Apple maps errors
Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook published a public apology for releasing erroneous maps application for iOS users. The software was updated following widely reported issues such as no labels, wrong direction, and no public transit direction. More than 100 million users had to upgrade their new iOS software, replacing Google powered maps app with Apple’s own software.
Consequence: damaged business reputation.
Royal Bank of Scotland(RBS) Software glitchRoyal Bank of Software spends more than £1 billion in 2013 following on a system failure upgrade which lead many customers unable to access their online account which lasted for 5 days on a busiest shopping day of the year.
Consequence: monetary loss.
LinkedIn password leakedMore than 6 million passwords have been leaked online by hackers. LinkedIn users been forced to update their mobile after a privacy error was revealed by security researchers. LinkedIn users have been asked to change their password immediately after a Russian forum leaked passwords.
Consequence: loss of consumer confidence.
Why is software testing so important?
Testing is a vital part of software development, it is important to start it as early as possible. A strategic test plan along with strong test execution in SDLC stage would ensure the quality, reliability and performance of the software. Good quality software means it has less defects or issues; it works well, and works as the user expected.
How can testing help businesses?
Testing if introduced in early stage of SDLC helps to discover defects before the final product is released to clients. In other words, identifying bugs at an early stage will reduce the development rework time, re-testing and at the same time, minimise the cost of implementation. Royal Bank of Scotland would not have incurred £1 billion in costs if they had started testing in the earlier stage rather solving them in last critical stage.
LinkedIn learnt the hard way. No software testing resulted in a break in their entire security system. A performance and security testing plan would have prevented password leaks.
Releasing software that contains bugs not only affects user experience but also creates a bad impression towards the brand. A well-known organisation such Apple not only faces a tough challenge but also an embarrassing situation when they make such as erroneous applications. Thus, testing ensures that the software operates with minimum errors and improves performance.
It is important for us to make sure that we have built the right system for the client. Testing is a stage where a user can distinguish between actual and expected results. It also provides valuable information and insights about the state of the system which helps in decision making process i.e. when to release a software?
What happens if no testing is carried-out? In an ideal world, developers will create software that works, with no adverse effect, first-time round. We all know this is never the case. Testing is a crucial part of any software development and the cost is often questioned by clients, but our response is, ‘Can you afford not to test?’
The Purple Agency has a dedicated team of QA analysts that execute testing plans for large website builds; we are amazingly thorough at what we do. Do you need any help with your software testing? Please get in touch.
Dhini Hariharan – QA Analyst
Dhini is a certified International Software Testing Board Qualification (ISTQB) holder with 3 years of experience in Testing. In her previous career, she worked with Vodafone, Virgin Atlantic and Delta Airline to test their software application. Dhini loves testing and enjoys her role as QA Analyst in Purple