Virtualization and its contribution to QA

There are many benefits to using virtual machines in testing. First, we need to bear in mind that applications change, and QA must test different applications in different conditions. for example testing different UI applications on different host types will potentially require a lot of resources which in these times of financial instability may pose a problem, since theoretically, it will require separate machines for each type of set-up, in the same manner when keeping a big version install the base you will need to maintain different machines running different versions of the SUT (System Under Test). In order to provide for this need one of the best cost-effective solutions would be running multiple virtual machines. This solution allows for running endless versions in parallel... this is effective for both QA and Support since one can simulate defects/ retest them knowing with full confidence that his system is identical to the one of the customer reporting the problem. further to this virtual machines can be used to allow easier/ simpler deployments or upgrades, since you can send the machines preconfigured in advance from the factory. As can be seen, there are many advantages to using virtual machines in QA.

Formal QA Education - do we need it

I recently attended a conference regarding a new release of the HP Quality centre product.

One of the guest speakers was a person involve with ITCB organization.

The ITCB organization is the Israeli branch of the international ISTQB the organization is involved with certifying QA testers. and in trying to set criteria

• which will mark the level of QA engineers.
• Create a common language used by all.
• Provide QA with tools and skills to perform their jobs more efficiently
  
• grant official and formal acceptance if the QA as a credible occupation

after we returned from the conference an argument arose between us in respect to the actual need for such an organization and what are the advantages and dis advantages of such a certification.

On the Pro's side we noted the main goal of a formal language and developing better personal testing capabilities which young testers tend to lack.

On the Con's we were concerned that this course / certification will become mandatory and therefore block acceptance of otherwise capable engineers for QA positions

My opinion is that the general idea is sound and will contribute to QA professionalism where ever implemented and may put an end to low opinion of QA personnel which I mentioned in one of my previous blog's .

How ever I think the certification should be a part of the training and not a a threshold factor preventing the acceptance of otherwise capable engineers.

I can testify from personal experience that most of my QA team where technically capable people which were mentored and bloomed into good QA engineers.

Further to this from the following diagram

We can see that Quality Assurance skill are only part of the makings of a good QA engineer.
To conclude I think this is the proper way to approach this rather than using the certification as a filtering tool