Pros and Cons of Cloud-based Software Testing

Imagine using shared resources that are allocated dynamically, create flexible testing environments, and that simulate user scenarios and real-world traffic - that’s just some of the benefits of cloud testing.

Cloud based mobile testing solutions provide easy access to the cloud environment through its on-demand service model so that software testing is an approachable, easily scalable process. That way, organizations can reapply resources to other areas of your project while maintaining high-quality results.

But, the cloud is not without its drawbacks. In fact, cloud testing challenges can stall the development cycle if not approached with a collaborative strategy. Addressing the challenges in cloud testing before implementation can strengthen your QA practices, increase your ROI and speed up your time to market.

A comprehensive testing strategy considers all counterpoints of cloud testing before adopting it as a part of a QA approach. In this blog, we will explore cloud-based testing and discovers how the cloud changes the way QA teams perform testing.

What Is Cloud-Based Software Testing?

Cloud-based testing means performing tests for a software application through resources found in the cloud. These tests can include the hardware, software and infrastructure of an application. QA teams rely on a cloud software testing strategy and these cloud based mobile testing solutions in order to verify a product’s security, functionality and usability before market launch.

Cloud testing concentrates on these core testing components to ensure full testing coverage:

1. Application: Covers cloud based testing software for functionality, data security, browser compatibility and end-to-end business workflows.
2. Network: Includes testing a variety of network bandwidths and protocols as well as successful transfer of data through networks.
3. Infrastructure: Focuses on testing for disaster recovery, secure connectivity, backups, and storage policies. 

How the Cloud Changes Testing

Cloud software testing is essential after migrating to the cloud. However, the cloud environment encourages QA teams to alter how they execute test cases so that they experience successful testing cycles.

• Functional Testing: Cloud testing means validating the cloud service or SaaS functions, including the end-to-end functionality of an application.
• Integration Testing: QA testers review SaaS based integration in the cloud as well as the application's integration between legacy systems.
• Security Testing: Cloud-based mobile app testing solutions allow QA testers to execute test cases that focus on user privacy and security across a diverse range of the user. It also focuses on data integrity and protection during transit and rest periods, connectivity security, protection against cyberattacks, and the security of the software interface.
• Performance Testing: Cloud based mobile app testing tools enable QA teams to leverage cloud for load testing, monitor application stability and execute performance testing in a scalable environment.
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Advantages of Cloud-Based Testing

There’s a reason why so many businesses are switching to cloud based testing - many reasons, in fact. 

• The Testing Environment Is Dynamic and Readily Available: The on-demand nature of cloud-based testing delivers a fast turnaround time for organizations that don't mind a self-service platform. Because most cloud testing applications work using a subscription model, your QA testers with access to a browser can register today and start testing immediately.
• The Services Are Secure and Affordable: The benefits of cloud testing start with its flexibility in providing support for your testing needs. That’s because cloud testing can be performed in either public, private or hybrid clouds. The public cloud is the most cost-effective choice which can maintain an acceptable level of security. For a mix of cost-effectiveness and top-tier security, many organizations opt for testing in the hybrid cloud in order to protect software applications from common security shortfalls in QA.
• You Can Scale as Needed: To scale in a traditional testing environment means forfeiting some operations in order to support others or purchasing more hardware to create more space. That’s not the case with cloud testing-instead, the elastic scalability of cloud-based testing allows you to ramp up and ramp down as your needs change or your project goals shift. This approach to testing ensures that your future operations can be sustained, no matter the size or requirements.
• It Allows for Simple Disaster Recovery: Traditional methods for backups require time-consuming maintenance and costly upgrades. And in an event of a hardware compromise or natural disaster, retrieving data may be incomplete or even impossible. In the cloud, recovery of all assets is a quick and easy process, not laborious or complex.
• Cost-Effective on the Whole: Working via the cloud lowers costs associated with server maintenance and engineer labor. Because cloud hosting services reduce overhead technology costs, your business can reallocate these resources for improving infrastructure and testing practices. Furthermore, cloud services support automation testing so that your team can further streamline your QA process while increasing your ROI.

Disadvantages of Cloud-Based Testing

Experienced QA testers prepare for all cloud performance testing challenges that may occur throughout the testing process. Cloud testing can deliver the most benefits to your QA team when these challenges in cloud testing are addressed before implementation:

• Bandwidth Issues: Because the cloud's resources are shared by many other organizations, demand for bandwidth always fluctuates. QA teams experience cloud testing challenges when a consistent internet connection can’t be maintained or if there’s not enough bandwidth to sustain testing. Maximize the effectiveness of your cloud-based testing tool by implementing a contingency plan that can support your bandwidth needs during low connectivity or an outage.
• Redundant Tests: Cloud servers are not backed up, meaning that there is no monitoring of redundant test plans. Consequently, you may be charged for re-tests of your code, application, or website. To combat these cloud performance testing challenges, purchase a redundancy plan in case technology fails in the future.
• Loss of Autonomy and Security: As a subscriber to a cloud-based testing application, you hand over your data and information to an outside party. This can cause challenges in cloud testing, as your data is now more vulnerable. Moreover, your IT team cannot provide in-house resolutions to issues that arise during testing. That’s why it’s important to choose a cloud-based testing service that offers 24/7 customer support with a ticket escalation system in place.
• Spotty Feature Coverage: Is your application rich in features? Do you add new functionality constantly? Your cloud testing services may not necessarily be equipped to test each new feature you release, resulting in inadequate test coverage. To overcome these cloud testing services challenges, your QA team can choose a stronger cloud testing services and partner with external QA testing experts so that your product maintains quality at market.

Choosing the Ideal Cloud Testing Service Provider

Choosing the ideal cloud testing service provider can be a critical decision for a business as it impacts the quality and performance of the application. Below are some factors that businesses should consider while choosing a cloud testing service partner:

• Testing types: Choose a provider that offers different types of testing you require like load testing, performance testing, security testing, etc.
• Scalability: Service provider should be able to scale up or down as per the business's testing requirements.
• Security: Security should be a top priority while choosing a cloud testing service provider. Ensure that they have adequate measures in place to protect your data and applications.
• Reliability: Service provider should be reliable and ensure that the application is always available for testing. Downtime should be minimal.
• Cost: Cost is an important factor to consider while choosing a cloud testing service provider. Look for a provider that offers competitive pricing and flexible billing options.
• Expertise: Service provider should have a team of experienced professionals who can help you set up and execute your testing requirements.
• Support: Service provider offers comprehensive support, including troubleshooting, training, and consulting services.

Before migrating your testing practices to the cloud, verify your understanding of all testing criteria essential for successful testing of your software application. That way, you choose the right cloud based mobile testing tools for your project and devise a strong testing strategy that addresses any possible challenges in cloud application testing with actionable solutions and defined protocols.

Need some guidance in implementing cloud software testing? Choose to team up with a QA services provider like QASource. Our team of testing experts specialize in QA cloud testing and have years of experience performing tests with cloud based testing software and cloud based mobile testing tools. Partner with our QA engineers who can assist your team in adopting cloud testing best practices and implementing your QA testing to the cloud.
Get in touch with a QASource expert today.