Banking And Financial Software Testing Methodologies

The increasing regulatory requirements, raising customer expectations, rapid consolidation, and convergence in the banking and financial sector has created the need for sophisticated IT solutions that operate in real time with continuous availability and reliability.

In a drive to give operational excellence, which is of paramount importance, the banking and financial sector is looking for solutions that could address the challenges they are facing:

• Implementing more rigor within risk management and corporate governance from board level downwards
• Building on opportunities from market concentration and globalization
• Focusing on the need to gain operational synergies from mergers and acquisitions

• Responding to regulatory and government changes and leveraging these changes to provide business opportunity
• Improving customer service and customer retention
• Reducing operating costs across both the business and IT
• Implementing technological changes such as Vista and SOA based solutions

The technological advancements, intent to address these challenges, need to be sophisticated, hence the need for a formal quality management and testing approach that will help them deliver enhanced business value with optimized benefits, and above all a defect free solution.

AppLabs' quality management and testing services utilize its many years of banking and finance experience across the globe to support clients who view technology as a business enabler and see the importance of getting implementation right first time. Integration of large, widely distributed systems is more and more complex and AppLabs services are designed to identify and manage these effectively, hence delivering result-oriented and cost-effective services.

Software vendors often focus on software development activities, which leave them with very little time to develop testing competencies. As a bank, you might find that they lack proven processes and methodologies, and ready test teams to execute your testing projects as efficiently as a specialist independent testing partner can.

We have a track record of over 14 years in successfully executing software testing projects for Global 500 banking and financial services clients across the world (translating to over 10 Million person hours of testing experience). Over the years, we have created (and are continuously improving) Test Processes and Methodologies that comprise:

• Metrics-driven testing processes
• Standardized documentation of test ware
• Effective systems of reviews
• Optimum usage of automation techniques

Our vast experience with testing projects has helped us to evolve numerous best practises which differentiate us from system integrators who also offer testing services. These form the foundation of our Seven Step Methodology that minimizes project risks and streamlines testing delivery to your satisfaction. Your partnering with us for testing services provides for effective and comprehensive planning and execution of testing projects.

Seven Step Delivery Model

Step 1 - Proposal for Engagement

In this step, we define the terms of reference, customer expectations, project scope & commitments, and the overall project framework.

Step 2 - Knowledge Transfer

In this step, our domain experts/business analysts will ensure that the critical activity of knowledge transfer, both domain-specific as well as project-specific knowledge, takes place smoothly and with the least possible effort.

Step 3 - Test Preparation

In this step, which runs parallel to the software development activity, our team works with you to produce test strategies, test cases, traceability, test scripts, test data guidelines and Run Plans. Parallel preparation helps compress project timelines.

Step 4 - Test Execution

In this step, we carry out actual testing based on the test start and completion criteria. Experienced test teams work together to ensure flawless and timely completion of the project.

Step 5 - Defect Management

In this step, we take care of defect management and track defects systematically to closure. We also produce test logs, defect summaries, status reports and defect analyses.

Step 6 - Test Automation

In this step, we select and deploy appropriate tools for automating regression testing and performance testing. Test execution productivity is considerably enhanced by the use of automatic tools.

Step 7 - Test Maintenance

In this step, we implement a process and a stable framework for handling on-going release testing requirements on a long-term basis