Software Testing Outsourcing: What is it and Why choose it ?

Testing and quality assurance are vital components of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) as they allow for the detection of bugs, flow issues, and UX/UI design problems prior to launching. However, an inexperienced testing team may overlook errors during this process, which could result in significant financial losses. Fixing software faults and defects after release is not only challenging but also time-consuming and costly. Due to concerns regarding project complexity, tight deadlines, or a lack of in-house expertise, many businesses opt to outsource their software development testing. For more information on Software Testing Outsourcing, please refer to the blog below.

1. What is software testing outsourcing? 

Software testing outsourcing means hiring external service providers who are experts in software testing to handle the software testing process. Outsourcing software testing allows businesses to benefit from professional testers’ expertise, advanced testing technologies, and cost savings from not having to maintain an in-house testing team. The process generally involves signing a contract that outlines the testing scope, methodology, and project timeline.

2. When Do You Consider Software Testing Outsourcing?

Businesses consider software testing outsourcing in several situations. Here are some of the most common reasons why companies choose to outsource software testing:

2.1 The Internal Team Lacks The Skills and Resources

Software testing outsourcing can be a helpful option when a company’s internal team, particularly for startups, lacks expertise in all areas. Small businesses often struggle to provide QA testing services due to limited skills and resources. By choosing an IT outsourcing firm for testing, businesses can benefit from their knowledge of best practices, techniques, and testing methodologies, which can help maximize the effectiveness of the QA process.

2.2 Business Needs To Hit A Tight Deadline

When your internal team is exhausted after tirelessly working on the development phase, it can be challenging to meet a tight deadline. Additionally, your team may lack the necessary skills and resources to conduct rapid testing.

In such cases, outsourcing QA testing can be an effective solution to meet the deadline. Outsourced QA testing services have extensive experience and efficient workflows that enable them to perform high-quality testing in a short amount of time. As a result, businesses can meet even the most stringent deadlines.

2.3 It Is A Short-term Project

Outsourcing QA testing can be a cost-effective solution compared to investing in equipment and training your internal team. Additionally, it is not practical to hire a full-time QA staff for short-term projects. For instance, if your business plans to launch an API feature on your CRM system for a few weeks, but your team lacks the expertise to test it, you can consider outsourcing to a reputable IT company. This way, you can ensure the security of your client and company data.

3. Why Choose Software Testing Outsourcing?

Let’s first understand the meaning of software testing outsourcing before discussing the reasons behind it. It refers to the practice of assigning the task of testing an application or software to an external specialist, testing firm, or third party. The development company is not involved in the testing process, and the testing team is solely responsible for ensuring the software’s usability, functionality, and security.

With the ever-evolving technologies, keeping up-to-date with the latest skills and practices required for software testing can be expensive in terms of both time and resources. Hence, companies opt for outsourced software testing, which has become a crucial service in today’s world. In fact, the global software testing outsourcing market exceeded $40 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow over 6% from 2020 to 2026.

4. Advantages and Disadvantages of outsourcing software testing

The software development process is a complex process that involves many components. Each step requires careful consideration to ensure the software’s quality, appearance, and functionality. When it comes to software testing, outsourcing has both advantages and disadvantages. Let’s take a look at some of the benefits and drawbacks of software testing outsourcing.

4.1 Advantages of outsourcing software testing

a. Cost-effective

For businesses, cost is always a top concern when it comes to software development. Software testing outsourcing can provide significant cost savings and time benefits in the long run. These cost savings can be realized in the following ways:

• Human resources: By not hiring a qualified testing team, you can save money.
• Project time: Skilled teams can accomplish more in less time, saving time and reducing project costs.
• Data and hardware: Quality testing does not require the purchase of additional data or hardware, saving money on equipment costs.

b. Efficient and systematic testing 

Regardless of whether you choose manual or automated testing, it can provide you with advanced testing techniques and improved quality assurance. While test automation tools may come with a high price tag, it is the testing skills and mindset that ultimately make the difference. Additionally, outsourcing testers may bring a fresh perspective to your project and identify issues that may have been overlooked by an in-house team.

c. Increased access to talent

By having a single focus, you can direct all your resources towards that area, and the same principle applies to a QA service provider. As testing is their area of expertise, they keep themselves updated with new technologies, test automation tools, and market trends. Their team comprises experts with diverse skill sets and practical experience to cater to varying client testing needs. If your software product needs updates to stay current with the latest trends, the team will know how to execute the necessary changes.

Some service providers also offer consultancy services and can advise you on launching new software products.

d. Faster time to market 

Outsourcing software testing offers a predefined workflow, process, and methodology for high-quality service in a short period, cutting down launch time. It can double productivity by leveraging opposite time zones and easily entering new markets.

e. Focus on your core business 

Outsourcing your software QA testing can alleviate the strain on your in-house IT team. By delegating the testing project to an external team, they can help reduce the burden on your team while ensuring deadlines are met and overall project costs are lowered. This increased availability of valuable in-house resources can allow your organization to focus on scaling up and creating new products.

4.2 Disadvantages of outsourcing software testing

 Let’s explore three potential risks of outsourced software testing and its solutions.

a. Confidentiality and Security Issues

Outsourcing software testing can pose a risk to an organization’s confidentiality if sensitive information such as customer records, source codes, reference models, and workflows are shared. To mitigate this risk, businesses must take extra precautions when selecting a third-party vendor to ensure that all shared information is kept secure and confidential. Appropriate security measures, such as non-disclosure agreements and data encryption, should be in place to protect the organization’s confidential data.

b. Cultural barriers and miscommunication 

Having an outsourced QA testing team located in a different country and time zone can present challenges in terms of work ethics, communication styles, and language proficiency. These differences can lead to miscommunication and misunderstandings, which can ultimately affect the progress and success of your project. It’s important to establish clear communication channels and set expectations from the beginning to mitigate these risks. Additionally, working with a reputable outsourcing company that values open communication and transparency can help address these challenges.

c. No clear timeline

One common issue related to outsourcing is the uncertainty surrounding project timelines. Offshore testing companies may operate in different time zones, causing confusion and potential delays in delivery. Additionally, the QA team assigned to your project may have other ongoing projects, leading to a lack of structure and further delays in completing your project.

5. Final Thoughts

Conducting software testing in-house can be time-consuming and expensive. Outsourcing can be a cost-effective solution that still delivers a high-quality software product to customers. With the information covered in this article, you can better understand software testing outsourcing and determine whether it’s the right choice for your needs.

ONext Digital is a Software Technology Company based in Vietnam that offers outsourcing services. Our IT outsourcing services have helped clients worldwide achieve their business objectives. To benefit from the expertise of our top professionals and achieve success like our clients, please contact us today.

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