Testing as a Service (TaaS) is a model in which companies outsource their testing activities to a third-party managed service provider. TaaS model services can include automation testing, regression testing, agile testing, QA testing, software testing, security testing, performance testing, and cloud-based testing.
For most application/ software development companies, testing is traditionally not a core area of strength. The costs of hiring experienced testers for an in-house team can be expensive. And top-of-the-line quality assurance testing infrastructure and platforms can encompass more than half of a total development project cost. Coupled with last-minute requirement changes and the race to be the fastest to market, increases the risk of releasing an inadequate product. The results can be fatal for your brand. This why many businesses choose to outsource their testing operations to a managed service provider through the testing-as-a-service (TaaS) model.
However, once you’ve made up your mind about TaaS, partnering with the wrong MSP can be equally disastrous. Here, we list 10 tips that will help you choose the right vendor.
1) Sometimes, The Price May Be Too Good To Be True
When it comes to saving a buck, businesses at a key growth phase often prioritize the lowest rate vendors. But, does it really make sense to risk the future of your business over a few dollars? Vendors offering ridiculously low prices might not be all that they advertise to be. They may skimp on testing talent and facilities to offer you that rate. Lookout for a good deal, but be wary of over-the-top ones.
2) Check on Industry Expertise
Every industry has its unique requirements, regulations, and compliance measures. When you hire an MSP that doesn’t understand your area of operations, it will only slow down your process. Try to look for MSPs that have specific industry knowledge in your domain.
3) Incremental or Total Outsourcing?
Based on your business strategy and needs, you can choose either of incremental or total outsourcing. In incremental outsourcing your project is broken down into smaller parts and outsourced as chunks. This model allows you to choose multiple vendors for multiple stages, but it is not recommended as it puts the onus on you to individually interact and communicate with multiple vendors. In total outsourcing, you can outsource your entire testing operations as whole. This model, often has higher savings and puts the onus on the supplier to provide better service as it adds to their portfolio.
4) Hire New Staff or Rely On MSP?
Staff augmentation is another service usually provided by MSPs. If you don’t feel like you have the need for or can’t afford an extensive team, you can hire staff on a project basis based on your needs.
5) Check Your Service Level Agreement (SLAs)
SLAs play a key role in ensuring that your business goals are aligned with the service delivery from the vendor. Be sure to check for key areas like KPIs, quality measure, reporting timelines, knowledge transfer, etc.
6) Flexibility and Scalability
Testing projects can have multiple requirement changes based on initial feedback, change in design, and so on. Can your MSP match your needs as and when they come up?
7) MSP Viability
How long has your MSP been in business? How many projects have they handled? Are they financially secure to be able to last if you offer them a long-term contract? These are all questions you should ask before getting into business. There is no point in outsourcing if your MSP goes out of business, or runs into problems of its own in the middle of your project.
8) MSP Agility
The role of agile and best practices frameworks is well documented in testing. If you are using agile and your MSP is not, you drastically reduce your quality efforts and increase your time to market.
9) Communication
Sometimes, if you choose off-shore heavy outsourcing from the incorrect vendor, cultural and communication barriers may arise along with timing issues. You should always establish clear modes of communication and timelines before beginning your project.
10) Protect Your Intellectual Property
When you outsource a high-value testing project, you are probably putting months or years of research and effort into their hands. You must be aware and take measures to protect your intellectual property within your SLAs to reduce the risk of intellectual theft.
Outsourcing testing-as-a-service helps companies focus on their core functions and drive innovation. Partnering with an able MSP also ensures your testing is conducted effectively & efficiently for optimum product quality and a boost in business bottom-line by the end of it.
Planning to outsource to a dedicated, experienced & specialized testing-as-a-service provider? Ask for a FREE consultation at ProV to get started.
