoldMine, Palm, Windows Mobile Devices, Smart phones
  • Versions of CardScan Application: 11 previous versions

The qaSignature Complete Automated Test System (CATS) simplified the task of managing the testing. The 129 test suites are automatically run and processed on 12 computers within 22 hours. The reports are posted to CardScan's secure page on qaSignature's Portal and client is notified that the results are ready for review.

Benefits Summary

  • Completed the testing of 129 systems simultaneously on 12 computers over 22 hours with VM Technology.
    • Running the same tests without VM Technology in the same 22 hour period would require 87 computers and 29 highly skilled automation specialists.
  • Reduced "Regression Test Cycle Time" by 4 weeks
  • The 22 hour automated test run is equivalent to the work of 20 manual testers for 4 weeks. The testing performed last year consisting of (32 builds) would have required the effort of 40 full time manual testers. At $40 per hour this equates to a savings of $3,328,000.
  • Enjoyed a Product Return Rate under 2%. The average rate for this industry is in the 10% range. The return rate is possibly the most important measure of the quality of the products.
"This level of test coverage could not be achieved without test automation." Lisa VanZant, Director of Quality Assurance

About qaSignature, Inc.

qaSignature (www.qasignature.com) specializes in developing the most advanced QA Automation Testing available for companies who develop and support software solutions and are serious about cutting time and cost from the development processes. qaSignature's Complete Automated Test System (CATS) allows its professionals to develop faster and run and maintain the automation at a lower cost. The client list includes Symantec, Progress Software, CardScan, and AMICAS.

qaSignature has introduced a foolproof, low risk process for getting started with Automation. It's called the Diagnostic & Proof Of Concept. This service provides the client an opportunity to evaluate for themselves the potential of the qaSignature Methodology. The clients can review the results of Test Automation built to test their own applications without making a long term commitment. Follow This Link: http://www.qasignature.com/concept.htm, for an overview of the Proof Of Concept Offer.

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