by Kalyana Rao Konda, Applabs Technologies, India
Industry estimates peg the current global market size of outsourced testing services at around $13 billion. This is a strong indication that Outsourcing of testing processes (partially or fully) is here to stay and flourish. Out of the many varieties in outsourcing, Off-shoring is gaining momentum , in which testing activities are typically outsourced to low wage countries like India, Russia, China etc..
This new paradigm of getting the testing done at remote locations is posing significant challenges to both, client and vendor. Some of the key aspects that are demanding attention in managing testing engagements are, differences in test maturity levels, separating test teams from development teams, sharing test environments, managing test tool licenses, changes in roles and responsibilities at client side, defining SLA’s to protect business interests etc., Test outsourcing management and monitoring is indeed very crucial step in supporting and making the outsourcing engagement successful.
