test generator customization
Post on 25-Dec-2014
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Slide 1
Test Generator Customization
Test Generator
Customization
Slide 2
Test Generator Customization
Overview
1. To Customize or not to Customize?
2. Off the Shelf Customization
3. Customization After the Fact
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 3
Test Generator Customization
To Customize or not to Customize
– Shopping for software that will enable you to make tests?
– Looking for a test generator that will allow you to deliver tests online?
– Haven't quite found what you're looking for?
• To Customize or Not to Customize? – It could be that your testing requirements don't match what most folks are
looking for.
• If that's the case then your options include: – 1- Have your IT staff create an application for you.
– 2- Hire an outside developer to create what you want
– 3- Wait until someone develops exactly what you want and keep looking
– 4- Take an existing, off-the-shelf application and have the company customize it.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 4
Test Generator Customization
To Customize or not to Customize
• #1's an option if you have a good relationship with your IT department and if they have time are their hands and can get it to you when you want it... and, IT has a big pot of money and they are going to pay for it.
• You're laughing. Ok, let's consider #2. – #2's an option if you have the time, patience and lot's of money to spend
on having someone develop something for you.
– This is a time and money-intensive process. If you've been done this path before and had a successful outcome, then this is a good option for you.
– If you've been down this road and been beaten down despite your best efforts, don't go there again.
– If you don't have the experience taking on such a project, we advise that you stay away.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 5
Test Generator Customization
To Customize or not to Customize
• #3 suggests that your really not in a hurry because: – a- You've been doing paper and pencil testing for years and you're
comfortable with that
– b- Management doesn't seem to be particularly interested in doing online testing
– c- You don't have a budget, or you have been authorized to spend as much as $200 for a fully-featured test creation application but haven't found one that fits your budget.
• #4's probably the best option for those of you who: – a- Have a pretty good idea what you want
– b- Don't have technical resources to get the job done or
– c- Have technical resources, but your aren't talking to each other or
– d- Have technical resources, but they can't get to your project for X number of months or years
– e- You have some money, but don't have the time, patience and/or technical expertise to start a project from scratch.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 6
Test Generator Customization
Off the Shelf Customization
• In Part 2 we'll focus on scenario #4: Take an existing, off-the-shelf application and have the software company customize it.
• We think this is a good option for those of you who: – a- Have a pretty good idea what you want
– b- Don't have technical resources to get the job done or
– c- Have technical resources, but your aren't talking to each other or
– d- Have technical resources, but they can't get to your project for X number of months or years
– e- You have some money, but don't have the time, patience and/or technical expertise to start a project from scratch.
– You have evaluated the software and found it to be "most like" what they are looking for. You’ve identified 1 or 2 features/behaviors that are either not available in the current program, or that you would like to enhance/modify. It’s a tricky proposition to embark on the customization of a product without having some mastery of, and experience with, the product.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 7
Test Generator Customization
Off the Shelf Customization
• To the best of your ability, determine if the product meets the majority of your testing requirements. – Find out/confirm that the software company will customize their
application.
– If possible, provide the software company with details regarding your proposed customization.
– Make sure they would be willing to make the types of changes you are considering. You may also want to get that in writing.
• Time-frame / Deliverables – Be realistic: don't assume that it's going to be done tomorrow or next
week.
– Most software companies already have a set of projects prioritized and scheduled.
– You should ask for and get a date/date range within which your customization will be delivered.
– If you have a tight schedule and the software company needs to escalate development, expect to pay more.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 8
Test Generator Customization
Off the Shelf Customization
• A Statement of Work is a document that clearly defines the project. – It should include the specification, or a summary of the specification
detailing key points and/or behaviors that will be included in the software.
– Changes made after the SOW is approved and work has begun will cost you extra, so it's always a good idea to make sure you have been thorough in thinking through and presenting your request.
• Conference Calls – Getting to a SOW usually involves emails, calls, a written spec, sample
docs and possibly one or more online conference calls.
– The process can get a little messy and confusing, especially if more than one person is involved.
– We recommend recording online conferences in order to minimize misunderstanding and confusion regarding project details.
– Recordings of these sessions should be shared with everyone involved.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 9
Test Generator Customization
Customization After the Fact
• Part 3’s scenario: You have already purchased the software and have been using it for some time.
• Software Purchasing Profiles – Some individuals know exactly what they want and they come armed with
a list of requirements. They have budgets, they buy.
– Some aren’t really sure what they want/need. They just know they can’t continue doing paper-and-pencil testing.
– Others form committees and embark on software searches and prepare RFPs which are then sent to companies that meet/match their requirements.
– Some take the run-and-gun approach, buying the brightest, least expensive bauble that catches their attention.
– Some individuals search for months or years looking for that perfect solution that does everything but pour coffee—and at a budget price.
– They’re still looking.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 10
Test Generator Customization
Customization After the Fact
• For those of you who have actually purchase test-authoring software, it might never have occurred to you that you might need/want to tweak it. – You've now determined that you need to modify an existing
feature/behavior, or add something new.
– You didn't ask the “customization question” when you purchased the software, but you need to ask now.
– If the software company says YES, they will customize the software--that's a good start.
• If you absolutely need to go out and find something new, don’t forget to ask if customization services are available before you purchase the software.
• Even though you may not think you need customization, it’s always a good idea to allow for the possibility later on, budget for it if you can.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 11
Test Generator Customization
Customization After the Fact • Give the software company some background regarding your
current product: – 1_ What works
– 2_ What doesn’t work
– 3_ What do you need that the current product does not provide?
• Make a list of your top 3 to 5 requirements. For example: – 1_ We want to deliver tests over the intra- or internet
– 2_ We want to be able to randomize our tests
– 3_ We would like to be able to create multiple question banks… and so on.
• Also: – Can you download a demo version of the software?
– Can you pick up the phone and talk to an actual person?
– Can you discuss pricing and can you get a quote?
– Does the company offer support? What does support include?
– Does the company offer customization services? Ask plenty of questions.
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization
Slide 12
Test Generator Customization
Questions? 928.266.0553 sales@testshop.com
Visit our Website: Test Generator
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