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Cloud computing adds a new dimension to conventional models of testing services delivery.
Gartner highlights the five attributes of cloud computing as service-based, scalable and elastic,
shared, metered by use, uses internet technologies (1). Cloud computing characteristics such as
virtualization, on-demand scale up/down of infrastructure resources, self service capabilities and
pay per use pricing models are allowing cloud platform vendors to provide infrastructure and
software services at lower costs to organizations utilizing cloud computing services (2).
Quick resource ramp-up - Cloud is ideal for quickly ramping up resources for the
following testing needs: Testing an application on multiple operating systems, multiple
browser types and multiple software versions (JVM, App Server etc.)
Setting-up multiple test regions - Cloud makes it cost-effective for creating separate test
regions for system testing. Often, minimal infrastructure is enough for testing functional
aspects of an app location. Large infrastructure needed to simulate production
environment can be procured quickly for the duration of testing
Reduce software licensing costs - On-demand testing tools on cloud are cost effective
and the pay per use models provide relief from costly one-time licensing of testing tools
(6)
Cloud Setup - The setup of test environment on the cloud requires familiarity of the
target cloud platform. Testing teams need training on key functions such as setting up a
cloud account, provisioning cloud resources (Virtual Machines (VMs), storage, load
balancers, software licenses). An understating of the cloud monitoring tools is essential to
monitor system response and resource usage.
Test Execution - Based on the test requirements for the application, additional resources
may have to be procured for computing as well as storage. For example, performance
testing of the application will require a true representation of the production data for
effective results. It may also require additional VMs to simulate computing support for
handling larger loads. Testing application security will require understanding of the
firewall rules, routing of requests and data access rules.
Closure - Cloud platforms provide storage at low cost and are ideal for archiving test
cases, test results and test data. The VMs used for testing can be saved as images in cloud
storage and can be restored later to recreate the test environment quickly for subsequent
releases. Once the testing phase is complete, all the cloud resources can be released to
keep the overall testing costs low.
Conclusion
Testing applications that are being migrated to the cloud requires a careful assessment of the
testing considerations from the perspective of what application changes are undertaken for cloud
deployment. This will help testing members in understanding application areas that need specific
focus during testing on the cloud platform. In addition, knowledge of the cloud platform
capabilities for scalability, availability and disaster recovery is useful for test planning. Testing
teams should get acquainted with the cloud platform for accessing the test environment,
monitoring and perform all test related activities. An understanding of the innovations cloud
computing brings to testing services, especially test environment on the cloud and cloud based
testing tools, will enable better utilization of the cloud computing capabilities by organizations
for effective gains.
References