Better Software Magazine Archive:

July/Aug 2001

IN THIS ISSUE

At What Cost?
By Esther Derby

The phrase "Internet Time" connotes urgency. But Technical Editor Esther Derby urges readers to think beyond the fast pace of Internet development, and consider the true costs and benefits of making the deadline.

Checking out of the Burnout Ward
By Stefan Jaskiel

Stefan Jaskiel helps you recognize the signs of job burnout (complacency, difficulty focusing, careless attitude, and helplessness), and offers some strategic interventions.

A Look at Testing Web Applications with eValid
By Robert Sabourin

When Robert Sabourin set up a testing lab for a major e-commerce Web-based application, he chose eValid from Software Research, Inc., as the tool for use in functional, performance, and load testing of the application. The product did the job at a very reasonable price, and they were able to find some very important bugs well ahead of their target delivery dates.

Learning Web Performance Testing
By Meenakshi Rao
Sue Bartlett

Sue Bartlett and Meenakshi Rao highlight some common mistakes to avoid when starting Web performance testing, including trying to select a load-testing tool before evaluating your needs, and trying to outsource performance testing for a complex eBusiness application. They convey two important lessons: First, it's vital that you understand your architecture and your Web site's purpose; second, that kind of understanding is difficult to transfer to a third party.

Writing Effective Bug Reports
By Elisabeth Hendrickson

Have you ever had a bug returned to you for more information? Have you ever found a critical bug only to have it deferred to another release? Elisabeth Hendrickson tells you how to write effective and informative bug reports that will get noticed.

The Risk in Risk Management
By Peter de Jager

What happens when you perceive a future risk, and others don't? Peter de Jager lays out the hazards of being a risk management visionary.

Untangling Communication
By Dale Emery

Software development involves sharing critical ideas in a hectic, high-pressure environment. If you want your team to excel in its software projects, it's important to understand the communication circuitry at work in your everyday interactions. Here's a look at the components of the communication process, and five common errors to avoid.

eXtreme Rules of the Road
By Lisa Crispin

In the fast-paced eXtreme Programming environment, how can the tester steer the project toward success? Being in a more detached role, sometimes the tester can see a neck-breaking hairpin curve in the road before everyone else. Here are some tips for navigating the challenges of high-speed, iterative design.

Building a Project-Oriented Culture
By Michael K. Levine

What does it take to support excellence in your software organization? Taking advantage of basic project frameworks and status reporting systems can empower you to effect organizational change from any level. Here's how to make it happen.

Tracking Down a Defect Management Tool
By Hung Quoc Nguyen

Selecting the right defect tracking solution for your business can be a high-pressure job. Choose badly, and you're stuck with an expensive tool that's not going to meet your needs. Choose wisely, and you're a hero. Read about how to rise to the challenge.

Web Page Response Time 101: A primer
By Alberto Savoia

Online sites lose billions of dollars every year due to sluggish performance speed and user bailouts. Here are four laws of Web site performance that will help you understand response times and deal with your "abandonment issues."

CMCrossroads is a TechWell community.

Through conferences, training, consulting, and online resources, TechWell helps you develop and deliver great software every day.