Software Quality Engineering and Testing Logic Modeling Risk-Driven Testing Quality Process Assessments Test Automation

Software Quality Engineering and Testing

For any risk mitigation strategy to be effective, it must be proactive. While eliminating risks entirely is impossible, it is crucial to identify them and evolve means for controlling or mitigating them. Testing provides the basis for developing an effective risk strategy. UST has been a leading presence in this segment. Our services are tailored for specific environments and enable efficient management of risk through focused assessments and studied suggestions. We adopt the Logic Model for testing to save on time and money and enhance the effectiveness of our solutions. Our test labs are equipped to provide complete support for risk management besides comprehensive training and troubleshooting.

Logic Modeling

Traditional testing processes address defects in code. Testers barely recognize that they must address business paths with potentially trillions and trillions of inputs. They are guided by mere intuition and subject matter expertise in identifying input combinations for testing, which results in low functional coverage, unnecessary redundancy, and high defect rates.

Logic modeling simultaneously supports two types of testing. First, it addresses potential defects in the functional requirements documentation, thus avoiding defects and thereby reducing developer scrap and rework while improving requirements over the long term. Secondly, it defines test cases that mathematically address the myriad of inputs significant to application behavior while minimizing the number of test cases. With logic modeling, test cases are compressed from potentially trillions of possible tests to a practical and manageable number. In fact, logic modeling generally produces half the number of tests designed by a best effort in traditional design while doubling functional coverage. All inputs and outcomes can be quantified and evaluated without missing a step. The benefit is clearly higher-quality software against a surprisingly small investment. The hallmarks of logic modeling are:

Reduction of software development scrap and rework Extraordinarily low residual defect rates through unparalleled test coverage Measurable coverage of functional requirements Ongoing improvement of functional requirements documentation Faster time-to-market Reusable models that can be quickly modified in subsequent releases, further reducing cost, effort, and time spent Ability to complete identification of launch risk before release (testing is not cut short) Capture objective measurements of requirements quality and complexity

Risk-Driven Testing

Our approach to effective project management is to leave no risk unaddressed or unmitigated. We adopt a four-step philosophy for combating risk: Eliminate, Control, Accept, and Mitigate. The approach uses the best of traditional and contemporary testing methods including logic modeling, exploratory testing ("ad-hoc"), testing with simulated "bad users," defect density analysis, and a complete set of complexity metrics that drive further management and tuning of test efficiencies.

Quality Process Assessments

We help enterprises achieve the highest levels of application reliability and uninterrupted functionality. QA Labs, an independent software testing and quality assurance provider and a UST company, is a recognized thought leader in software quality practices. Its founder, Wolfgang Striegel, developed globally-recognized approaches that minimize the cost of quality practices while maintaining a high ROI. Software Quality Process Architects identify where best practices, outsourcing, and risk-driven strategies can be applied effectively and economically to our client's current SDLC. They work collaboratively to identify specific courses of action to ramp up and implement improvements, and then lead those efforts. Benefits of this approach include:

More effective staffing strategies Improved, cost-effective processes and practices Improved accountability and traceability Tailored metrics Thorough, well-organized, and detailed reporting Customized testing solutions that comply with industry and business standard processes

Test Automation

The UST methodology ensures that the process for software development, testing, and modifications satisfy functional and other requirements, and that each step yields the right results. Each phase involves tests, reviews, metrics collection and analysis, walkthroughs, and reporting of the process to ensure software requirements are complete and testable, and that the deliverables satisfy those requirements.

We have strong alliances that endow us with the ability to deliver maximum support and assistance with training and troubleshooting. Our test labs are equipped with the latest tools that are available to us through these partnerships. We have certified professionals who are well-trained on the latest automation tools and are able to deliver value on all engagements. Our partners include:

Mercury IBM Compuware