Category Archives: test consultant - Page 3

Software Test Reports for Startups

Posted by on August 20, 2009 5 comments

My test reports have deviated a lot since the early days of testing.

Nowadays, first and foremost I provide an opinion of the software. I make sure I highlight both positives and negatives that I see in the product.

Naturally, I provide a list of bugs I find, but I also provide a list of suggestions on the software, for example new features or ways to improve the Usability. I find when testing, new ideas often come to me about features. I’m happy to provide them with a list. They can take it or leave it.

Finally, I list some recommendations on testing for the next release.

Why all the effort? I do this because my clients love it!  I provide more than just a list of bugs. I see it as adding more value.

Here’s the template pdf version:: Software Test Report Template

I wonder though, is this still testing, or  have I morphed into a new area of work?

Dublin Software Testing Group

Posted by on April 28, 2009 1 comment

Online networks are great for sharing knowledge and meeting fellow testers. In particular, I am a fan of  the software testing club . However, even better is a face to face meet.

Thats why I’m setting up a Dublin monthly software testers group. The aim is to meetup and talk about, well anything you fancy. To quote a member: “a get together to give out about our unfeeling brethern in the rest of the IT world and a few pints for good measure. What more could you ask for?

If you’re interested in attending, leave a comment here, or go to the online version of the group at Irish Software Testers Group
Looking forward to meeting you online and in person

Anne-Marie

If you want to be a millionaire – phone a friend

Posted by on August 16, 2008 2 comments

 

I was asked to quote for a job recently on some testing in an area that I had little experience in. After confidently replying to the customer “no problem, I’ll have a quote to you by the end of the day…”, I started googling furiously, trying to gain some understanding of at least what I was meant to be quoting on.

By the end of the day I was in a complete sweat. I was going round in circles trying to figure out what I ought to charge for this piece of work.
As the sun set, so did my desperation and I decided it was time to “phone a friend”.

Recently I had entered into some loose agreements with fellow consultants. Perhaps “partnering” is the correct word. Basically the idea is that, if I have too much work, or work I don’t typically perform comes my way, I pass it onto fellow consultants, and they vice versa.
So, in my hour of need, I rang on of them and I tell you what, it was like a miracle. As it turned out, my ‘partner’ happened to be an expert in this area and was quite happy…nay excited to quote and do the work if necessary.

What a fantastic result! Not only did I get to keep the professional relationship with my client I also get to help out another consultant.
I really learnt something from this experience and that was not be afraid to ask for help. In hindsight, I had been hesitant to ask for help because I thought it reflected poorly on me, I didn’t want to appear to be inadequate in front of either my client or a colleague.

 

Now I know, if I want to become a millionaire.. I need to be able to “phone a friend”………