So you've built this awesome web app and now need to get it tested before releasing it to the world, right? Smart move - the last thing you want is a glitchy, buggy app that'll leave users pulling their hair out.
But how do you find the right testing service to partner with? With so many companies offering web application testing services these days, it can definitely be tricky to sort through the options. If you are in a similar situation, then this article is for you. Here are 12 key questions you need to ask any potential testing partners that will make the selection process comparatively easier. Ask these questions to all your shortlisted firms and decide which one best suites your need best based on the answers. So here are the questions.
Table of Contents
12 Key Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Web Application Testing Service
1. What types of testing services do you offer?
Do not by any means assume that a testing service offers every kind of testing you might need. Ask them upfront what specific testing types are in their wheelhouse - functional testing, usability testing, security testing, performance testing, and so on. Make sure their service offerings match up with your app's unique testing requirements.
2. How do you ensure security and data protection?
These days, data privacy is a huge deal, especially if your app handles any sensitive user information. You got to ask how the testing vendor secures your app's data and intellectual property during testing. Are they using trusted security protocols? What access controls do they have in place?
3. How do you ensure quality and accuracy in your testing processes?
Of course, you want their testing results to be rock solid and reliable, not full of errors or oversights. Inquire about their quality control measures like peer reviews, test documentation, bug verification checkpoints, etc. You need confidence their findings will be comprehensive and precise.
4. What reporting and communication processes do you have in place?
Regular updates and communication is vital when working with any testing partner. Ask how they'll keep you looped in through progress reports, feedback channels, documented issue logs, and so on. You need full visibility into what they're doing and uncovering.
5. What's your overall testing process and methodology?
Ask the testing firm to walk you through exactly how they'd test your web application - the tools, frameworks, techniques, and testing methodologies they follow. You want structured, comprehensive processes in place.
6. Can you test across all required devices/browsers/environments?
These days, web apps need to work perfectly no matter if someone's using a desktop, mobile device, or other interfaces. Ensure the testing service can thoroughly test your app across every required user environment.
7. What kind of testing team will work on my project?
Inquire about the actual humans who'll be hands-on testing your app. Do they have direct experience with the technologies and frameworks you used to build it? Are they well-versed in testing best practices? You want proven pros, not newbies using your app as a training ground.
8. How do you test for security vulnerabilities?
In our cyber-threatened world, rigorous security testing is a must to identify potential app weaknesses that hackers could exploit. If full-scope security testing isn't part of their standard package, keep looking elsewhere.
9. Can you test the full user experience?
Sure, they may check for functionality issues. But what about overall usability - the navigation, UI design, accessibility, and so on? An app could work fine but still provide a lousy user experience. See if they evaluate the human usability factors too.
10. Can you scale resources as needed?
There may be times your testing needs fluctuate up or down depending on your development cycles and schedules. A good partner should be able to easily adjust their staffing and resources to match your changing workloads.
11. Do you have relevant certifications/compliance expertise?
Depending on your industry, there may be certain methodology certifications or regulatory compliance requirements involved. Double check that the testing vendor is fully accredited and capable in any mandated areas.
12. Can you provide customer testimonials/references?
Most crucially, ask for references you can contact directly to hear about their firsthand experiences working with this testing service. Nothing beats getting an unbiased review from a company that's been in your shoes before.
Summing it up
The common thread with all these questions? You're vetting to ensure you'll receive thorough, high-quality testing results from true professionals. Don't just settle for the cheapest option - skimping on QA could easily come back to bite you!
With some diligent questioning, you can absolutely find a web app testing partner that'll give your app a truly comprehensive scrubbing before launch. Your future happy, glitch-free users will thank you!