12 minutes to read
What is managed testing and when you should to use it
Chief Executive Officer
Just in case you missed the launch of Quibi in 2020, we recall it since it’s a perfect example related to the topic of this article. The short-form video platform, backed by Hollywood heavyweights, promised revolutionary entertainment on the go. But alongside mediocre content, Quibi was riddled with bugs, performance issues, and usability glitches. Consequently, the service stumbled out of the gate, hemorrhaging users and ultimately shutting down within six months, leaving investors lamenting a staggering USD 2 billion loss.
This isn't an isolated incident. In 2022, CISQ revealed that poor-quality software costs businesses a whopping USD 2.41 trillion annually. In today's competitive landscape, flawed software can spell disaster.
That's where managed testing enters the scene. By taking advantage of the QA service, you gain access to a dedicated team of testing professionals who handle the entire testing lifecycle, from meticulous planning and execution to insightful reporting and continuous improvement. Basically, you outsource your quality worries, allowing your internal teams to focus on core development and – which is more important nowadays – on innovation.
We know that actions speak louder than words, but sometimes words are also head-splitting: companies that embrace managed testing services achieve about a 30% reduction in defects and a 25% improvement in software quality.
Well, we are here to delve deeper into the world of managed testing and discover when it's the perfect fit for your business.
Understanding managed testing
Testing managed services is an outsourcing approach for software testing. Using it, companies attract the expertise of external service providers to conduct comprehensive testing activities throughout the software development lifecycle.
Note that often such partnerships are strategic, meaning that the client company works with the service provider for a long time. And there is nothing groundbreaking since software testing is a very serious “activity”, which has many nuances, from the performer's tech expertise to cultural compatibility.
At its core, managed testing encompasses a range of fundamental elements and processes main purpose of which is to ensure thorough and effective testing:
Test planning: Service providers collaborate with clients to formulate testing strategies aligned with project objectives and requirements and tailored to unique client’s circumstances. Usually, they define the test scope first, then — objectives, timelines, and resource allocation.
Test execution: QA testing as a service is the step-by-step execution of different testing types: functional testing, performance testing, security testing, usability testing, and regression testing. Service providers oversee test execution, monitor progress, and manage test environments and data.
Defect detection and reporting: After testing itself, there is the systematic identification, logging, and prioritization of defects and issues discovered during testing. Service providers employ defect tracking and reporting mechanisms to ensure timely resolution and mitigation.
Continuous improvement: If your testing teams are apologists of continuous improvement and testing process optimization, you are lucky then. But to be honest, it’s a provider’s responsibility to analyze testing metrics and performance data to identify areas for enhancement and implement best practices. So, before hiring the testing team, check their worldview and working culture in any possible way.
The responsibilities and functions of service providers in delivering managed testing services can be summarized in the table below.
| Responsibility | Function |
|---|---|
| Test planning & strategy. | Develops comprehensive test plans aligned with your requirements and objectives. |
| Test execution & management. | Assembles and manages a team of qualified testers with relevant expertise. |
| Testing techniques & tools. | Employs a diverse range of testing methodologies and leverages automation tools for efficiency. |
| Defect reporting & tracking. | Identifies, documents, and prioritizes defects, providing clear communication and timely updates. |
| Continuous improvement & optimization. | Analyzes testing data and trends to identify areas for improvement and refine testing processes. |
| Industry & regulatory expertise. | Offers specialized testers with a deep understanding of your industry and relevant regulations (if applicable). |
| Reporting & communication. | Provides regular reports, updates, and clear communication throughout the testing process. |
When to consider managed testing
At the beginning of this article, we gave an example of when a poorly tested product leads to disastrous consequences. We also backed it up with statistics. Now, let's look at two reverse examples where thorough testing helped a product gain industry respect and user loyalty.
The first and more recognizable example of the successful adoption of managed testing services is Netflix. Facing the challenge of rapidly expanding its streaming platform while maintaining a seamless user experience, Netflix turned to managed testing to ensure the quality and reliability of its software. Of course, it’s very likely that such a giant has in-house testers. But rest assured that Netflix also partnered with external testing providers.
Let’s move over to another example — Gojek, the Indonesian "super app". It offers almost everything from ride-hailing to food delivery. Despite facing intense competition from established players, Gojek carved a niche by prioritizing user experience and meticulous software quality. A key factor in their success is outsourcing testing to a managed testing provider. This allowed them to access specialized expertise, scale testing efforts efficiently, and deliver a smooth, bug-free experience that resonated with users.
But Gojek isn't the only success story. In 2022, Capgemini revealed that companies utilizing managed testing services experience a 15% reduction in time-to-market. So, when should you consider joining the ranks of these satisfied businesses and embracing managed testing?
