Testing in Software Product Industry

Testing strategies are most often directly adaptable only to a project development organization since they have evolved parallel to the software development life cycle (SDLC). Software product development, involves continuous "maintenance", which calls for more stringent measures of quality control.

Product development involves maintaining the software products for the present customers and developing future releases, incorporating additional features. There is a constant need for correction and enhancement activities. "Change" is hence permanent. Problems due to this constantly changing scenario are like :

1. Change without proper impact study creates havoc on configuration management.

2. Unplanned changes lead to old defects reappearing and fresh defects surfacing.

3. Loss or change in original functionality of a given feature is also a common outcome of unplanned defect rectification.

Since a software product services multiple clients, these problems take a heavy toll of client confidence, credibility and a good client referral base. Hence we are likely to lose out on factors which are the major marketing strengths of any software product.