The goal of any software development effort is to create high quality applications. But what exactly does 'quality' mean? Quality is the subjective impression felt by end users about how well an application addresses their needs. It is a combination of perceptions about an application's functionality, usability, reliability, performance, scalability and a host of other characteristics. To fulfill this tall order, development organizations must commit to building quality into their applications from the beginning - otherwise, time works against project success.
Building quality into an application requires the deep commitment and collaboration of every person on the project team. It involves an iterative process and a set of tools to help team members automate error-prone aspects of their work, freeing them to focus on creativity and value. And the testing team has a unique responsibility because they are responsible for finding mistakes in the various aspects of quality (functionality, usability, etc.) that slip through the cracks. |