STARWEST 2003 - Software Testing Conference

PRESENTATIONS

Improving Requirements Through Testing

Because testing, by some definitions, is ensuring that the observed results match the expected results, we often are highly dependent on the quality of the requirements when we test. Unfortunately, most software projects do not have sufficient requirements that pre-determine exactly what the results of all of the tests should be. So, what should testers do? In this talk, Richard Bender addresses the testing techniques you can use to improve the quality of requirements so that they are accurate, complete, unambiguous, and consistent.
Richard Bender, Bender & Associates
Improving Testing In A Small Informal Organization

Many smaller organizations are looking for ways to improve their testing processes and approaches. They do not need complex assessment reports, change task forces, extensive implementation of guidelines, or expensive training programs. Solutions for smaller organizations often involve gradually upgrading test awareness and test process performance. Even introducing a supporting template and providing a little coaching helps considerably.
Martin Pol, POLTEQ IT Services BV
Increase the value of your testing with Business-oriented metrics

Business-oriented metrics can bridge the gap between the activities your testing organization perform and the business value your testing produces. Claude Fenner presents real-world examples to motivate and show you how to successfully communicate the strategic value of what you do in your test organization. Learn how the Test Asset Trajectory metric shows testing's fit-to-business demand and whether or not your testing assets are healthy.
Claude Fenner, Arsin Corporation
Large Database Load and Stress Testing

No one looks forward to load and stress testing a large database, but it is a critical task in the test process. Michele Rossi focuses on practical strategies to test software built for large database environments. Before designing your next database load and stress tests, find out what questions to ask and how to model realistic database activity. With the right test scripts and automated tools to create sufficient activity, you'll go a long way toward improving product quality under heavy database loads.
Michele Rossi, BMC Software Inc
Managing the Management Balancing Act

Great test managers wear many hats and must know how to balance the company's demands for returns against the need to build capacity and skills within their team-all without breaking a sweat. Test groups are often under-funded and test managers run themselves ragged trying to be all things to all people.
Johanna Rothman, Rothman Consulting Group, Inc.
Metrics For Test Managers

To be most effective, test managers must develop and use metrics to help manage the testing effort and make informed decisions about the software' quality. Although there is no one set of metrics that satisfies the needs of every test manager, there are certain things that all managers need to measure. Additionally, most important decisions should be supported by more than one metric. Rick Craig presents guidelines for you to build a set of metrics to track test status, measure test effectiveness, and predict product quality.
Rick Craig, Software Quality Engineering
Rapid Automated Test Script Development In A Fast Paced Web Shop

Before you start writing automated test scripts, you need an automation framework that matches your application and environment. Not surprisingly, Web applications at HotJobs, a Yahoo! Company are constantly changing and need a fast, flexible methodology for test automation. Clay Givens illustrates the importance of designing this flexibility into automated tests with an emphasis on modularity for speed.
Clay Givens, HotJobs, a Yahoo! Company
Security Testing Web Applications

Often, the fast-paced development cycles of Web applications don't usually leave much room for testing. Thanks to the instant service pack phenomenon, we can update a Web application every day-so it's ok if things aren't perfect, right? That may be the case for functional bugs, but not security bugs. All an attacker needs is a very small window of opportunity to do damage. James Whittaker shows you how to identify these threats and demonstrates examples of attacks against them.
Dr. Mike Andrews, Florida Institute of Technology
Sell Your Management on a New Testing Process

New test approaches and methods can temporarily disrupt your testing department's productivity, often making it tough to get these new approaches embraced by senior management and accepted into test teams. For the past few years, Microsoft has experimented with and finally embraced advanced methods, including model-based testing. Small-scale pilot projects, readily available tools, and widespread education can ease your migration to a new generation of software testing.
Harry Robinson, Microsoft Corporation
Square Peg, Round Hole: Matching Testing with Business Needs

There are many types of software testing methods, ranging from exploratory to a full CMM Level 5 compliance. Choosing the wrong style of testing methodology can jeopardize your company’s software success. In this presentation, Patrick Callahan discusses his real-world experience at ePeople and other Silicon Valley startup companies and outlines some proven strategies selecting and implementing the right one for you. Learn about the four stages of test evolution from chaos to a continuous improvement process.
Patrick Callahan, ePeople Inc

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