Here are some tell-tale signs.
Lack of in-house testing expertise
Companies facing resource constraints, such as limited testing expertise or insufficient testing infrastructure, can leverage managed testing services to augment their capabilities. Such providers offer a pool of experienced professionals with diverse skill sets. This cooperation model ensures your software undergoes thorough scrutiny by experts.
Complex or specialized software
Building intricate applications like healthcare platforms or financial systems demands specialized testing knowledge. Managed testing services often house industry-specific teams who understand the unique challenges and regulations of your domain.
Scaling testing needs
Is your software development on an upward trajectory, requiring flexible testing solutions? Well, you always have aiders that offer scalable resources that adapt to your fluctuating needs and eliminate the burden of managing in-house teams. The study by NelsonHall has shown that companies that outsource testing activities experience a 25% improvement in project delivery times and a 20% reduction in defect rates.
Tight deadlines and budget constraints
There is a sort of proverb: time is not rubber. Time and budget are precious commodities. With managed testing services, you get predictable costs and efficient processes. This allows you to focus on core development while meeting deadlines without compromising quality.
Security concerns
Today's digital landscape warns us about the importance of robust security. Did you know that in 2023, there were over 400 data breaches? Leverage advanced security testing methodologies to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities before they become costly breaches.
How to choose the right managed testing service provider
We won't hide it, we know how difficult it is nowadays to choose the right managed testing partner. The main problem is that you can't test a partner before you start cooperating. However, there are stages of selection that you should define for yourself and go through anyway.
Define your requirements
Clearly articulate your project scope, testing objectives, budget limitations, and desired timeline. It could be a Miro board, a Notion table, or just an Excel file. This clarity helps you shortlist providers who possess the relevant expertise and resources to cater to your specific requirements.
In an ideal world, you should find a service provider with a proven track record of expertise and experience in software testing, particularly in your industry and domain.
We are not in an ideal world, but still, you should strive for a perfect match (or not — it depends on your goals). Anyway, evaluate their portfolio, client testimonials, and case studies to gauge their proficiency and success in delivering quality testing services.
Evaluate experience, testing methodologies and tools
Talk over the testing methodologies and tools with the testing service provider to ensure alignment with your project requirements and objectives. Seek providers that leverage a mix of automated and manual testing techniques, as well as state-of-the-art testing tools and frameworks (like Selenium, etc.), to achieve comprehensive test coverage and accuracy. And one more time: look for providers with a proven track record in your industry and experience with similar software types. Do a meeting or test task to find out more about their team's qualifications, certifications, and methodologies they employ.
Assess scalability and flexibility
Choose a provider who can adapt to your evolving needs. Easier said than done. For this reason, we can suggest only open communication and test tasks. By these things, you’ll notice all you need: their ability to scale testing resources up or down seamlessly and their flexibility in tailoring testing plans based on your project's progress.
Ensure that the provider can ramp up or down testing resources as needed and adapt to even industry changes.
Prioritize communication and collaboration
Open and transparent communication is king. Evaluate the provider's communication channels and choose a suitable one. Check the reporting practices and willingness to collaborate closely with your development team.
Effective communication and collaboration are essential for fostering a productive and transparent working relationship, enabling seamless coordination and alignment on project goals and deliverables.
Consider tools like Slack, MS Teams, or others that suit your unique needs. By the way, it’s not necessary to pay for comms channels if you have a small project. Sometimes a free plan is all you need.
Security, compliance, cost-value balance
If your software deals with sensitive data or operates in a regulated industry (like healthcare), ensure the provider adheres to stringent security standards and relevant compliance requirements.
Regarding the costs. While cost is an important factor, prioritize value over price (so-called overdelivery) when selecting a managed testing service provider. Consider the overall return on investment (ROI) and the long-term benefits of partnering with a provider that delivers high-quality testing services and contributes to the success of your software projects.
To sum it up
Managed testing services can become a strategic solution for businesses seeking to streamline testing operations and enhance product quality. On the other hand, this could cost a lot. Or not. Because it depends on your partner’s expertise level and other factors influencing your choice.
The right testing service provider is a reliable friend for your business. And this is its expertise, flexibility, and collaboration skills all your affairs are depending on. But with the right choice, you get substantial benefits: improved quality, reduced time-to-market, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
Remember, statistics speak volumes: companies embracing managed testing experience a 25% improvement in software quality and up to 20% faster development.
Managed QA services are almost the only (one of the shortest, hands down) way to mitigate risks and strike product success. If you are ready to unlock the true potential of your software, book a call with DeviQA today and witness the transformative power of managed testing.