Test generator customization

Test Generator Customization
Test Generator
Customization

Overview
1. To Customize or not to Customize?
2. Off the Shelf Customization
3. Customization After the Fact
Source: Test Generator – Test Generator Customization

To Customize or not to Customize
– Shopping for software that will enable you to make tests?
– Looking for a test generator that will allow you to deliver tests online?
– Haven't quite found what you're looking for?
• To Customize or Not to Customize?
– It could be that your testing requirements don't match what most folks are
looking for.
• If that's the case then your options include:
– 1- Have your IT staff create an application for you.
– 2- Hire an outside developer to create what you want
– 3- Wait until someone develops exactly what you want and keep looking
– 4- Take an existing, off-the-shelf application and have the company
customize it.

• #1's an option if you have a good relationship with your IT
department and if they have time are their hands and can get
it to you when you want it... and, IT has a big pot of money
and they are going to pay for it.
• You're laughing. Ok, let's consider #2.
– #2's an option if you have the time, patience and lot's of money to spend
on having someone develop something for you.
– This is a time and money-intensive process. If you've been done this
path before and had a successful outcome, then this is a good option for
you.
– If you've been down this road and been beaten down despite your best
efforts, don't go there again.
– If you don't have the experience taking on such a project, we advise that
you stay away.

• #3 suggests that your really not in a hurry because:
– a- You've been doing paper and pencil testing for years and you're
comfortable with that
– b- Management doesn't seem to be particularly interested in doing online
testing
– c- You don't have a budget, or you have been authorized to spend as
much as $200 for a fully-featured test creation application but haven't
found one that fits your budget.
• #4's probably the best option for those of you who:
– a- Have a pretty good idea what you want
– b- Don't have technical resources to get the job done or
– c- Have technical resources, but your aren't talking to each other or
– d- Have technical resources, but they can't get to your project for X
number of months or years
– e- You have some money, but don't have the time, patience and/or
technical expertise to start a project from scratch.

Off the Shelf Customization
• In Part 2 we'll focus on scenario #4: Take an existing, off-the-
shelf application and have the software company customize
it.
• We think this is a good option for those of you who:
– a- Have a pretty good idea what you want
– b- Don't have technical resources to get the job done or
– c- Have technical resources, but your aren't talking to each other or
– d- Have technical resources, but they can't get to your project for X
number of months or years
– e- You have some money, but don't have the time, patience and/or
technical expertise to start a project from scratch.
– You have evaluated the software and found it to be "most like" what they
are looking for. You’ve identified 1 or 2 features/behaviors that are either
not available in the current program, or that you would like to
enhance/modify. It’s a tricky proposition to embark on the customization
of a product without having some mastery of, and experience with, the
product.

• To the best of your ability, determine if the product meets the
majority of your testing requirements.
– Find out/confirm that the software company will customize their
application.
– If possible, provide the software company with details regarding your
proposed customization.
– Make sure they would be willing to make the types of changes you are
considering. You may also want to get that in writing.
• Time-frame / Deliverables
– Be realistic: don't assume that it's going to be done tomorrow or next
week.
– Most software companies already have a set of projects prioritized and
scheduled.
– You should ask for and get a date/date range within which your
customization will be delivered.
– If you have a tight schedule and the software company needs to escalate
development, expect to pay more.

• A Statement of Work is a document that clearly defines the
project.
– It should include the specification, or a summary of the specification
detailing key points and/or behaviors that will be included in the software.
– Changes made after the SOW is approved and work has begun will cost
you extra, so it's always a good idea to make sure you have been
thorough in thinking through and presenting your request.
• Conference Calls
– Getting to a SOW usually involves emails, calls, a written spec, sample
docs and possibly one or more online conference calls.
– The process can get a little messy and confusing, especially if more than
one person is involved.
– We recommend recording online conferences in order to minimize
misunderstanding and confusion regarding project details.
– Recordings of these sessions should be shared with everyone involved.

Customization After the Fact
• Part 3’s scenario: You have already purchased the software
and have been using it for some time.
• Software Purchasing Profiles
– Some individuals know exactly what they want and they come armed with
a list of requirements. They have budgets, they buy.
– Some aren’t really sure what they want/need. They just know they can’t
continue doing paper-and-pencil testing.
– Others form committees and embark on software searches and prepare
RFPs which are then sent to companies that meet/match their
requirements.
– Some take the run-and-gun approach, buying the brightest, least
expensive bauble that catches their attention.
– Some individuals search for months or years looking for that perfect
solution that does everything but pour coffee—and at a budget price.
– They’re still looking.

• For those of you who have actually purchase test-authoring
software, it might never have occurred to you that you might
need/want to tweak it.
– You've now determined that you need to modify an existing
feature/behavior, or add something new.
– You didn't ask the “customization question” when you purchased the
software, but you need to ask now.
– If the software company says YES, they will customize the software--
that's a good start.
• If you absolutely need to go out and find something new, don’t
forget to ask if customization services are available before
you purchase the software.
• Even though you may not think you need customization, it’s
always a good idea to allow for the possibility later on, budget
for it if you can.

• Give the software company some background regarding your
current product:
– 1_ What works
– 2_ What doesn’t work
– 3_ What do you need that the current product does not provide?
• Make a list of your top 3 to 5 requirements. For example:
– 1_ We want to deliver tests over the intra- or internet
– 2_ We want to be able to randomize our tests
– 3_ We would like to be able to create multiple question banks… and so
on.
• Also:
– Can you download a demo version of the software?
– Can you pick up the phone and talk to an actual person?
– Can you discuss pricing and can you get a quote?
– Does the company offer support? What does support include?
– Does the company offer customization services? Ask plenty of questions.

Questions?
928.266.0553
sales@testshop.com
Visit our Website: Test Generator

Test generator customization

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