With software development projects and programmes being increasingly complex, often involving multiple delivery channels and teams, there is an increased focus on ensuring that testing not only be performed accurately, but effectively against a baseline of components constantly undergoing flux. Engaging the test team during the early stages of the SDLC allows the test planners to map out the overall testing strategy, identify significant checkpoints to use as snapshot opportunities, and to plan for incremental test efforts. It also allows sufficient time to formulate alternative plans for probable and in most cases, likely changes to the delivery timelines and contents.

The emerging paradigm is for testing to be actively involved from the start as yet another input factor into the overall quality solution. EDS' Enterprise Testing Method incorporates the use of Ambiguity and Risk Analysis in the early stages of the test engagement in order to provide a more structured and surefooted entry into the formulation of Test Strategies and Plans.

Some pleasing outcomes of the ETM engagement model incorporating upfront test specification & design are the early identification of the risk areas and also a more accurate estimating result for project budgets.

About your tutor:
With over 20 years' experience in IT, Cliff has fulfilled various roles across the entire spectrum of the SDLC, from design through to implementation. With the industry's in-creased focus on quality and the explosion in testing disciplines, Cliff currently performs the role of a Test Director within the Global Testing Practice (GTP) of EDS. As part of EDS' Leveraged Services arm, the GTP brings together services from numerous testing centres incorporating 14 Centres of Excellence (CoEs) using EDS' BestShore delivery model to over 1,000 clients globally, many of which appear on the Fortune 1,000 list. With a combined total of 12 years' experience in testing, Cliff currently provides governance and oversight into EDS's Communications, Media & Entertainment sector.