Vendors and gurus agree that having a structured testing methodology is key to gaining maximum advantage from automated testing, but what this means in practice isn't always clear. One of the biggest potential paybacks comes from the ability to automate tests based on reusable test designs, which can be a key benefit of proactive structured testing. In this interactive session, Robin Goldsmith describes how to develop reusable test designs that can be automated to start testing sooner and run more tests in limited time.

Automating unit, component, and integration testing can sometimes seem like an impossible mission. Read how one team of programmers combined the right tools and processes to make their test mission not just possible, but successful.

.NET is a multi-tiered approach to developing applications for Windows OS and Web applications. While these are new development tools, many testing requirements remain the same, yet require additional emphasis by a QA organization. Plus, with .NET's extra layers of abstraction, even more developers enter the programming arena with fewer technical skills than previously needed for standard Windows development. For instance, if a bug is found "in the depths" there's now more likely to be a work-around to the issue instead of a true fix. In other words, treating the symptoms instead of finding a cure will now become the norm. This presentation introduces you to the big picture of .NET and what you need to be aware of as your employer moves in this new direction.

This paper describes the way that a UK company controlled and improved ad-hoc testing, and was able to use the knowledge gained as a basis for ongoing, product sustained improvement. It details the session-based methods initially proposed, and notes problems, solutions and
improvements found in their implementation. It also covers the ways that the improved test results helped put the case for change throughout development, and ways in which the team has since built on the initial processes to arrive at a better testing overall. Session-based testing can be used to introduce measurement and control to an immature test process, and can form a foundation for significant improvements in productivity and error
detection.